Have you been dreaming of a girls-only spa getaway for you, your BFF and your daughters? Or, planning a ski vacation with your business partner, but your spouse tells you to take the kids, so they can have a break too? If you’re looking to take a break from the daily grind and, most importantly, spend quality time with those you care for spring break and/or Family Day, you’re not alone!
According to The Conference Board of Canada’s Outbound Canada Seasonal Travel Intentions Winter 2022-23 Report, “…spending time with friends and family was the top reason identified by half of domestic travellers and one-third of outbound travellers.” For these very reasons, TuGo offers a unique travel insurance plan, called the Family & Friends plan!
Why choose a Family & Friends travel insurance plan?
What benefits does the “Family & Friends plan” offer?
Here’s an easy-to-follow infographic with all you need to know about our Family and Friends’ plan and its benefits.
Travelling with family and/or friends is always an adventure and a great time for some R&R! It’s important when planning throughout the year to make sure to understand your travel policy before travelling to help with peace of mind.
Not sure if the Family & Friends plan is the way to go? Be sure to speak with your local insurance broker or TuGo’s Customer Service team for help with the right plan for your needs!
Happy travels ahead, Monique
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2021 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
Although multigenerational travel is projected to be a top trend for 2023, we think it’s here to stay. From Baby boomers to Gen Z, we all love to travel. And, with all the technology and innovation at our fingertips, planning a trip with family is easier and more accessible than ever.
Multigenerational travel gives us the opportunity to spend quality time with family in new environments and create memories that can last a lifetime—this is especially meaningful for families who are spread out over the map. As we continue to value experiences over material goods, we’re glad to see a shift in priorities.
5 tips for planning your multi-gen trip
Coming up with multigenerational family travel ideas is the fun part. Next comes planning. This can be challenging, depending on how large your family is. Unlike planning for solo travel, which can be time consuming on its own, planning the logistics of an entire family trip is something else!
Hope these tips help make your next family trip one to remember.
1. Decide who’s coming along on the trip
Who will you be travelling with? Your parents? Your children? Your grandchildren? Your siblings and their families? Planning ahead and being realistic about who can go on the trip, logistically speaking, is the best starting point.
2. Make sure everyone who’s coming can actually make it
People are busy, so make sure everyone’s schedules match up. The more people in your family, the harder it may seem to find a time that works for everyone. But don’t worry, there are plenty of online tools to help with scheduling, you can try Doodle Poll, When2meet or have an in-person family meeting to decide on a time.
Ensure that everyone can book the right days off or they can easily reschedule any other obligations.
3. Have all parties agree on a budget
Every household has its own budget. Create an expected budget and cost breakdown to avoid causing financial stress. Shared accommodation such as vacation home rentals or Airbnbs can often lead to cost savings, especially with a large group.
4. Include each family member in the planning process
Letting everyone have some say in where to go and what to do can prevent possible disagreements during the trip (or sometimes may even lead to them, so exercise caution!).
Here are a few ideas to help minimize disagreements:
Avoid making major decisions solely through online channels. This is more inclusive for family members who aren’t familiar with technology.
Play to your family members’ strengths. If you have a relative that is a major foodie, asking them if they would like to plan the restaurants on the trip is a great way to get them involved.
5. Stick to family-friendly activities
Whenever you travel in a group with a wide age range, it’s best to plan activities that generally appeal to all the members of that group. You can’t always please everyone, but the more activities people can participate in, the more fun it’ll be!
Bonus: If your family is bigger or you’re too busy to take on the trip planning, consider enlisting the help of a travel agent to plan your trip. They’re likely to have more experience booking multiple travellers and might even be able to score group discounts on transportation, accommodation, activities and tours that you might otherwise not have access to.
Get family travel insurance!
When two adults 59 years old or younger are travelling with up to 6 dependent children, a Family & Friends plan is the most economical option, whether you’re purchasing a Single Trip or a Multi Trip Annual Emergency Medical plan. Travellers can travel together or separately, meaning they don’t have to leave on their trip at the same time.
Here are some details about the Family & Friends plan:
Coverage is available for up to two individuals 59 years and under and up to six dependent children. (The individual(s) don’t have to be the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the dependent children.)
Dependent children can be on a Family & Friends plan without an adult.
All travellers will be covered under one Policy.
Not sure if a Family and Friends plan is for you? Check out this handy infographic.
