CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) says a recent member survey has unveiled concerning statistics regarding the lack of travel insurance awareness and preparedness. Despite the financial risks associated with travelling unprotected, the survey found that 40 percent of CAA members in Ontario who travel don’t always purchase emergency medical travel insurance, highlighting a potential vulnerability.
“In a world of uncertainties, our survey highlights a critical gap in travel preparedness among Ontarians,” says Kaitlynn Furse, director of corporate communications at CAA SCO.
The survey also discovered that almost a quarter of respondents (23%) ventured on their last trip outside the province without any form of travel insurance, exposing themselves to potential financial burdens in case of emergencies. Additionally, 33% of people who travel with travel insurance relied on the coverage provided by their credit cards, raising concerns about coverage limitations, especially for those over 65.
In response to these findings, CAA SCO is conducting its inaugural CAA Travel Wise Week this week to emphasize the crucial importance of travel insurance education. The campaign aims to inform and educate Ontarians on the risks associated with inadequate coverage and provide valuable insights into securing appropriate protection for their travel adventures.
According to claims data from Orion Travel Insurance, the average cost of a medical claim has increased by 14% since 2019.
“Costs associated with everything from an ear infection to the use of an air ambulance have risen over the last few years due to medical inflation, underscoring the continued importance of travel insurance for life’s unexpected complications,” says Furse.
As part of CAA Travel Wise Week, CAA SCO also curated a list of the top 10 tips to help individuals stay protected against common travel concerns:
- Make sure all documentation is in order before booking: It is recommended passport renewals be completed six months before a planned trip and passports should still be valid six months after the travel date, as this is required in several countries.
- Read up on Government of Canada travel advisories for the destination: Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. Individual travel advisories remain on a country-by-country basis.
- Speak with a physician to discuss any travel plans: Speak to your physician to ensure you are up to date with needed travel vaccines and have them prescribe enough medication for the length of your trip. Ensure all the medication you take is packed in your carry-on and in its original bottles with labels intact.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking: To lock in the best protection, book travel insurance as booking the trip to provide peace of mind that both traveller and investment are protected. Insurance must be in place before things go wrong to benefit from coverage.
- Know the cancellation policies for everything booked: Make sure to understand any key dates related to cancellation and changes; this includes accommodation, flights, car rentals, tours, cruises.
- Get to the airport early: CAA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flight departures and at least three for international flights.
- Check limits or restrictions: Travel insurance is often touted as a perk for certain credit cards but can be drastically limited to both benefits and the sum insured. Check limits or age restrictions on credit cards, employee benefits, and pensions to determine if you need additional travel insurance coverage.
- Stay connected: It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling in order to monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad. Find these and more information at www.caasco.com/travel
- Note emergency contact numbers: The travel agent should have contact details and keep all important phone numbers handy; this includes how to call for help and the travel insurance assistance phone number.
- Protect your ID: Carry a digital and paper version of the travel insurance wallet card, tickets to various events and attractions, and even passport. Leave a copy of important paperwork with family members or friends.