With the end of Ontario’s limited Out-of-Country Travelers Program Ontario’s people travelling abroad will NOW need Travel Insurance including the Snowbirds or just going shopping in Buffalo.

For travel out of the country health costs can escalate quickly, and the province’s program was never intended as a substitute for a more comprehensive travel insurance package.

The Province was previously providing $400 a day which is not a huge amount towards the expensive medical care in other countries.  Even a one day shopping trip across the border can result in medical expenses that accumulate quickly. You may stop for lunch and something you eat causes an allergic reaction.  Some states charge for a paramedic arriving at the scene followed by the costs for tests and a hospital stay.  The same thing would happen if you were in a car accident even if you were not at fault.

Ontario’s website observes that insured Ontario residents will continue to receive coverage for physician and hospital services when visiting or moving to another Canadian province or territory. For those travelling outside the country, the Ontario government states: “Ontarians travelling abroad are always encouraged to purchase the appropriate travel insurance coverage in the event emergency health and doctor services are needed out of country. Many Ontarians already have travel health insurance through their workplace plans or credit cards.”

People do get coverage under their employee benefits but is it enough? They may feel that they have coverage through the credit card that they used to purchase the trip, but is it enough?  Does the credit card coverage cover only the credit card holder?  Does it cover the family and their travelling companions?  There is a great deal to think about when questioning your travel coverage.

It is suggested that you purchase a MULTI-TRIP ANNUAL PLAN!

Glenn suggests you buy a Multi-Trip Annual Travel Policy that gives you 15 or 30-day coverage serval times a year.

WHAT IS A MULTI-TRIP ANNUAL PLAN:

• • Designed for frequent travelers and Snowbirds
  • Coverage for an unlimited number of trips in a policy year
  • Choose between 15 and 30 days of coverage
  • Extend coverage on a daily basis with a Single Trip Emergency Medical Coverage

   

  NOW call Glenn for your multi-trip Travel Policy at 1-888-256-8685 or glenn@glennstewartinsurance.com

The post AS ONTARIO’S OUT-OF-COUNTRY HEALTH COVERAGE HAS ENDED first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BECOME ILL

TO MAKE A CLAIM ON YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Contact Glenn now for a FREE Consultation

The post $8,000 TO $9,000 TRAVEL CLAIM first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BECOME ILL

TO MAKE A CLAIM ON YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Contact Glenn now for a FREE Consultation

The post $500,000 TRAVEL CLAIM first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

CANADA: THE VACATION DESTINATION FOR 2017

The New York Times has named Canada the top vacation destination for 2017. According to the renowned daily, Canada is a world in itself. Canada’s cosmopolitan cities, charming villages, and natural landscapes mean there is always something new to see without spending endless hours on the road!

Canada celebrates 2017

A host of activities for the entire family are in place to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation and the 375^th anniversary of Montreal. For example, Parks Canada is offering free admission to its national parks, which attract thousands of visitors each year, in summer and winter alike.

It looks like Canadians are taking them up on the offer. According to a recent survey, a good majority plan to travel in Canada this year.

Good news!

79% of Canadians expect to travel this year among which 60% will travel in Canada, and most will travel by car.

But sadly,
53% do not plan to take out travel insurance.
46% say they do not need it and think they are covered by the public plan in their province.

You know they’re mistaken. OHIP even has a caution on its website. In the interest of your clients, tell them they need travel insurance!

BLUE CROSS TRAVEL INSURANCE PRODUCTS

FOR THE HAPPY-GO-LUCKY TRAVELLER, SUMMERTIME BLUE^® IS AN EASY SOLUTION

Summertime Blue^®, convenient and affordable
Summertime Blue is so affordable it would be crazy not to buy it, especially since medical costs outside Ontario, even within Canada, can be sky high.

Policies start at just $165 for an entire summer of family travel. Summertime Blue covers emergency medical treatment, emergency transportation costs, and medical followup in Canada.

Summertime Blue is essential and valid worldwide. It covers all travel, whether planned or last minute, from June 5 to September 5, 2017.

FOR THE CAREFUL TRAVELLER, COMPLETE COVERAGE WITH THE CANADA PACKAGE PLAN

The Canada Plan, for good health and great vacations
Many provinces have world-famous resorts and natural spaces. Visiting them may be pricey, but the memories will last a lifetime! When helping your clients plan a one-of-a-kind trip, suggest the Canada Package Plan. It covers emergency medical care and, if they cancel, any nonrefundable costs paid in advance. The Canada Package Plan is also available without trip cancellation coverage.