Note: Grandparents 60+ years old won’t be able to take advantage of a family & Friends plan, but there are other ways to save on their travel insurance. The healthier they are, the lower their premiums will be, since our Medical Questionnaire rewards healthy travellers by offering competitive rates.
Remember that family travel requires open-mindedness, flexibility, and patience before and during your trip! Every multigenerational vacation experience is going to be unique because every family is unique. Each family member adds to the list of needs and wants, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
Planning to travel this year? Wherever you’re headed, you’ll want to be prepared for any adventures or misadventures along the way. If you or a loved one ever ends up in an emergency situation, it’s important to understand your travel insurance policy, as well as who handles your medical billing abroad.
In a claim situation, your travel insurance provider might not be the only party involved. Depending on the emergency, your provider will coordinate between various parties, including provincial healthcare plans, doctors, hospitals, clinics, other insurance providers, etc. Direct billing isn’t always possible, and up-front payments for treatment are sometimes required.
Below, we fill you in on medical billing practices in the US and beyond.
Medical billing practices vary from country to country
United States of America
Heading to the US? Even if it’s just for a day, the Government of Canada suggests getting travel insurance before you leave. If you’re hospitalized, most US hospitals will bill your travel insurance provider directly, but they may request a deposit. Often, your insurer will arrange to have the deposit returned after billing arrangements are made.
Mexico
In Mexico, medical billing practices vary from place to place. In major tourist destinations, hospitals are more likely to bill your insurer directly. Alternatively, in rural locations, they’re more likely to bill you and require payment up front. Many hospitals will charge a deposit, so again, it’s best to be prepared.
Note: The Government of Canada advises that “the quality of medical care varies greatly throughout the country.” And although good healthcare is available in private hospitals and clinics, it’s often expensive. They also suggest getting travel insurance coverage that includes medical evacuation and hospital stays. Learn more about what to expect in some Mexican hospitals.
Present your travel insurance information, but be prepared to pay medical fees up front
Many travellers assume that if they present their travel insurance to a hospital or clinic, their insurer will pay for their bill up front. But this isn’t necessarily the case. Some clinics and hospitals will require a deposit or full payment up front for smaller invoices.
We suggest saving your policy and keeping it handy in your email inbox and/or downloading the TuGo Wallet App. While we can’t speak for other insurers, our policy and digital wallet card contain our contact information, letting our customers know who to call in an emergency.
Always keep your itemized bills and receipts for your claim
When submitting your claim, your travel insurer will require claim forms and itemized bills to complete the claim process. Non-itemized bills like till receipts, credit card receipts or credit card statements are not sufficient. Your provincial health care plan also requires itemized bills.
Travelling prepared will serve you in the long run. Be sure to have your travel policy and/or digital wallet card handy and contact your travel insurance provider as soon as you can to ensure you’re getting the best care possible. Questions? Pop them in the form below.
Happy travels, Melissa
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
Spring break is just around the corner. And after making it through another Canadian winter, a spring break trip is more appealing than ever! From a cross-border weekend trip to a week-long luxe vacation, the options are endless.
As a savvy traveller, you know you’ll need travel insurance—it’ll cover you for accidents and medical emergencies outside your home province. And with all the delayed and cancelled flights in the news lately, you’ll want to be covered for missed connections and lost luggage, too. But we know that even if you’re spending big on your trip, you’re still looking for ways to save money on travel insurance costs.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some spring break travel insurance options to help you save. That way, you can spend your hard-earned cash on things like a hotel room upgrade, premium excursion, or mouth-watering meal instead!
Choose the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs!
Start by thinking about what kind of traveller you are. This is to make sure that you get customized coverage for your needs. Instead of worrying about every possible scenario, think about the perfect fit, and buy only what you need instead of trying to get the cheapest policy.
For the family traveller—Family & Friends Travel Insurance
If you and one other adult (59 years old or younger) are travelling with up to 6 dependent children, you can save on your policy premium with a Family & Friends plan.
Here’s who can benefit from a Family & Friends plan
Up to two individuals 59 years and under and up to six dependent children. (The individual(s) don’t have to be the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the dependent children.)
Dependent children can be on a Family & Friends plan without an adult.
All travellers will be covered under one Policy.
