Hello,
Summer holidays are almost over and we're all in the process of gearing up for Fall. As the weather changes, Canadians plan different vacations. With fewer family travellers, Snowbirds become key consumers over the next few months.
Talking with this group tends to be more involved, as the large majority of Snowbirds require the completion of a health questionnaire, and many have pre-existing medical conditions. Bridges International is dedicated to making travel insurance easy for you and purchasing travel insurance easy for the clients. So whether it's a family of four or a couple in their 60's, it's easy with Bridges International.
Our system enables a quick and easy application process, saving both your valuable time. We provide all the information and support you need, so having our policies is a smooth procedure. Clients under 60 don't have to answer medical questions during the application process. Clients over 60 fill out a simple medical health questionnaire to determine rate, not eligibility
Make Bridges International your partner of choice. After all, not all plans are created equal!
Aside from our comprehensive products, our partners bring over 45 years experience and expertise specializing exclusively in travel insurance. As your travel insurance coordinator, we would be more than pleased to assist you in any way possible. We look forward to helping you travel with ease and peace of mind.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Friday, 19 June 2009
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Uncontrolled setbacks shouldn't cost your money!
That's why Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption protection is so essential. This insurance reimburses travel costs if your travel plans are cancelled prior to departure, or if you are disrupted after the trip has begun. After all, sometimes life takes over and travel plans go out the window.
Nobody can predict the future. Unexpected family or medical reasons can force you to call off, change, or even interrupt well–planned trips. Plus, there are other factors that can impact travel plans. In today's unpredictable economy, you may suddenly find yourself out of work. After losing a job, you might not be able to afford the vacation anymore. Fortunately, job loss is a covered risk under Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption insurance(TU depends on insurance company). So you should add this important travel insurance.
That's why Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption protection is so essential. This insurance reimburses travel costs if your travel plans are cancelled prior to departure, or if you are disrupted after the trip has begun. After all, sometimes life takes over and travel plans go out the window.
Nobody can predict the future. Unexpected family or medical reasons can force you to call off, change, or even interrupt well–planned trips. Plus, there are other factors that can impact travel plans. In today's unpredictable economy, you may suddenly find yourself out of work. After losing a job, you might not be able to afford the vacation anymore. Fortunately, job loss is a covered risk under Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption insurance(TU depends on insurance company). So you should add this important travel insurance.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Canadians Lagging Behind Worldwide Travelers for Travel Insurance
Survey results from pollsters Ipsos Reid and on-line travel community TripAdvisor published earlier this summer have found that Canadian leisure travelers are not protecting themselves while away from home. Moreover, Canadians are lagging behind travelers in other parts of the world.
Is this due to a lack of understanding of the benefits of proper travel insurance coverage, or is there more to this disturbing trend that is placing Canadians at greater risk of financial and medical hazard? It would appear that for many, Canada’s long-standing faith in the country’s healthcare system may be to blame.
Ipsos Reid polled more than 2,200 Canadians in the spring of 2008 and found that 50.1 per cent of them who travel to the US ‘always of usually’ buy travel insurance. In contrast, results from a worldwide survey of some 3,700 TripAdvisor members found that 75 per cent of worldwide respondents, and 60 per cent of US respondents, purchased travel insurance in the last year. Why such a disparity on coverage?
In part, it’s due to our mistaken belief that our existing provincial medical coverage will protect us should we need it abroad, or anywhere else in the country. Yet the reality is that our universal healthcare system only covers a fraction of any medical emergency outside of a traveler’s home province, not to mention it’s also very different from one region of the country to the next.
For example, some of the highest coverage rates for medical expenses come from the Maritime provinces, whereas some of the lowest can be found in British Columbia where residents rarely receiver more than $75 a day for emergency medical costs.
Due to these regional differences, the Ipsos Reid survey found that as many as 60 per cent of all British Columbians polled purchased travel insurance for travel to the US, whereas only 40.7 per cent of Maritimes do. As for inter-provincial travel, only 38.2 per cent of Canadian respondents said they protected themselves with additional travel coverage.
The reality is the most Canadians are not positioned to pay out thousands of dollars in hospital bills or expect to have to deal with the disappointing loss of their hard-earned vacation due to cancellations or interruptions. It’s true that some travelers feel that their employment or credit card insurance plans adequately cover them; however the truth is that most won’t cover up-front payments for things as basic as ambulance fees.
It’s important to learn the benefits of a property-protected vacation. In doing so, travelers will not only continue to turn them as their insurance experts, but they will also benefit from the peace of mind and protection that is so important when away from home.
Is this due to a lack of understanding of the benefits of proper travel insurance coverage, or is there more to this disturbing trend that is placing Canadians at greater risk of financial and medical hazard? It would appear that for many, Canada’s long-standing faith in the country’s healthcare system may be to blame.
Ipsos Reid polled more than 2,200 Canadians in the spring of 2008 and found that 50.1 per cent of them who travel to the US ‘always of usually’ buy travel insurance. In contrast, results from a worldwide survey of some 3,700 TripAdvisor members found that 75 per cent of worldwide respondents, and 60 per cent of US respondents, purchased travel insurance in the last year. Why such a disparity on coverage?
