Medical charges in Canada are pretty expensive, especially when compared to India. It would be foolhardy to travel to Canada – or for that matter, anywhere outside the county without covering yourself with a proper travel medical insurance policy for the country you are traveling to.
If you are planning a trip to Canada or if you are a Canadian resident and expecting some guests to your country, then you will need travel insurance coverage for them. The travel insurance international should cover
- Any illness especially any pre-existing illnesses
- Any unfortunate accident
- In the case of the demise of the traveler, the policy should cover the transport of mortal remains to the traveler’s home country.
- Travel insurance can also include other ‘non-medical’ items like lost baggage, theft, canceled or delayed flights car, etc.
- Coverage for your rental car in case it is stolen, lost or damaged
Check for exemptions in the policy document and try to cover these by paying some extra premium. Buying overseas travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense but it is better than shelling out a small fortune on Hospitalisation and medical treatment.
Why do Travellers Need Travel Insurance?
Canada has a comprehensive medical insurance policy for all its citizens. It is mandatory for citizens of all ages to be part of the state medical coverage. Since there is no provision for providing medical aid to travelers, it is of utmost importance for travelers to buy travel insurance before you leave your country.
Even a routine gall stone surgery will require a 14-day hospital stay and will easily set you back by over $ 60,000. Of course, this includes the hospital fees, consultancy, prescriptions and tests like Radiology and pathology and other miscellaneous charges. This is pretty steep by any standard.
What Benefits Should I Look for in International Travel Insurance?
When you buy travel insurance, you have to look for certain benefits that are offered by the insurer. Different insurers have a mix of benefits, and each differs from the other. Some of the benefits offered are as follows:
- Hospitalization includes doctor’s services, Ambulance services, X-Ray, and other diagnostic tests, Medications, rental of equipment like crutches.
- Emergency dental services
- Hospital allowance for TV rental and other miscellaneous expenses
- Emergency pre-approved, air transportation
- Escort of children/grandchildren
- Family transportation
- Out of pocket expenses like boarding and lodging.
Fairly good insurance will include most or all of the above benefits. You could also add other benefits suitable for you by paying an additional premium. There are other non-medical options like trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage insurance.
Can I Include Baggage Cover in my Travel Insurance?
Travelers can buy travel insurance for your baggage. The traveler is reimbursed for any damaged, lost, destroyed or stolen anywhere in the world.
It also covers stolen currency due to theft up to a specified limit. The insurance also pays for some bare personal necessities if your baggage is delayed. Personal necessities can include makeup items, deodorants, toothpaste, some clothing up to a certain limit.
Buying travel insurance to cover medical costs is fairly simple. Many insurance companies can take care of your medical and hospitalization costs when you are out of the country. You can buy online travel insurance from the hosts of websites on the internet. Some of these sites offer cheap travel insurance while others show you comparative figures of other insurers and you can select which one is best suited for you.
What are the Various Types of Travel Insurance Available for the traveler?
There are three types of travel insurance available for travelers going to Canada and other international destinations.
Single Trip Travel Insurance
As the name suggests, this insurance is valid for one trip. It covers all eventualities listed in the policy document. These are affordable and should be purchased before you leave the country.
Multiple Trips
This type of travel insurance is recommended if you are traveling several times a year. These are good for business persons and salespersons who have to travel out of the country frequently.
Multiple countries in a Single Trip
This type of Travel Insurance will cover you for the specified countries that you are going to visit in a single trip.
Extend Policy
You can change the dates of coverage if your trip is postponed. The insurer will change the date and issue you a new policy with the revised dates of your departure and return.
Most insurance companies have options for you to buy your travel insurance online. Sometimes it is confusing to travelers as to which policy is best suited for them. In that case, you can call the insurance company and ask for an advisor who will guide you and give you a quote. In any case, it is better to be over-insured in a different country than to be stranded with a large bill.
Lastly, look out for what is excluded in the policy. Sometimes, travelers buy insurance without reading the policy. This can put you in a spot if you are faced with a situation that is exempted in the policy.
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