You’ll get benefits like:
Emergency medical treatment for in-patient or outpatient care in a hospital
Doctor’s services
Ambulance
Prescription drugs
Emergency dental treatment
Also, it’s available as a Single Trip or Multi Trip Annual plan, so you can travel together with family members or separately. And if you purchase a Multi Trip Annual plan, you can travel as many times as you want during the year…and not have to worry about buying travel insurance every time.
For the traveller who wants it all—All Inclusive Holiday Package
Love the thought of having coverage for all possibilities for your spring break trip in one package? If you are 59 years old or younger, consider an All Inclusive Holiday Package—you’ll get all the perks. Not only will you get Emergency Medical Insurance, this plan includes non-medical coverage that will protect you from:
Cancelled or interrupted trips
Lost or damaged baggage
Accidental death and dismemberment
With this package, you’ll get handy, comprehensive coverage, plus you won’t have a deductible on your medical plan. This means you won’t have to pay if you need to make a claim.
For the frequent flyer—Emergency Medical Multi Trip Annual Travel Insurance
Live to travel? We do too! That’s why we love this option. If you’re travelling more than once a year, consider a Multi Trip Annual Travel Insurance plan. It’s more affordable than buying individual Single Trip Emergency Medical policies for each trip. And the more you travel, the more you save on travel insurance per trip.
With an Emergency Medical Multi Trip Annual plan, you’ll also save time. You won‘t need to worry about getting travel insurance every time you travel and can leave the country any time knowing that you’re covered.
Last-minute getaway, cross-border shopping trip, week of business travel? Yes, please!
For the globetrotter— Worldwide Excluding USA Emergency Medical plan
Medical costs are notoriously expensive in the USA. If you are travelling internationally but skipping the US, consider a Worldwide Excluding USA travel insurance plan. It’s less expensive than policies that include travel to the US, and you’ll be offsetting some of those costs by purchasing this plan, so that’s a win-win.
For the trip interrupted—Trip Interruption Insurance
Disrupted or interrupted trips can take a bite of your travel budget. If you want to avoid this, think about getting a Trip Interruption Insurance policy. No need to get Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption bundled together if you’re just worried about interruption!
Trip Interruption Insurance covers you for specific events that happen onyour trip or afteryou’ve started travelling, causing you to disrupt or interrupt your trip and travel home earlier or later than your original return date.
For example, this insurance covers costs if one of your flights is delayed and you end up missing a connection. While delays are annoying, knowing that costs for the following will be reimbursed by your travel insurance policy can reduce the sting:
Accommodation
Meals
Internet service
Cabs
So that’s the low down on travel insurance options that’ll help you save money on spring break travel or your next trip. Think about what kind of traveller you are before you buy—whether you’ll be travelling for spring break or later in the year!
Questions about what plans might be good for you? Post in the comments below!
Safe travels, Melissa
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2019 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
We all know by now that travelling without travel insurance is never a good idea. However, if an incident causes you to use your insurance, it may sometimes feel daunting and confusing how to start the process.
There are many common myths around claims, most of which are far-fetched. Your first priority is always getting the medical treatment you need to recover but having the awareness of what to do after and what’s not accurate in the claims process will always be helpful.
Myth #1: Your travel insurance provider is the only party involved in your claim.
In a claim situation, TuGo, or your travel insurance provider, might not be the only party involved. Depending on the emergency, your provider will coordinate between various parties, including provincial healthcare plans, doctors, hospitals, clinics, other insurance providers, etc.
Myth #2: You can use credit card statements, non-itemized bills, or medical receipts to submit your claims.
To process a claim as quickly and accurately as possible, itemized bills and claim forms are required. Even your provincial healthcare plans require itemized bills, so always keep originals and mail all completed forms and itemized bills back to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Non-itemized bills like till receipts, credit card receipts or statements are not sufficient.
Providing the correct bills, forms and receipts at the beginning of your claim submission will streamline the process, and help to ensure your claim is processed in a timely manner.
Myth #3: If you do experience a medical emergency abroad,hospital billing practices are the same everywhere you go. If you have travel insurance, your insurance provider will pay for your whole medical bill directly.
Although most US hospitals will bill the insurer directly for inpatient or outpatient services, it’s not a given. Hospitals across the US and internationally may request a deposit or even expect full payment upfront. It’s always a good idea to keep that in mind, so you can be prepared to provide a deposit if you have an emergency.