Summertime Blue and Canada Package plans are available now.

For more information : 1-888-256-8685

The post SUMMERTIME BLUE – BLUE CROSS first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

No Medical Questionnaires: Required if you

Features of Coverage are

• Total Coverage limit is $5 million
• Hospitalization, medical and paramedical services
• Transportation of a relative to your bedside
• Meals and accommodations
• Emergency air ambulance, Emergency return home
• Repatriation of deceased
• Medical follow-up in Canada – exclusive to Blue Cross.

Eligibility

Note Blue Cross eligibility (5 knock out Questions) are much more flexible than most Travel Insurers. Some Insurers will not insure people if bypass or bypass surgery was done more than 10(12) years ago. Other would decline coverage if a person if in the last 3 years was diagnosed with or treated for conditions as heart condition, stroke or diabetes. Some would even decline a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA). Blue Cross approves coverage for all of these if you can answer no to 5 knock out Questions above.

Call Glenn 1-888.256.8685

are 55-75 years of age and travelling for less than 32 days and can answer no to the following questions.

The post NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

A British grandfather misses his great-granddaughter’s birthday party in Nova Scotia. A comedian doesn’t make it to a Toronto gig. Canadians with dual citizenship face logistical headaches when they try to head home for the holidays.

In each case, Canada’s recently implemented electronic travel authorization (eTA) policy is getting the blame. Citizens of more than 50 countries who can visit Canada without a visa now need to complete an electronic screening before they’re allowed to get on the plane.

Read the full article here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/electronic-travel-authorization-eta-explainer-1.3921453

The post ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

Most people are aware of the need for emergency medical travel insurance when travelling outside of Canada. However, many are not aware that travel insurance is also needed when travelling within Canada, but outside their province of residence.

Going Skiing or snowboarding for holidays in Alberta, British Columbia or Quebec. Or travelling to visit relatives in another province.

Here are some items not covered by OHIP in other provinces: Emergency Medical, Emergency Air Ambulance, Emergency Return home, Meals & Accomodations, Transportation of a relative to bedside, Return of pet, vehicle, and baggage, Return of deceased Cremation or burial at place of death, Accidental death and dismemberment, Accidental Dental, Dental Emergencies, Nurse Services, ID theft recovery, Physiotherapist, chiropractor, Osteopath, or podiatrist, Prescription medication, Ambulatory Services, Laboratory test, X-rays and diagnostic work, Rental of crutches, splints, braces, and other prosthetics. Also, OHIP only pays $400 CAD / day (in-patient) $150 / day (out-patient) Ward accommodation while hospitalized.

The provincial government health insurance plans (OHIP) do not cover the entire cost of emergency medical claims outside of your province of residence. Although there are reciprocal agreements between most provinces with respect to health insurance, these agreements generally cover medically necessary eligible physician and hospital services only. Thus, provincial governments recommend that you buy out-of-province travel coverage.

Some out-of-province expenses not covered by OHIP so why risk big financial loss. Buy Travel insurance it is cheaper.

The post TRAVEL COVERAGE WITHIN CANADA first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

The following sub conditions would be covered for cardiovascular without prompting a full MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE.

• Heart Attack
• Bypass-even if it was done 25 years ago
• Angioplasty/stent
• Pacemaker
• Valvular Disease/ Valve replacement
• TIA/Stroke

If you are 75 years of age and travelling less 32 days or less no medical questionnaire is required.

Coverage:

• Total Coverage Amount is $5 million
• Hospitalization, medical and paramedical services
• Transportation of a relative to your bedside
• Meals and accommodations
• Emergency air ambulance, Emergency return home
• Repatriation of deceased
• Medical follow-up in Canada – exclusive to Blue Cross.

Snowbird Recap

For starters, Blue Cross eligibility (knock out questions) are much more flexible than most of competitors. Some of our competitors will not insure people if bypass or bypass surgery were done more than 10(12) years ago, Others would be declined coverage if the person in the last 3 years was diagnosed with or treated for conditions such as Heart condition, stroke and diabetes. Some would even decline for a stroke or mini stroke (TIA). At Blue Cross all the above are eligible for coverage.

