PRESS RELEASE: May 1, 2012 - Summer is a popular time for travel, and many Canadian families hit the road on road trips and vacations via air travel to other nations as well as within our borders. Most people look forward to a vacation for a long time, and there is nothing worse than having it ruined by the unexpected. Fortunately, the right travel insurance can lessen the blow, and InsuranceHotline.com helps identify the travel insurance myths that can lead to vacation disasters.
With the kids out of school and the sun shining, summer is a wonderful time for a vacation. Whether for travel inside Canada or to another country – the United States or further abroad – travel insurance can protect vacationers. Unexpected changes to plans, medical emergencies and lost baggage are only a few of the ways a vacation can become a struggle and a financial burden. Many people aren’t aware of why they need travel insurance, and may believe some of the myths surrounding it. Get the facts from InsuranceHotline.com on these five travel insurance myths.
Myth #1: Travel insurance is only needed outside Canada. While it’s true that travel inside Canada presents a lesser risk of financial trouble, that doesn’t mean the risk does not exist. The provinces have a reciprocal agreement that allows visitors to another province seek emergency medical treatment without cost, but that does not mean all costs are covered – some things are still out-of-pocket. And trip cancellation and interruption coverage can save a lot of money even inside Canada – a trip across the country can be pricey.
Myth #2: Airlines cover costs for cancelled flights. Unfortunately, airlines often do not help out with the costs incurred by travelers when a flight is cancelled due to weather. The overnight stay in a hotel, food and even rebooking of a flight if necessary will fall to the traveler to cover. Travel insurance, however, will make sure everything is taken care of.
Myth #3: Short trips don’t require insurance. The risk of an accident or injury isn’t decreased by the length of time of the trip. An accident can as easily occur on a weekend trip to the United States as on a long trip to Europe. And if the incident requires critical care and the injured person can’t be moved, it could mean a long stay in a foreign hospital before transportation home is possible. That can add up a financial disaster quickly.
Myth #4: If it’s an emergency, bookings will be refunded. Unfortunately, many hotels, airlines and attractions simply are not that understanding. Even if the hotel isn’t paid for in advance, cancellation rules could cost you one night or the entire stay. And airline tickets, attraction tickets and other pre-paid travel plans are rarely refundable. Travel insurance is often the only way to get that money back. For a long trip where many things have been paid for in advance, not carrying travel insurance can cost thousands.
Myth #5: Travel insurance is too expensive, especially for multiple trips and families. Although insurance is often viewed as something pricey that must be paid for even if it isn’t used, travel insurance is actually very affordable compared to the potential costs of not carrying it. And with companies offering multi-trip policies good for an entire year as well as family policies covering everyone under one plan, it is the most affordable way to get peace of mind on that summer vacation.
"The truth is that travel insurance is a smart choice every time you travel, inside Canada or abroad," Tammy Ezer of InsuranceHotline.com says, "But outside of Canada it’s not just a smart choice, it’s vital." A clear understanding of these common myths makes it easy to see why buying travel insurance is such a smart choice. Get travel insurance quotes well ahead of time to ensure everything is in place for a great summer getaway.