That said, the best way to mitigate some hassle is to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. They will help coordinate care and treatment, as well as payment if it’s possible at the time. If not, again, be sure to keep all your itemized bills and receipts. You’ll want to make a photocopy when you submit your claim for reimbursement.
It’s important to understand that travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product, and there are many misconceptions about what it covers and how it works. Be sure to read your policy thoroughly and check with your insurance provider or professional if you have any questions. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase travel insurance and be prepared for any unexpected events that may occur during your trip.
Whether you’re heading out on a spring break road trip or planning a summer getaway to take advantage of economical domestic flight options, travelling within our own nation is a wonderful and rewarding experience. But many Canadians aren’t aware that having travel insurance coverage to do so is still very important.
To start, you’re probably thinking, “Doesn’t provincial healthcare cover me”? While it does cover you for medical costs within Canada, provincial healthcare plans don’t cover everything; and if they do, they may only cover costs partially. In this blog post, we’ll cover the most frequent and commonly asked questions we receive from customers about travel insurance for domestic travel. Read on!
Most commonly asked questions about Emergency Medical Insurance for travel within Canada
Do I need to buy travel insurance for travel within Canada?
Yes, Emergency Medical Insurance should be considered to cover you for unexpected costs like air, sea or ground ambulance, ER fees, emergency dental services, prescription drugs, return of vehicle and more, for out-of-province travel.
As noted above, your provincial health care will cover emergency medical costs. But to avoid being out-of-pocket for the other costs associated with a medical emergency, buying Emergency Medical coverage is the way to go.
Am I covered for COVID-19 if I’m travelling to another province?
Yes, you’ll be covered by your provincial healthcare plan for COVID-19 and other medical emergencies. That said, you may want to consider purchasing Emergency Medical Insurance for the other costs that can be incurred over and above what your provincial healthcare plan pays for, like an ambulance ride, return of vehicle and more.
Can I get an annual plan for travel within Canada?
Yes, if you plan on travelling more than twice in a given year outside of your home province, you might want to consider a more efficient option that provides more value, in the form of an annual plan. Read more about Multi Trip Annual Emergency Medical plans.
I already have a Multi Trip Annual Worldwide plan—am I covered for travel within Canada?
Yes, if you travel within Canada but outside your home province, coverage is automatically provided for emergency medical expenses.
I have a pre-existing medical condition. Can I travel to another province any time under Emergency Medical Insurance?
With a Travel Within Canada Emergency Medical plan, there is no stability requirement for pre-existing medical conditions. This means you don’t have to wait a minimum number of days (as you would if you were travelling to the US or other countries) to ensure your medical condition and related symptoms are stable.
However, there are stability requirements, even if you’re travelling within Canada, if you have a:
Multi Trip Annual Emergency Medical Worldwide
Single Trip Emergency Medical Worldwide
Single Trip Emergency Medical Worldwide Excluding USA
Most commonly asked questions about Non-Medical Insurance for travel within Canada
Why should I consider Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance if I’m travelling domestically?
What you may not realize about Emergency Medical Insurance is that it only provides coverage for medical costs, due to an unexpected emergency illness or injury. Missed flights, tours or non-refundable bookings won’t be covered, which is why having Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance is so worthwhile. It will reimburse for non-refundable, unused prepaid airfare, travel costs, and cancelled prepaid tours.
I know I won’t cancel. Could Trip Interruption Only Insurance still be worthwhile for domestic travel?
Yes, Trip Interruption Only Insurance is an affordable way to cover trips from disruptions or interruptions that can cause you to return earlier or later than you’ve planned, after you’ve already left on your trip. Learn more about Trip Interruption Only Insurance.
Does TuGo have a stability requirement for travel within Canada, when buying trip cancellation &/or trip interruption coverage?
Pre-existing medical conditions are covered under Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption or Trip Interruption Only plans if they are stable (applicable to the traveller, the travelling companion and their family members, business partner, employer, key employee, friend, caregiver and host at their travel destination) as follows:
For Single Trip
On or within the 60 days before the date the insurance is purchased
For Multi Trip Annual
On or within the 60 days before the date the trip is booked, when insurance is purchased before the date the trip is booked
On or within the 60 days before the date the insurance is purchased, when insurance is purchased after the date the trip is booked
Is Baggage Insurance available for travel within Canada?
Yes, Baggage Insurance can be added to a Single Trip Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption or Trip Interruption Only plan before departure. It’s helpful in the event that your luggage is lost, damaged, delayed or stolen.
