Tips to shop around for the policy that best meets your needs.

Have you ever experienced feeling "overwhelmed" in looking for travel insurance? 

If so, you are not alone. There are so many types of plans from different insurance companies. So what do you do? Follow these steps.

Steps to find travel insurance that meets your needs

1) Understand what travel medical insurance is.
http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/insurance/brochures/Pages/brochure_shopfortravel.aspx
2) Choose a couple of plans to compare.  Read each policy carefully.  If it's not on the website, ask for it.
3) Do not just look at price. Make sure to choose the policy of sufficient coverage.
4) Ask questions to an expert.


The following questions also will help you to go through the process.

Travel Medical Insurance Check-list(source:FSCO)

• Do I already have sufficient coverage through my credit cards, employee benefits, etc.?
• What is the maximum each policy will pay above Ontario medical insurance limits?
• Is there an age limit or medical criteria for who can apply?
• Does age affect the kind of coverage I can expect?
• How does the policy define a pre-existing condition? Will a pre-existing condition of mine affect my coverage?
• Are there any medical exclusions that apply to me?
• Will I have to pay a deductible? If so, how much?
• Does the policy contain a co-payment clause? What percentage of medical expenses will I have to pay?
• Will the insurance company pay the hospital or physician directly? Or will I have to pay the full amount myself, and then be reimbursed later by the company?
• Does the policy exclude any sports or activities I plan to do on my trip?
• Do I need approval from the company before seeking medical treatment?
• Does the company offering the policy provide a toll-free, 24-hour help line that I can call in an emergency?
• What if I want to stay away longer than originally planned? Can I extend my policy to cover me for the extra time I’m out of Canada, and how do I make the necessary arrangements?

Still not sure? Pleasure to help you. Contact us info@biis.ca 

Source:Finance Services Commission of Ontario(FSCO)

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/insurance/brochures/Pages/brochure_shopfortravel.aspx

Top 25 Beaches

This is Woolacombe.....

While the summer may feel a long way off there is no better time to start planning your holiday than now. And where better to go than the world’s best beach, Brazil’s Baia do Sancho.

Trip Advisor have announced the winners of its Travellers Choice awards for the best beaches. Completing the top ten were beaches from Italy, Spain, Puerto Rico and Greece.

.....this is Baia do Sancho....Brazil.

Out of the 2,333 reviews of Baia do Sancho, 2,193 were rated at five star. Although some holidaymakers complained that the beach had “poor access”, others said it was “worth the effort to get down”. Access to the beach requires you to either climb down a set of metal ladders or walk a kilometre via the Bay of Dolphins where, on occasion, hundreds of dolphins can be seen.

One reviewer described the beach as “paradise”, adding: “Wonderful beach and wonderful view from the top of the hill. Going down the stairs between the rocks is not as difficult as I thought.”

Here is the top ten:

1. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

3. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy

4. Playa Paraiso Beach, Cayo Largo, Cuba

5. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

6. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles

7. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

8. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

10. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Crete, Greece

Surprisingly, coming thirteenth was Britain’s very own Woolacombe beach, a popular surfing hotspot on the coast of Devon. Woolacombe was also rated the fourth best beach in Europe.

The results were determined by the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings gathered by the travel website in the last 12 months.

If you want to see the complete list click HERE

For Travel Insurance, quotes and tips, click HERE

A Timely Reminder......

.....A reminder before you start booking your holidays and before you depart....from The Foreign Office...

* Get a good guidebook and find out about your destination. Especially make sure you know about local laws and customs

* Tell family and friends where you're going and leave them your contact details or use an online storage centre with secure access

* Note the details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. In the event of any major crisis, the FO provide advice and updates - see the web addresses at the end of this piece.

