If you're planning a short autumn trip or a long winter vacation, here are a few tips to ensure your experience is worry-free.
Several new regulations governing travel outside Canada are now in effect. For example, with a few exceptions, Canadian children must now have their own passports.
By and large, when travelling abroad (including to the United States), you should have a valid Canadian passport, as advised by the Consular Affairs Bureau publication Crossing the 49th. In this regard, the conditions governing passport applications have also changed considerably over the last year (forms, processing, etc.).
Snowbirds: don't leave unprotected!
If you're planning a visit to tropical climes, you're probably stocking up on sunscreen. As well as protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, however, you should definitely be thinking about insuring yourself against the risks of an accident or illness while you're away.
The coverage provided by Travel Insurance can give you everything you need. In a single year, Sigma Assistel, our "help-service" subsidiary, has processed 3,500 requests for medical assistance from people travelling outside their province of residence, looked after some 400 hospitalizations, organized more than 100 repatriations, and provided assistance in over 400 cases involving other problems, such as lost luggage or the need to return home early because of the death of a loved one.
A vast selection of coverage options
Desjardins Financial Security's Travel Insurance offers a vast selection of coverage options, for short and long trips alike. These options include:
- health care coverage, which provides for the reimbursement of emergency hospital, medical, and paramedical care and service fees (including tests, prescription drugs, and equipment purchase or rental), living expenses, and transportation and repatriation costs;
- accident coverage, which provides for benefits in case of accidental death or dismemberment during your trip;
- baggage insurance, which provides compensation in the event your baggage is stolen or damaged, as well as covering the costs related to replacing a passport, visa, driver's licence or birth certificate;
- trip cancellation insurance, which provides for the reimbursement of prepaid expenses in the event a contingency forces you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Premiums designed to take your personal situation into account
In purchasing Desjardins Financial Security's Travel Insurance, you are also automatically entitled to telephone assistance service available during, and even before, your trip.
Travel Insurance premiums are generally determined in accordance with the insured party's personal situation, and vary according to age, length of trip, and health status. Some insurance companies offer an option with a deductible that allows travellers to save on their premiums in exchange for a commitment to pay a pre-determined percentage of any costs they incur.
If you are a member of a group insurance plan or are a Visa Gold credit card holder, check to see if you already have travel insurance, and, if so, the period it covers. Depending on the eligibility criteria in effect at the time, you may have to extend your coverage.
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