05/20/2016
Packed away are our hats and scarves, and with summer right around the corner, many of you are likely starting to shift your focus from long days at the office to a couple of weeks of sand, sun and sea. It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning a getaway, however, you also need to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected against any unforeseeable circumstances that may arise.
"What could possibly happen?" you say to yourself?
Here is a list of 10 examples of circumstances that could jeopardize that vacation you have waited all Winter for:
1. It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for assistance in obtaining emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help coordinate a medical evacuation?
5. If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6. You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed who will reimburse you for covered necessities? If it's stolen, who will reimburse you for its contents?
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who is able to assist in getting you to your destination?
8. You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who is able to assist you in finding an English-speaking physician?
9. Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will reimburse you if you want to cancel your trip?
10. You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to a hurricane which has made your resort uninhabitable. Who can assist you in being evacuated? Who will reimburse you for your lost vacation investment?
Travel insurance isn't an option -- it's a necessity.
For those of you who travel 1-2 times per year, there are single trip rates; if you travel more frequently, you would benefit from an annual policy. Travel insurance policies are inexpensive, and take very little time to arrange. Do yourself a favour and just inquire -- send me an inbox message, email or text, or call me to discuss.