The importance of travel insurance outside your country

January 12th 2012 - Chantal-rabais

When we make an important purchase, there is always somewhere a vendor to add an extended warranty or insurance of any kind. However, there are some rare exceptions, and travel insurance is included. It's a little known fact, but travel agents have a professional obligation to always recommend travel insurance to their customers.

The main problem is when we are in another country. The laws are not the same, the costs can vary widely, but most importantly, the coverage to which we are accustomed no longer applies. Although it is hoped that this will prove to be an unnecessary precaution, it is important to do some checking.

1. Validate your current insurance

Many insurances or credit cards (especially gold and platinum) offer travel insurance included. Depending on your needs, the country visited and included protections, that’s may be sufficient. Travel agents will often ask you to compare your current coverage with that is offered. If you are already aware of your coverage, you will know that it will be useless, or the contrary, it will fill an important gap.

If you are booking for several people, it is also important to ensure that all your partners are also covered by adequate travel insurance.

2. Ask specific questions

You too, can come up with your list of questions to ensure a good protection! A good agent that is not there just for the commission will take the time to respond appropriately. For example, what are the requirements for you to be repatriated by air ambulance rather than having to remain hospitalized abroad.

3. Assess all risks

Many travel insurance plans are available as needed: Emergency Medical, insurance package higher cancellation / interruption insurance travel. For example, some insurance programs offer options of cancellation or return ticket urgent not only for you but also in the case of the death of a loved one.

4. Are you a frequent traveler?

For people who travel regularly in the year, there are plans annual insurance cheaper than taking each time a particular insurance.

5. Know what is covered

If you leave Quebec province for example, for a few days or weeks, your health insurance card entitles you to reimbursement of health services covered by health insurance in Quebec. In most cases, the Régie does only reimburse a portion of the cost of health services received outside of Quebec. You must pay the difference if you did not purchase adequate travel insurance. This could in the worst cases jeopardize your finances for years!
Governance of health insurance in Quebec pays on its own scales:
• Maximum of $ 100 per day of hospitalization
• Maximum of $ 50 per day for outpatient consultations
Taking a concrete example of hospital in Florida for a fractured Tibia: The invoice will total $ 4,679, but not the control that you will repay $ 170. We must therefore pay $ 4,509
Also, it is important to know that drugs purchased outside of Quebec, even prescribed by doctors are not reimbursed by the Board, as the cost of ambulance transportation.

You can also consult the Ombudsman for life and Health Insurance for any question or complaint about insurance concerns.
 

Picture credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/mypouss/3594979527/sizes/s/in/photostream/