2 things to know before a travel emergency
The fall and winter travel season is already upon us . If it ’ s been a while since you ’ ve taken a trip , brushing up on your travel insurance coverage knowledge can help you avoid surprises if you experience an emergency while travelling .
Here are three areas worth familiarizing yourself with before packing your bags : Travel insurance is for emergency situations
Travel insurance provides medical coverage for many emergency situations , which makes it a handy item to have while travelling . If you suddenly come down with an unforeseen illness or injury during your trip and need immediate medical treatment , you will have access to assistance to help you locate a medical facility , arrange payment for medical bills for eligible expenses , and more .
As valuable as travel insurance is , it doesn ’ t cover everything . Visiting the dentist for a routine cleaning or the chiropractor for an adjustment while you ’ re away is not a sudden or unexpected injury , sickness or disease requiring urgent medical attention . For regular or routine situations such as these , it ’ s best to take care of them before you leave or after you return so you don ’ t incur unnecessary medical expenses and can focus on enjoying your trip .
Medical emergencies fall in two main categories
Typically , there are two types of emergencies that happen while travelling : ones that don ’ t require a hospital stay and ones that do . Cutting your foot while walking on the beach is one example of the first scenario . If you need stitches , your emergency is considered to have ended once your cut has been stitched up . In cases such as this where ongoing care wouldn ’ t be required , you would probably continue with your trip .
In more serious situations – say you need emergency surgery – your coverage is typically extended until you are stable enough to return home to continue your treatment . Coverage for costs associated with your return trip may be available via your evacuation benefit . Since travel insurance is for emergencies outside of your home province , once you ’ re back in Canada , any ongoing care that might be required is no longer eligible for coverage under your travel insurance .
In both types of emergencies , it ’ s important to note that if you choose to continue your trip after your emergency has ended , your coverage will only apply to new and unforeseen emergencies not related to situations for which you have already made a claim .
For more information on your travel insurance coverage , please review your policy , including the benefits , exclusions , limitations and conditions . If you have any additional questions after doing so , you can contact the administrator , Allianz Global Assistance , at 1-844-996-9003 .
Need emergency assistance while travelling ?
Here ’ s how to contact Allianz Global Assistance 24 / 7 from anywhere worldwide : Canada / US Toll-free : 1-844-996-9003 Worldwide : 519-342-0142
If you ’ re unable to reach Allianz Global Assistance using the toll-free number , you can call collect . International operator assistance is required , so be sure you know how to call collect to Canada from your destination before your trip .
Travel insurance does not cover everything . For full terms and conditions , including limitations and exclusions , please refer to the plan document . Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company under Group Policy No . FC310040 issued to Alberta Retired Teachers ’ Association and administered by Allianz Global Assistance , which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc . and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd .