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.

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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.

There are so many unpleasant things about getting on a plane. The way your body feels when you land tops the list. One of our best tips for easing muscle tension in-flight involves T Spheres aromatherapy massage balls. We asked our pal, T Spheres creator Stephanie Whittier, for five easy tips that can work with any small ball that you like to stash in your travel bag. 

1. Hands: Start by taking a deep breathe, allowing the aromatherapy to start working on the central nervous system. Next, squeeze T Spheres (or any small but firm balls) in your hands — for anxiety and palm reflex points. This will ignite the internal mechanisms of the self-healing system (homeostasis) to relax. Great for take off and landing.
2. Upper Torso: Gently roll T Spheres (one or both) across your chest, neck, and arms. This generates blood flow and calms the nervous system.
3. Back: Place T Spheres behind you between your shoulder blades and the seat. Take a normal breath and push your back into the balls to release aches for instant destress and anxiety relief. Add a slight side-to-side movement, placing the ball in different spots along your back until you find the spot that feels best.
4. Thighs: Hold a ball in each hand and place hands palm-down on the side of each thigh. Gently push into tension points up and down thighs. This is great for thrombosis prevention and general leg stimulation.
5. Feet: Place T Spheres under your feet and, using your body weight for pressure, roll your foot across the balls — back and forth and side to side and any way that feels good. You’ll work your body’s reflex points of major organs, muscles, and the spine when you press down on the sensitive areas. By releasing tension here, you release tension all over.

These moves, by the way, aren’t limited to the plane. You can do them at your desk, in your hotel, in a taxi. Wherever you happen to be feeling tense — and don’t mind if people around you see your rolling in action.

The post HOW TO FLY STRESS-FREE first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.

Whether you are taking a trip across the border or driving to another province, the only way to ensure that you are protected in case of an emergency is by purchasing a travel insurance policy for your trip.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care states that “typically [OHIP] coverage (while out-of-province but within Canada) is for physician and hospital services only. Therefore, when travelling outside of Ontario but within Canada, the ministry recommends that you obtain private supplementary health insurance for non-physician/non-hospital services.”

Although you will have a limited amount of coverage through OHIP while you’re in another province, the amount of money you may need to pay for services not covered by OHIP, such as ambulance service, will typically be more than the cost of a travel insurance policy.

An example is the helicopter ambulance is covered under OHIP in Ontario but that is not so in all province and you could get a bill for up to $25,000 if medical emergency required it.

I have credit card coverage! Important: Some credit cards only offer accidental death insurance, which does not provide medical travel insurance if you become sick or injured on your trip.

If you already own a card and are about to travel, it might be worth a quick call to your card provider to ensure that you and any dependents are properly covered for the duration of your trip. Just because it’s included as a perk doesn’t automatically mean that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Credit card insurance can be a great thing for a lot of people but just like traditional travel insurance, not every card is right for every traveller.

On top of that, depending on your card you might not be covered for pre-existing conditions or even be covered at all if you’ve been admitted to a hospital or had a change in your health in the past 6 months. That’s why it’s just as important  to choose the right credit card as it choosing a travel insurance policy. It also vital that you read the fine print on your card before leaving.

Call Glenn at 1.888.256.8685 to get help.

The post TAKING A TRIP TO ANOTHER PROVINCE? TRAVEL INSURANCE IS A MUST first appeared on Insurance - Disability, Estate, Critical Illness, Travel, Life - Glenn Stewart.