If I fly to another Canadian city and rent a car, would Rental Car Protection be available?
Yes, Rental Car Protection can be added to a Single Trip Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption or Trip Interruption Only plan for travel within Canada, before your departure. This coverage reimburses in the event your rental car is damaged or lost.
Have any more questions about travel within Canada coverage? Post them below!
Happy travels ahead, Melissa
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2021, and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
Over the past several months, thousands of travellers have faced baggage delays and losses all over the world. I myself experienced the frustration of landing in Rome without our checked luggage—which didn’t arrive until 2 days later. When you don’t have your personal belongings with you, it’s not a relaxing start to what’s meant to be a relaxing vacation!
Baggage Insurance costs a little but could save you a lot of hassle and replacement costs. In this post, we’ll share some valuable information about this type of travel insurance coverage as well as some tips if you do have to make a baggage claim. Let’s get started!
TuGo’s Baggage Insurance, in particular, offers 3 key benefits:
Loss, damage, destruction or theft of personal effects owned by and travelling with you while in transit or in any hotel or other building, enroute anywhere in the world, on land or water or in the air.
Loss of currency through theft or robbery of personal currency (excluding unexplained disappearance; police report required), up to a limit of $100.
If your baggage is delayed beyond 12 hours while you are enroute and before you return to your home, personal necessities will be covered up to $200, until your baggage has been returned to you.
Now, you may be asking yourself “What if my baggage is delayed less than 12 hours? Is there any coverage for that?” The answer is yes! If you have Emergency Medical Insurance, there may be air delay benefits available to you, including up to $900 for essential items when the baggage is lost or delayed by the airline for 6+ hours. You can also sign-up for TuGo’s complimentary MyFlytTM service, which offers a lounge pass or cash payout when your flight is delayed 2+ hours.
What are the benefit coverage limits of TuGo’s Baggage Insurance?
The coverage limits for Baggage Insurance are up to $1,500 per traveller,and to a $3,000 max for the Family & Friends plan.Or, when purchased as part of an All-Inclusive Holiday Package or Non-Medical Package, the Baggage coverage limit is $500.For all these plans, there isn’t a deductible.
What’s included:
Coverage for loss, damage, destruction, or theft of personal effects
Up to $100 currency because of loss or theft
Up to $200 for personal necessities if baggage is delayed beyond 12 hours
A single item will be covered to a maximum of 25% of the sum insured per person, or $1,500 x 0.25= $375.
Here’s an ‘insider’s tip’… with TuGo, you can also have “duplication of coverage”. That means if you’re insured under more than one baggage policy administered by TuGo and they are in effect at the time of loss, the total amount paid to you may be up to an overall maximum of $5,000 per traveller or $7,500 per Family & Friends plan.
What items are covered by Baggage Insurance?
Basically, baggage travel insurance covers the typical things you’d travel with or would need at your destination. The purpose of Baggage Insurance is to keep you travelling and well enough equipped to enjoy your vacation in case your bags don’t arrive on time (or get lost or damaged on the way).
* There isn’t coverage for the visit to get a new prescription, but coverage may be available under Emergency Medical Insurance, under the lost prescription benefit. ** Excluded if for professional or occupational use.
Why are some itemsnot covered under Baggage Insurance?
Most of the items listed above on the right may be insured under your home or renters’ insurance and can be scheduled as special items if you have professional or expensive gear. Talk to your insurance professional about your coverage.
As noted with the list above, professional and occupational equipment is excluded under this plan. Here’s an example: Perry is a plumber by trade, and rock climbs while on vacation. While he’s away, his backpack with all his climbing gear gets stolen. Coverage would be provided for the climbing gear under TuGo’s Baggage Insurance, but if his plumbing tools were also in the backpack, they wouldn’t be covered since they’re his professional/occupational equipment.
Note: Baggage Insurance provides coverage on a first payer basis and is not excess to any other baggage plan you may have, except in the following cases: a. If the property is insured for a specific value under another insurance policy; or, b. If the property is lost, stolen or damaged while in the custody/care of a common carrier.
How to open a travel insurance baggage claim
Having your luggage lost, stolen or damaged is no fun. It’s important that if this does happen to you to report it right away, get written proof and keep the receipts for all your purchases. If your luggage is damaged, you can have your luggage appraised for repairs. If it’s beyond repair, or if it’s cheaper to replace it altogether, you’ll need to submit proof from a luggage repair shop of your choice, along with a receipt for the cost of the original luggage if available.