Insurance

*Get Comprehensive Travel Cover, for example, with Holsure, and check it covers all the activities that you want to undertake. Make sure your policy covers:
Air Ambulance
All Medical Bills
Any Pre-Existing Conditions
Any Potentially Hazardous Sports Activities
Bringing A Body Home in the event of death
Replacing and/or transporting your car home

Stay Healthy

Check what vaccinations you need
Check any medication you take is legal in the country you're going to. Pack it in hand luggage
Take a copy of the prescription with you - and maybe a Doctor's letter
Make sure you take your EHIC card if travelling in Europe

Passports and Visas

Check your passport is valid. Some airlines and operators may require a minimum of six months remaining at return date. Make a note of your passport number, or better still take a photocopy and leave it with a friend or add it to your secure message centre online.

Make sure next of kin is noted on your passport.
Check with the FO website to see if you need a visa
Take another means of ID as well as your passport (Driving Licence) and keep it separate

KEEP THESE SECURE AT ALL TIMES

Drugs

Avoid any involvement with all illegal drugs - the penalties are severe and could include the death penalty.

Don't carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people.

Money

Make sure you have enough for emergencies
Find out if Travellers Cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep the numbers recorded.
Check the expiry dates of credit and debit cards
Use a money belt or secure inside pocket. Do not openly display cash
Don't carry all your cards with you all the time
If any cash, passports etc are stolen - ALWAYS report to the police as you will need a number to claim back from your travel insurance.

Consular Assistance

Make a note of the local British Consulate number - they will always help in times of need

Safety

As in the UK, be alert and observant, report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to the police. You can call 121 in any European Country.

BE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY, YOU'VE PROBABLY WORKED HARD FOR IT.

FOREIGN OFFICE WEBSITE
HOLSURETRAVEL INSURANCE

Medical Expenses in U.S. - Based on real claims.

Medical expenses in United States are notorious for being astronomical figures. 
But, do you really know how much it cost you?

Insurance Company RSA Travel Insurance is disclosing medical cost you'll be billed if not covered with travel insurance. Those numbers are persuasive as they're based on the real claims.


Case A - She's 42 years old. While driving with her friend in US, she runs a stop sign resulting in whiplash and a broken arm. 


Here's the cost breakdown.
-Hospital Stay for 3 days from $12,900(Buffalo) to $29,100(Detroit)
-Physician from2,000(Buffalo) to $4,400(Detroito)
-Ambulance average $1,000
-Incidentals(meals, accomodations for her friend, etc.) about $1,500
TOTAL COST $17,400 - $36,000

If she purchased travel insurance at $32, the cost would be $0.




Case B - He's is a healthy active young man residing in Manitoba. He travels to top ski destinations around the world. Despite he's a good skier, he breaks is leg during a ski trip.

Here's the average cost for hospital one night stay, cast medications, physician, ambulance, incidentals(meals), and repatriation.

Canada out of home province(*)  $1,400
Zermatt, Switzerland    $13,300
Killington, VT               $27,800
 Aspen, CO                  $55,700
Squaw Valley, CA         $67,900

TOTAL COST RANGE FROM $1,400-$67,900.
With purchase of travel insurance at $25-35, the cost would be down to $0.



Now we're on the same page. It's no use crying over split milk. Protect yourself & enjoy your trip!Need to know more? Contact us: info@biis.ca


Source:RSA Travel Insurance Inc.
http://www.rsatravelpartners.com/article/2014-11-27/infographic-claims-profile-driver-edition
http://www.rsatravelpartners.com/article/2014-10-29/infographic-claims-profile-ski-edition

(*) Average of Whilstler, BC and Mont-Tremblant, QC

Scotland - A Wonderful Country To Visit.

The Quiraing

As most of you know, I'm in love with Scotland, so here's a piece I found recently, if this doesn't convince you that the wonderful country is worth a visit

Scotland has got way more going for it than just kilts and bagpipes.

The country is seeping in history and has miles upon miles of gorgeous landscapes.

It’s home to a relatively diverse terrain, complete with tall mountains, several islands, sea-side cliffs, and lush forests.

The geography makes for an absolutely stunning country and a perfect setting for photos, as you can clearly see below.

1. The Quiraing

The Quiraing is a landslip on the Eastern face of Meall na Suirmach on the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge. It’s the only part of the slip that is still moving.

