Buying Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance is an essential thing to have when traveling abroad. However, there are certain things that should be taken into account before purchasing your insurance.

The first thing to determine is whether or not you already have travel insurance. Some people are not aware that their group insurance (i.e. employee benefits) has travel coverage. If you do have travel coverage through your group benefits then a good thing to determine is the length of coverage it offers. Make sure that your entire trip is covered, and if it isn't then you may want to consider top-up insurance.

Travel benefits are also sometimes offered through credit cards. However, this is often accident-only, and may not offer protection from sudden and unexpected illness. Know what your coverage is, along with all limitations and exclusions.

Finally, if in doubt consult a broker!

No Medical Health Plans

Often times health plans require a medical questionnaire to be filled by the applicant, and when the application is submitted to the insurance carrier it goes through what is called "underwriting". The medical history of the applicant (and any other insured family members) is examined, and the policy is either issued or declined. If declined a counter offer may be issued by the carrier, which can then be accepted or declined by the applicant.

The medical questionnaire requirement also depends on the type of insurance being applied for. Employee benefits traditionally do not require a medical, while individual health plans do.

However, there are several personal health plans that do not require medical questionnaires:

• FollowMe from Manulife Financial: health and dental insurance for people who have recently discontinued or lost their group insurance. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of losing the group benefits.
   
  
• FlexCare ComboPlus Starter Plan from Manulife: guaranteed acceptance health and dental coverage. Includes extended health benefits, travel insurance and AD&D.
   
  
• Basic Blue Choice from Ontario Blue Cross: comprehensive health care for Ontario residents. Coverage includes nursing care, ambulance services, dental coverage, prescription drugs, hospital benefits and more.
   
  
• Blue Vision Express Plan from Ontario Blue Cross: a personal health insurance/employee benefits  hybrid plan, which also includes monthly indemnity (similar to disability insurance). Coming soon: instant quotes and applications online.