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By Dan O’Fee
According to Statistics Canada, hundreds of thousands of Canadians spend over a month in southern U.S. states each year, and those numbers are rising.
As temperatures begin to drop this time of year, many snowbirds are preparing for their annual journey south. But along with packing swim trunks, your passport and favourite pair of walking shoes, here are five things to consider in order to make sure you are properly insured while away from home:
Find a travel insurance plan that suits your needs
Many Canadians make the mistake of believing that simply purchasing travel insurance is enough to protect their health while on vacation. However travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and depending on the policy you’ve selected, there may be limitations. Taking time to purchase a tailored plan that meets your needs will ensure you’re covered in the event of an emergency. And you could potentially avoid a lot of stress while away with just a single call.
If purchasing a new policy, don’t forget to disclose pre-existing conditions, such as pace-makers or stents that could require attention while away. Being upfront can ensure better coverage tailored to you. Prior to leaving, make a list for easy reference about recent illnesses and long-standing conditions to discuss with your broker. Failing to do so could impact your claim if you require out-of-country medical assistance (and could be an unforeseen additional cost)
Consider increasing your coverage
According to a recent study by Western Financial Group, nearly one in three Recreational Vehicle (RV) owners say they spend 40 nights or more each year in their RV, yet one in five RV owners say they are not sure what their RV insurance covers.
Additional coverage is often recommended for customers traveling to the U.S. to account for different requirements south of the border. Before heading out on the road, talk to your broker to ensure you understand the limitations of your coverage and to ensure your family is protected in the event of an accident.
Know where you are covered
While your regular travel insurances likely includes the U.S., it may not extend into Mexico or Central America. If there is a chance you’ll take a spontaneous trip, make sure you talk to your broker about what package will cover you in that region.
Prepare your paperwork
Make a copy of your auto, home, and travel insurance policies, your healthcare card, and your broker’s direct contact information to have with you at all times in the event your wallet is stolen (or documents damaged).
In addition, leave copies of each of these documents with a family member or friend at home. These extra copies will be useful in the event of an emergency, or if you are unable to access the copies you brought.
And if you are towing a vehicle or motorbike, make sure all vehicles are properly licensed, have the correct plates, and are properly attached.
Know your contents
While it’s not as fun as exchanging currency or practicing your camera-ready smile—making a detailed list of what you are bringing as you pack is also good practice. In the event of damage or loss, you’ll have an accurate picture of what contents were on board (it is also difficult for most of us to recall these things when experiencing stress and emotions during an emergency). This list will help speed up the process of making claims, and ensure you don’t forget to include anything of value.
Is securing your home on your “to-do” list?
Lastly, don’t forget to secure your home. As temperatures drop, the risk for weather-related damage such as a pipe burst increases. If you are going on a long trip, consider shutting off the water in advance and draining the pipes to avoid major problems. Make arrangements with a family member or friend to regularly check the basement for water or gas leaks, to bring in mail and newspapers, and to ensure that windows and doors haven’t been tampered with.
It’s not common knowledge, but many insurance policies require that someone checks your home as often as every four days or your coverage may become void. The best advice to avoid a costly situation is to call your insurance provider before leaving for an extended period of time. After that you can really sit back and enjoy your trip care-free.
Dan O’Fee is the Branch Manager at Western Financial Group (Kelowna, BC).