For Snowbird Insurance Coverage call Glenn at 1.888.256.8685

The post SNOWBIRD INSURANCE first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

August 2, 2016

Rio Olympic Games visitors urged to take ‘sensible precautions’ against Zika virus

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading Canadian travel insurance and assistance provider and a company of Allianz Worldwide Partners, suggests precautions Olympic and Paralympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks and enjoy the festivities more safely.

More than 7 million tourists will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to enjoy the XXXI Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place from August 5th to 20th. Allianz Global Assistance suggests some practical measures Olympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks to their health and safety, and to help them enjoy the Rio Olympic Games to the fullest.

“Visitors from all over the world will go to Brazil to celebrate Olympic values and the achievements of the most incredible champions. Most will come back home with plenty of marvelous memories, but a few may have some unpleasant experiences. In order for the festivities to be unforgettable for everyone, there are a few precautions to be taken,” reminds Dr Laurent Verner, Group Chief Medical Officer at Allianz Worldwide Partners.

Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses

Zika is spreading fast and, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should consult their family doctor before travelling to Zika-affected regions, including Brazil.

Other mosquito-transmitted illnesses present in Brazil are dengue fever and malaria. The most effective way of avoiding any of them is to protect against mosquito bites:

• apply repellents to both body and clothing;
• wear clothing that covers the arms and legs;
• stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, (early in the morning and at sunset);
• avoid areas with stagnant water;

Travel clinics can also prescribe medication to protect against malaria and dengue fever.

Infectious diseases

• Vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended. Protection from vaccination lasts for up to 10 years, but must be given at least 10 days before travelling (where it is the primary vaccine) and must be spaced apart from other types of vaccine or booster shots.
• Standard vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should also be up to date;
• Depending on the length of stay, vaccinations against typhoid and viral hepatitis A and B, are advisable. Family doctors should be consulted for up-to-date advice.

Medical care and assistance

Medical costs in Brazil are high. For example, medical treatment for a broken leg in Rio de Janeiro could cost between $8,000 and $9,000 CAD.

Be sure to purchase travel insurance from a trusted provider, review your policy in detail and understand your coverage before travelling.

Crime

Rio de Janeiro has a high crime rate. Visitors should avoid wearing visibly-branded clothing in the downtown area. On the beach, keep a watchful eye on your belongings and ask your companions to look after them if you decide to go for a swim. Watch out for gangs of children: a common ploy is for them to pretend to be in a scuffle, but then break apart and snatch valuables from onlookers.

Rio de Janeiro, the carnival capital of the world, is surrounded by lower-income neighbourhoods called “favelas.” If you decide to visit them, you should only do so with an official guide.

Sun exposure

Travellers from the northern hemisphere who are not used to the strength of the sun in Brazil may not realize until too late how harmful it can be.  Over-exposure to the sun can cause fever and nausea, as well as long-term damage to the skin. To reduce the risk of damage:

• apply high-protection sun screen;
• wear a hat or cap;
• drink plenty of water;
• limit physical activities in the heat of the sun;
• use a fan;
• spend no more than a few minutes in the sun between 12 noon and 4pm.

Emergency numbers in Rio de Janeiro

• dial 192 to call an ambulance;
• call 193 for the emergency fire and rescue service;
• contact your assistance or insurance company as soon as possible after any incident for help and support.

More useful advice

For additional advice to help you stay safe while travelling to Rio de Janeiro, visit the Canadian Government’s travel website.

The post RIO OLYMPIC GAMES VISITORS URGED TO TAKE ‘SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS’ AGAINST ZIKA VIRUS first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

FOR CANADIANS WHO KNOW THEY ARE HEADING SOUTH THIS WINTER

EARLY-BIRD SALE IS ONLY DURING – AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

go to

GMS TRAVELSTAR® TRAVEL PLANS

APPLY ONLINE NOW

It’s good to be early. If you’re a bird, you get the worm.

5% ‘Early-Bird’ Discount on both single-trip and multi-trip annual emergency medical coverage will be automatically applied to purchases made from August 1st through September 30th 2016.

Ways to save even more

Our Companion Discount gives clients travelling with their spouse and/or dependants on the same application a 5% discount on each person’s Single-Trip Emergency Medical Plan premium. If they buy during the Early-Bird sale period, their combined savings will be 10%.

For Single-Trip Emergency Medical coverage, clients can choose from deductible options of $0, $250, $1,000 or $5,000 to suit their budget and their needs.

The post EARLY-BIRD SALE first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.