What you’ll need to submit for a lost, stolen, or damaged baggage claim
In addition to the claim form, we’ll need the following documents to process your claim:
Itemized bills/receipts
Police report for stolen items
Damage report for damaged baggage
Loss report for lost baggage
What you’ll need to submit for a delayed baggage claim
In addition to the claim form, we’ll need the following documents to process your claim:
Itemized bills/receipts
Proof of the amount paid
Airline report confirming the length of delay
To wrap it up, Baggage Insurance is a great optional coverage to add on to help during one the most common of travel frustrations. Most travel baggage mishaps and claims happen when you’re flying, so it’s a good idea to also know your airline passenger rights. And one final tip: invest in an air tag for each checked luggage piece. You’ll be able to track where it was lost or delayed, potentially getting you your luggage back faster.
For more detailed information about TuGo’s Baggage Insurance, contact your local insurance professional or TuGo’s Customer Service. Alternatively, leave your comments below and we’ll get you the answers you need to feel confident about buying this coverage for your next trip.
Happy travels, Melissa
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2015 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
Travelling can be an exciting adventure, but unexpected situations can arise at any moment. Being prepared and knowing that you’re covered before you leave can make things easier — especially in an emergency. That’s where travel insurance comes in handy! Comprehensive coverage is very important and offers peace of mind, especially when travelling with children.
Recently, a Canadian family was on vacation in Florida when their plans were disrupted after Kate*, the daughter, had an accident. Read on to hear more about their experience—and how TuGo helped take care of Kate during her medical emergency abroad.
Child has horse-back riding accident while on vacation in the US
9-year-old Kate had an unfortunate horseback riding accident, while vacationing in Florida. Her parents rushed her to the hospital, where doctors performed several scans; the x-rays showed a fracture on the upper portion of her right arm, which she landed on, during the fall.
Due to the fracture type, surgery was required to realign the bone, including the need for external pins. Kate was kept in the hospital overnight and discharged the next day. A follow-up appointment was scheduled, as well as several x-rays, to ensure she was healing correctly.
How Travel Insurance saved Kate’s family over $191,000
Even one night in an American hospital is costly; luckily, Kate’s parents purchased Emergency Medical Travel Insurance for the whole family before their departure, covering their daughter’s medical expenses and care. If they had relied solely on their provincial healthcare, they would have been out-of-pocket $188,000, since their plan only covered $3,700—just a fraction of the costs incurred.
All and all, emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, think about purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, so you can relax with a sense of security, knowing you and your family will be covered for unexpected medical emergencies, while you’re away.
Questions about family travel insurance coverage? Leave us a comment below!
Safe travels, Monique
* Based on actual claim with specific traveller details changed to protect privacy.
Planning a visit to Canada soon? Wherever you’re headed, being prepared for unexpected situations, like accidents or medical emergencies, is crucial. That’s why—before you travel—covering yourself and/or your family with a comprehensive Visitors to Canada travel insurance is the way to go.
Here’s a real-life claim story that best demonstrates why it’s essential to have coverage when visiting Canada; recently, Lingyun* discovered the benefits of TuGo’s Visitors to Canada Insurance for himself, when he experienced a medical emergency while staying with family.
Visitor to Canada suffers gallbladder attack while visiting in Ontario
46-year-old Lingyun was halfway through his trip visiting family in Ontario when he had a sudden onset of sharp, unrelenting abdominal pain. Concerned, his family took him to a local hospital. A CT scan revealed that he had multiple gallstones, some of which were trapped—and that emergency surgery was required.
How travel insurance saved Lingyun over $18,000
Because Lingyun was a visitor to Canada, he would not have been covered for medical emergencies during his stay. Fortunately, his Canadian family convinced him to get travel insurance before arriving—saving him from being $18,000 out-of-pocket!
Accidents do happen and having travel insurance coverage will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing you’re covered in case of an unexpected accident or medical emergency.
Wherever in Canada you’re headed, whether it’s to visit family or friends, or experience some of the country’s best tourist destinations, make sure you get the appropriate travel insurance plan for your needs.
Have more questions? Leave us a comment below.
Safe travels, Melissa
* Based on actual claim with specific traveller details changed to protect privacy.