2. The West Highland Line train passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

This legendary train is also known as the Hogwarts Express Train, as it was used in the Harry Potter movies. The line winds through gorgeous settings, including highland valleys and besides lochs.

3. Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland

Kilchurn castle sits on a rocky peninsula on the northeastern end of Loch Awe. During periods of higher than usual levels of water, the site becomes an island.

4. Rannoch Moor in the valley of Glen Coe

This large expanse of boggy moorland, west of Loch Rannoch, is notable for its wildlife.

5. Trotternish Ridge

As one of the finest ridge traverses in Britain, Trotternish Ridge offers some unsurpassable views.

 6. Fingal’s Cave

This sea cave can be found on the uninhabited island of Staffa. Its unique structure is formed by hexagonally jointed basalt.

7. Bluebell Path in Perthshire

A stunning bluebell path can be found in Perthshire. In the spring, the woodland floor turns into a carpet of blue.

8. Isle of Skye

The Isle of Sky is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Its rocky slopes provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

9. Dunnottar Castle

This ruined medieval fortress lies on a rocky headland on the north east coast of Scotland. The ruins span over 3.5 acres and are surrounded by steep cliffs that drop into the North Sea.

10. Finnich Glen

Also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, Finnich Glen is about 30 minutes away from Glasgow. According to local lore, the gorge used to be used by druids as a secret meeting place.

11. Loch Chon

This freshwater loch lies to the West of the village of Aberfoyle. It’s fed by several small streams.

12. Kilt Rock

Kilt rock is sea cliff in east Trotternish that, as its name suggests, is said to resemble a kilt.

13. Fall in the Scottish highlands

Gorgeous fall hues color the land in the autumn, tinging the Scottish highlands with oranges, yellows, and reds.

14. Scenic bridges straight out of a fairy tail

There are many rustic-looking bridges in Scotland that seem like they jumped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.

15. Rock formations on the island of Staffa

6 miles west of Isle of Mull lies the breathtaking island of Staffa, which features great basalt columns and deep caves.

Don't forget, for Travel Insurance quotes, including around the UK - click HERE

What is not covered by GHIP

It is well known that prescribed drugs and dentistry are not covered by Government Health Insurance Plan(GHIP). But there's more exclusion. The following is a summary of an article from CBC website.

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1) Ambulance Fees

- Most provinces charge a user fee of $45 to more than $500.

- Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador also charge a user fee for transportation between hospitals.

2) Hospital Parking

- It can be expensive for patients who need regular treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis.

-Parking fees are a major revenue source for many hospitals, and the rates have been rising across the country.

3) Crutches, wheelchairs

- Crutches, casts,canes can cost you.
- Wheelchairs, walkers and hearing aids are also not covered, though some provinces have programs to help offset the costs.

4) Paperwork

- Getting those from doctors are not covered: Medical files, prescription refills, insurance or disability forms, or medical notes for school or work.

5) Medically Unnecessary procedures

- Wart removal (which can cost you $50 or more) 
- Treatment of varicose veins 
- Infant circumcision (which typically costs between $200 and $500)
- In some provinces, an annual physical exam is not covered
- Cosmetic procedures- Vaccinations needed for travel.

Source:CBC website

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/5-medical-costs-you-may-have-to-pay-for-1.2945539

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The article on CBC website points out downside of this system; " A Marketplace survey found that 42 per cent of Canadians say they might delay calling an ambulance because of the cost."  It is so unfortunate if you have to think of cost when your life is in crisis.  Extended Health Care provided by private insurance companies will ease your mind.

It also should be noted that prices for those medical expenses vary from province to province.For instance, a traveller who has BC MSP will have to pay $240 if he is to call 9-1-1 for a land ambulance service in Ontario. If this happened in his home province, the cost will be $130. This is why Provincial Governments encourage Canadians who travel across Canada to obtain additional private medical insurance.  No worries. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance at a good price for Within Canada Only travelers.

Purchase insurance today for your peace of mind.  Call us and we can help you!

Questions? Contact us info@biis.ca