Martin: A holiday involves a great deal of preparation; where to go, what activities to plan in and what to pack but often in all the excitement leading up to a vacation, families can forget about travel insurance.
Stan Seggie; President and CEO of the Travel Insurance Division of RBC Insurance says emergencies can happen on even the most well planned trips.
Stan Seggie: When people travel they do get sick or they do get involved in accidents so it’s really important to consider travel insurance as part of any vacation plan. You know at RBC we commissioned to study the Canadians and were shocked to find that one-third of Canadians believed that their health care cost would be covered when they travel to the U.S. by their Provincial Health Care Plan. Unfortunately that is not true. Only a very small part of those medical expenses would be covered by their government health insurance plans.
Martin: There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing travel insurance.
Stan Seggie: Travelers should consider a comprehensive travel insurance plan that will cover all of their needs, emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage or delayed baggage. Many Canadians think of medical insurance because of the high cost of medical care outside our country but they also have to consider their travel investment. Canadians spent a lot of money on their travel and they could lose that entire investment should something unforeseen happen just before their trip.
Martin: A good travel insurance plan also makes it easier for clients to reach help if the need arises.
Stan Seggie: At RBC Insurance we have a toll free number that you can reach us 24/7. We have multilingual coordinators that will help you in your time of stress. You know, you’re in a foreign country, you don’t speak the language, you don’t know that to do, our assistance coordinators can help you deal with doctors and physicians and to alleviate a lot of your concerns. It’s also important that you consider a provider that will pay your expenses upfront.
Martin: Many people believe they have ample travel coverage through their employer or credit card. They might be surprised to learn those policies often have limits.
Stan Seggie: I would advise travelers to read their coverage carefully. If necessary, even call your insurance provider. If you have gaps, please cover them through the purchase of a Travel Insurance Policy.
Martin: For more information, ask about RBC Insurance the next time you're making travel arrangements, you can also check out rbcinsurance.com or visit your local RBC branch. Martin 2:44 reporting.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services