Planning a tropical getaway this winter? Amidst the excitement of finding the perfect resort and the best flight rates, it might be a good idea to consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip.
What Exactly Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance provides protection and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about unforeseen circumstances that could cause financial strain and disrupt your trip. Protect yourself from potential events that could occur while travelling.
Why Should I Get Travel Insurance?
Whether you are travelling for pleasure, business, or family, it is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance before you take flight. Often times, travelling requires a lot of planning and it can cost quite a bit. Travel insurance ensures that you are protected from financial hardship when you travel abroad.
If you have to cancel your trip, you could be out hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And worse, if you suffer a medical emergency while on vacation, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to receive the medical care that you need. It can cost anywhere from $15,000 - $200,000 to be transported by helicopter or ambulance to a medical facility. Travel insurance policies were created to protect you from these potentially devastating financial strains.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Typically, there are three levels of travel insurance available to purchase.
Emergency medical
Trip protection
Comprehensive plan (a combination of emergency medical and trip protection)
Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
If you get sick or injured while travelling, provincial health plans offer little to no coverage. Medical travel insurance covers emergency medical and dental expenses, including emergency transportation to a nearby medical facility. Coverage also includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as transfer of a traveler’s remains to their home country.
Trip Protection Travel Insurance
Trips can cost thousands of dollars, which is typically non-refundable if you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly. Trip protection travel insurance protects you if you are unable to take your trip for any reason specified in the policy. Included in this coverage is trip interruption insurance, which reimburses you for non-refundable portions of your holiday should you have to end your trip early.
Baggage Insurance
A travel insurance policy with baggage insurance will reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. Some policies will even include coverage for baggage delays, so that you can purchase necessary clothing, toiletries, and other items if your baggage is delayed.
What Is Not Covered With Travel Insurance?
Typically, travel insurance only covers expenses that are out of your control. It will not cover things like mental health care, elective procedures, routine medical or dental exams, or routine pregnancy exams.
If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, or if you have any questions about travel insurance, please feel free to contact Heartland Insurance Group. We are happy to help!