Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Canada
Travel insurance is often neglected when planning a holiday or business trip. In Britain we are used to a free healthcare system and often forget that in many countries this is not the case. We tend to not realise that luggage can be lost at an airport and that pick-pockets operate in Lisbon as well as London. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind…right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?
As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth.
Luggage can be easily lost at airport, this in normally sufficient to ruin a holiday, having to endure a flight and then to traipse around a shopping centre to buy clean socks and shirts. Travel insurance can’t make this impossible to happen, but can help pay for your new clothes, which will ease the pain a little.
Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Medical insurance will usually cover the cost but if you need to return early your travel insurance policy may have a clause to allow this to be claimed for.
When in a foreign country and hiring a car try to know the local traffic laws. We drive on the left in the UK, not too many countries follow suit on this. In Canada they drive on the right hand side. If you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.
What Should I Look For In Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.
Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What’s the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?
Socio-political Issues
For the vast majority of tourist area’s, Canada is a safe place to visit. There will sadly be the threat from pick-pockets however, so keep any money or important documentation in a zipped or fastened pocket. Should your wallet or purse be stolen, your travel insurance will be able to cover the losses if it’s included in your travel insurance policy. .
Medical care in Canada is normally in the form of private health care. In effect, you will have to pay for all treatment costs, travel insurance will usually help cover the cost, but full medical insurance is advised also.
Like it’s southern neighbour America; Canada has a risk of terrorist attacks. In high profile public places it is recommended that you maintain a high level of vigilance. Travel insurance will help you return to the UK, if terrorist attacks are covered by your policy, although it will be delayed during the inevitable investigations following an attack.
Natural disasters do occur in Canada, though they are widely known about and are normally weather based. Heavy snow can close rural roads and occasionally free ways during the winter months. Luckily Canada is much more used to snowfall than the UK and can quickly clear roads and maintain its internal networks. Earthquakes do occur on the Canadian West coast and unlike weather based environmental events there is often little warning.
Specific Insurances
Canada has an array of activities to pursue. There is any number of winter sports available on either coast, skiing, snowboarding, bob sledging and the luge. There are fantastic natural attractions such as Niagara falls and the mountain ranges in Banff and Jasper. Due to the wide variety of activities it’s possible to undertake, it is important that any activities you are planning on taking part in are covered by your travel insurance policy. Be prepared to use common sense again though, if using equipment such as ski’s or snowboarding, check that it is in a state of good repair and that any instructors or guides are fully qualified.
Sadly there is no real uniform code of laws governing the Canada. The laws differ from province to province as do the penalties incurred. Generally speaking, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 19 years old, and driving is normally 16 years old with a valid permit.
Hire cars are subject to the same vigilance as any other product on visiting a foreign country. Check that its in good, road legal condition and that it suits your purpose in visiting Canada. Travel insurance will normally cover you for accidents to other persons, called personal liability. This often will include third party insurance for hire cars, although this will not be considered to be car insurance if stopped by the police.
It is to be strongly recommended that when in Canada, you have valid medical insurance and a good travel insurance policy. Should an accident occur medical insurance will help with the cost of treatment and travel insurance will get you back home.
Should you run into difficulties such as passports being stolen or lost, the British consulate can be located at:
British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada
British High Commission
80 Elgin Street
Ottawa K1P 5K7
Ottawa
Telephone: (1) (613) 237 1530
Fax: (1) (613) 237 7980
