Planning a vacation is a lot of fun but while you are happily drawing up your itinerary, remember to take care of practical stuff like travel insurance too. There are different types of travel insurance available and the benefits each one offers varies accordingly. However, regardless of which insurance company you go to, make sure you are well-covered in the following areas.
Healthcare
If your physical well-being is compromised while you are away from home, you’d want a plan that covers all expenses incurred by medical attention, emergency assistance, ambulance service, hospitalization and repatriation. And make sure your insurance company will take care of the costs directly – you don’t want the hassle of having to fork out the money first and then requesting for a reimbursement later.
Trip Cancellation/ Interruption
Should unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis force you to revise your travel plans, an efficient insurance agent will see to it that your financial interests are fully protected. Get a policy that covers cancellation fees plus any extra costs of a curtailed/ delayed trip. Some companies will even assist you in filing a claim with your travel agent if you’re eligible for a refund.
Personal Belongings
Nothing ruins a trip more than losing your private possessions in a foreign place. Baggage delay, theft or vandalism can result in permanent or temporary loss of important items like money and/or legal documents. If you’re ever caught in such a frustrating situation, having first-class coverage is priceless ‘cos you’d need a lot of help getting your credit cards replaced and new official documents issued speedily.
Accident / Death
Most people would buy a plan that provides adequate compensation in the event of an accident or death. But what happens when you’re the cause of the accident or a legal dispute? A comprehensive plan that also gives you civil liability coverage and proper legal advice can protect you better if you’re ever in trouble away from home.
Whether you are an international tourist visiting Montreal, or a Montrealer on the go, do not overlook the importance of sufficient insurance coverage. When things go wrong (and they sometimes will), you’ll be really glad you invested in a good policy.