In part, it’s due to our mistaken belief that our existing provincial medical coverage will protect us should we need it abroad, or anywhere else in the country. Yet the reality is that our universal healthcare system only covers a fraction of any medical emergency outside of a traveler’s home province, not to mention it’s also very different from one region of the country to the next.
For example, some of the highest coverage rates for medical expenses come from the Maritime provinces, whereas some of the lowest can be found in British Columbia where residents rarely receiver more than $75 a day for emergency medical costs.
Due to these regional differences, the Ipsos Reid survey found that as many as 60 per cent of all British Columbians polled purchased travel insurance for travel to the US, whereas only 40.7 per cent of Maritimes do. As for inter-provincial travel, only 38.2 per cent of Canadian respondents said they protected themselves with additional travel coverage.
The reality is the most Canadians are not positioned to pay out thousands of dollars in hospital bills or expect to have to deal with the disappointing loss of their hard-earned vacation due to cancellations or interruptions. It’s true that some travelers feel that their employment or credit card insurance plans adequately cover them; however the truth is that most won’t cover up-front payments for things as basic as ambulance fees.
It’s important to learn the benefits of a property-protected vacation. In doing so, travelers will not only continue to turn them as their insurance experts, but they will also benefit from the peace of mind and protection that is so important when away from home.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Outdoor Adventure Travel Comes with Risks
If you enjoy activities like biking, snowboarding, sailing or backpacking, you are not alone.
A recent Canadian Tourism Commission report called almost five and a half million Canadians'soft outdoor adventure enthusiasts'. Activities that rated high withCanadians included wilderness hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing,cycling and kayaking.
During spring break many students and younger Canadians find themselves drawn to these kinds of activities in the United States and other destinations.
Of course, outdoor adventure always carries risk. Provincial medical plans cover only a fraction of medical expenses, and most foreign hospitals and doctors routinely charge thousands of dollars a day. ~We~re finding that these costs add up very quickly for travellers unfortunate enough to end up ina hospital, said Cecile Langlois, national director of claims and travel assistance for TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd.
Canadian travellers should always carry emergencyhospital and medical travel insurance. ~We cover recreational activities like skiing, hiking, camping and rock climbing, so students and travellers seeking adventure in other countries don~t have to worry about unexpected medical bills,~said Natalie Dupuis, TIC~s vice~president of product.
Students travelling witha group of three or more people and participating inamateur sport tournaments or activities can get coverage under TIC~s Group Sports Plan.
Finally, for those adventure~seekers under the age of 30 who are thinking about that big back packing trip across Europe or Asia, the YouthAdventure Package Plan makes perfect sense. Youthtravellers receive $5 million hospital and medical coverage as well as benefits covering lost or stolen baggage or trip interruption.
To learn more about travel insurance or for a complete list of products, visit Bridges International Insurance Services
A recent Canadian Tourism Commission report called almost five and a half million Canadians'soft outdoor adventure enthusiasts'. Activities that rated high withCanadians included wilderness hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing,cycling and kayaking.
During spring break many students and younger Canadians find themselves drawn to these kinds of activities in the United States and other destinations.
Of course, outdoor adventure always carries risk. Provincial medical plans cover only a fraction of medical expenses, and most foreign hospitals and doctors routinely charge thousands of dollars a day. ~We~re finding that these costs add up very quickly for travellers unfortunate enough to end up ina hospital, said Cecile Langlois, national director of claims and travel assistance for TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd.
Canadian travellers should always carry emergencyhospital and medical travel insurance. ~We cover recreational activities like skiing, hiking, camping and rock climbing, so students and travellers seeking adventure in other countries don~t have to worry about unexpected medical bills,~said Natalie Dupuis, TIC~s vice~president of product.
Students travelling witha group of three or more people and participating inamateur sport tournaments or activities can get coverage under TIC~s Group Sports Plan.
Finally, for those adventure~seekers under the age of 30 who are thinking about that big back packing trip across Europe or Asia, the YouthAdventure Package Plan makes perfect sense. Youthtravellers receive $5 million hospital and medical coverage as well as benefits covering lost or stolen baggage or trip interruption.
To learn more about travel insurance or for a complete list of products, visit Bridges International Insurance Services
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Claim story from Travel Underwriter
Take, for example, the case of a 55 year old Travel Underwriters claimant from Lynton, Alberta. While working at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona, he amputated three fingers with a band saw and required immediate emergency medical attention. He was rushed by ambulance to the local Valley Lutheran Hospital, where medical staff performed surgery to reattach his fingers.
His travel insurance plan covered the cost of surgery, his three-day stay in the hospital afterwards, as well as the ambulance service and necessary prescriptions upon release. Not only were the medical expenses covered, his Travel Underwriters insurance policy also covered the $1,600 return of his vehicle by a commercial agency to Canada, since he was unable to drive back. The total claim amount was in excess of $39,000 USD, with only $400 CAD being covered by his government health insurance.