Whether you’re heading out on a much-anticipated spa getaway, shopping spree, or quick grocery shop at everyone’s favourite cross-border grocery store, Trader Joe’s, there’s nothing quite like taking a road trip to the US from Canada. But let’s not forget that with road trips come potential accidents, even when you cross the border. If you ever find yourself in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) while travelling, here is everything you’ll need to know when filing a motor vehicle accident claim.
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Road Trip?
In order to road trip like a pro, it’s essential to have the right coverage for your needs. First and foremost, auto insurance is your primary coverage in a motor vehicle accident, but there are a few things that may not be covered by your auto insurance provider. Here’s how your insurance works in the event of an accident in the US or abroad:
Collision Insurance
Offered through your auto insurance provider, collision insurance covers you for damage to your vehicle. It’s important to note that any emergency medical bills incurred outside of Canada aren’t covered by this insurance, making travel insurance imperative.
Liability Insurance
This insurance is also offered through your auto insurance provider; it’s third-party or ‘liability’ insurance, covering injury or damage to others. In the US, the other party’s liability insurance will likely not cover all of your emergency costs.
Travel Insurance
TuGo’s Emergency Medical insurance protects you from unexpected illness or injuries while travelling outside of your home province. This also applies to motor vehicle accidents, even if you’re driving a friend’s vehicle or a rental car. Here are a few key benefits of our coverage that may help you in the case of a motor vehicle accident, if your auto insurer doesn’t fully cover these expenses:
Hospitalization and treatment for medical emergencies
Ground, air or sea ambulance services
X-rays and other diagnostic laboratory tests
Essential medical supplies, such as crutches
Fracture treatment benefit
Other professional medical services, like physio, etc., to relieve an acute emergency
Emergency dental services
Emergency air transportation
Remote evacuation
In addition, if your doctor deems you (and your travel companion) unable to drive your car back home, TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance will also cover the return of your vehicle, as long as the vehicle is drivable post-accident.
Rental Car Protection
If you’re planning on renting a car on vacation, purchasing rental car insurance is a good idea. TuGo’s Rental Car Protection optional coverage reimburses you up to a maximum of $75,000 in case of loss due to physical damage or loss of a rented or leased vehicle. This includes costs such as towing, salvage, and fire department charges. Coverage is limited to the original covered vehicle.
Note: Coverage is also offered through rental car companies, but make sure you read their benefits and exclusions before you head out on your road trip. Always ensure you do a walk around of the rental car as well, and take photos of any irregular sightings, like a chipped windshield, etc.
How Do I Open a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?
1. Open a claim with your auto insurance provider
Your auto insurance is your primary, first payor in terms of MVA coverage. Once you’ve submitted a claim to them, your auto insurance provider will determine what’s covered under their benefits and how much will be paid.
2. Give your travel insurance provider a heads up
Once you start your auto insurance claim, it’s beneficial to let your travel insurance provider know about the accident. This way, they can open a claim and have a note in your file that a claim may be coming, in case your auto insurer does not cover the claim in full. Notifying them from the beginning may speed up the process if you end up claiming under that policy.
3.Provide all itemized bills, receipts and any other relevant documents
Keep copies of any documents sent to your auto insurer, as well as those from your auto insurer. Make sure to keep itemized bills and receipts handy to speed up your claims process for eligible expenses.
4. Submit your claim to your travel insurance provider
Once you’ve settled your claim with your auto insurer, if any expenses were not paid, that are eligible under your travel policy, advise your travel insurer of the settlement from your auto insurer. Make sure to specify any payment(s) you’ve received thus far and have all documentation relating to the claim handy. If there are outstanding expenses covered by your travel insurance policy, they’ll help you kick start your claim. To submit a claim at TuGo, email claims@tugo.com or email 1-800-663-0399.
Tip: If you prefer to kickstart your claim online, make an account on myTuGo to submit your emergency medical claim electronically. Be sure to send in a copy of the settlement from your auto insurer, so that your travel insurer can see what was and wasn’t paid.
Regardless of where you’re off to by car this year, drive carefully and don’t forget your travel insurance! Accidents are bound to happen, so protect yourself (and your loved ones) before you leave, and ensure you use our ultimate road trip checklist!
Remember: All claims are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions in your policy. Additionally, always review your policy to ensure the expenses you’re claiming are in line with your coverage so there are no surprises!
Safe travels, Linnea
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