A claim example like this is a perfect way to understand the concrete value and peace of mind that comes with purchasing travel insurance.
Looking for a few more claims examples? It will come. Meantime, please take a look at the Travel Insurance site. That would give you an idea about cost of the Travel Insurance.
Warmest regards,
His travel insurance plan covered the cost of surgery, his three-day stay in the hospital afterwards, as well as the ambulance service and necessary prescriptions upon release. Not only were the medical expenses covered, his Travel Underwriters insurance policy also covered the $1,600 return of his vehicle by a commercial agency to Canada, since he was unable to drive back. The total claim amount was in excess of $39,000 USD, with only $400 CAD being covered by his government health insurance.
A claim example like this is a perfect way to understand the concrete value and peace of mind that comes with purchasing travel insurance.
Looking for a few more claims examples? It will come. Meantime, please take a look at the Travel Insurance site. That would give you an idea about cost of the Travel Insurance.
Warmest regards,
Saturday, 15 November 2008
More Countries Want Canadian Travellers
Maybe it’s our reputation for being polite, conscientious travellers. Moreand more countries are targeting Canadians according to a report issued by the Conference Broard of Canada.
The repot showed that outbound travel in Canada is up nealy 10% since 2004, even after scares like 9/11, SARS and wars. Part of the increase in travel could be due to shifting Canadian demographics, as Canadian travellers are getting older. Canadians over 50 make travel a strong priority in their lives and they certainly aren’t afraid to leave the country.
“A decade ago, courtiers like China, Vietnam and South Africa were not actively marketing themselves in Canada as tourist destinations,” states the report. Now more than 100 countries target the Canadian outbound leisure market.
Canada also remains a popular destination for international travellers as well. The World Economic Forum recently ranked Canada as one of the top ten best nations to visit. Their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index gave us high scores for transportation infrastructure, health and education.
Who leaves Canada?
Yes, apparently some people do leave our fine country for greener pastures. A Stats Canada report shows that only one person out of every 1000 actually leaves Canada to make a life elsewhere – quite a low number. Of those who leave, most don’t return. But this is changing. Most people who leave are coming back.
For those who return to Canada, TIC’s Global Expatriate Hospital & Medical Plan covers them while they wait for their provincial medical health plan to activeate.
So who leaves Canada?
The typical person is:
・ Living in Canada during a recession or period of economic stagnation.
・ Aged 25- 34
・ Living in a city or urban area
・ Makes over $100,000 a year
The study also noted that Francophone Quebecers had by far the lowest departure rates, while Anglophone Quebecers had the highest.
You need travel insurance anyway.
The repot showed that outbound travel in Canada is up nealy 10% since 2004, even after scares like 9/11, SARS and wars. Part of the increase in travel could be due to shifting Canadian demographics, as Canadian travellers are getting older. Canadians over 50 make travel a strong priority in their lives and they certainly aren’t afraid to leave the country.
“A decade ago, courtiers like China, Vietnam and South Africa were not actively marketing themselves in Canada as tourist destinations,” states the report. Now more than 100 countries target the Canadian outbound leisure market.
Canada also remains a popular destination for international travellers as well. The World Economic Forum recently ranked Canada as one of the top ten best nations to visit. Their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index gave us high scores for transportation infrastructure, health and education.
Who leaves Canada?
Yes, apparently some people do leave our fine country for greener pastures. A Stats Canada report shows that only one person out of every 1000 actually leaves Canada to make a life elsewhere – quite a low number. Of those who leave, most don’t return. But this is changing. Most people who leave are coming back.
For those who return to Canada, TIC’s Global Expatriate Hospital & Medical Plan covers them while they wait for their provincial medical health plan to activeate.
So who leaves Canada?
The typical person is:
・ Living in Canada during a recession or period of economic stagnation.
・ Aged 25- 34
・ Living in a city or urban area
・ Makes over $100,000 a year
The study also noted that Francophone Quebecers had by far the lowest departure rates, while Anglophone Quebecers had the highest.
You need travel insurance anyway.
Monday, 9 June 2008
ADVANTAGES OF TIC’S MEDICAL UNDERWRITING
Just because you have a pre-existing medical conditions doesn’t mean you have to travel without coverage. TIC’s medical underwriting program offers flexibility because we underwrite each individual based on his or her own set of medical conditions.
Most companies group you into categories. For example, they might put everyone with a heart condition in category A. If something happens while on vacation and you make a claim, the company then checks to see if you can be covered. In other words, you’re not entirely sure what you’re covered for.
Our medical underwriting program is different. We cover each person individually and state explicitly what he or she is covered for. When you travel, you know exactly what you’re getting.
That’s not all we do better. We give travellers the choice of which conditions they want covered. For example, if you have a heart condition and arthritis, we can offer you coverage for both of these conditions, one of these conditions, or neither of these conditions. We think it’s better to work with the customer individually by offering more choice and better prices.
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