Thursday 5 September 2013

Cheap Travel Insurance


...the price shouldn't be your only decision maker!

What Do We need to know for Your Application?

The policy application will ask questions about your age, health, medical history and travel plans. It is important to provide the insurance company with full, accurate information.

BEWARE: 

- Cost for Travel Insurance can differ from different companies as does the benefits.  You may find lower premiums. 

- Make sure you not only compare the price, but the protection also, especially if you are taking medications, received treatment or been hospitalized within a 12 month period, some companies have different opinions and guidelines on pre existing conditions. 

- If the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, your claim could be denied later on.  Better to be safe.
** Carefully research your needs and verify the conditions, limitations and requirements of your insurance policy before you leave Canada.

Knowledge is power!

Here is a few more FAQ on Travel Insurance Coverage.

Happy Travelling....#OptimalTravel!



Tuesday 3 September 2013

Are you considered a SnowBird Traveller?

What is a SnowBird Traveller....? 


This time of year, we see a lot of commercial & pamphlets offering great rates.  Either in travelling or travel insurance.

Well, as per one of our provider here is how they categories:

A SnowBird:

-  Is a senior, over the age of 55 that will be travelling for over 31 consecutive nights, outside of Canada.

Interesting facts from TIC Travel Insurance.

So would do you qualify yourself as a SnowBird?

Happy travelling....#OptimalTravel





Sunday 1 September 2013

It happens to anyone!



Last minute Medical Travel Insurance?

Forgot to buy your Medical Travel Insurance


Ever been in the airport or at the border and you see the traveller next to you making a call to buy Medical Travel Insurance 

Well, unfortunately, we do get those calls.  Protection at last, but at least they made the call, before it’s too late.

Did you know…Medical Travel Insurance  could be bought instantly via the phone by calling a Licensed Travel Insurance Agent? 

They will go thru a series of questions, to make sure you qualified for the protection.  And you will be on you way.  You pay with a credit card and they will email you a confirmation of your policy.

It is called last minute, but having it is better then no insurance!

By calling a Licensed Travel Insurance Agents, they will be able to help you

We will go thru a series of questions, to make sure you qualified for the protection.  And you could instantly be on you way.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !


Friday 30 August 2013

Many types of travel insurance coverage, but which one do you need!


What types of travel insurance do you need?

Well, It depends on a couple of things, such as your destination, the duration and how you will get there.   For example, if you plan on traveling by air, Trip cancellation & Interruption coverage could be a good idea.  You might need to rebook or buy new tickets due to illness or weather.  This protection will help you get back most expenditure that would be otherwise non-refundable.

Here are the Top 5:  Travel Insurance Coverage

1.    Trip cancellation/interruption

2.    Travel emergency medical

3.    Major medical

4.    Emergency medical evacuation

5.    Accidental death/flight accident

Either you are travelling in or out Canada, packages are available to suit all travellers, no matter where you are going and how long.   Did you know their are protections available for as low as 15$.

On the spot quotes for  cheap medical travel insurance  are available to make you travel insurance shopping quick and easy.  Check what are all your options and what offers you the best protection available you need.  Talk to a Travel Insurance Specialist.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !


Wednesday 21 August 2013

What made your list for this trip?


Pack you Travel Insurance: 

Make sure it’s on your list!


Expect the unexpected!  No one wants to think that our travelling plans could change in a heartbeat. 

It’s likely, that you probably spend a lot of time, effort and money planning your next vacation, now you have to make sure that all aspects of it are covered. 

When should you need travel insurance?


Out of province:
Every time you leave your home province.  In Canada, most provinces have an agreement to accept out of province health plan.  But if you are travelling in Quebec, expect to have to pay for expenses out of pocket, and then get reimburse.  To be noted that not ALL expenses will be reimburse, and you will be responsible for the balance.

Out of Canada:
Every time you leave Canada.  Never be caught naked, without your own medical insurance.  We all hear it; how expensive is medical services out-side of Canada, so no need to find that out on a trip.  Either you are leaving for 1 day or 6 months, no need to take the risk. 

Medical Travel Insurance coverage is a must, every time you travel!  Not worth the financial risk!

Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !


Sunday 18 August 2013

Discount for Travel Insurance?


Do you qualify for a discount? 

Buy early, and save!!!


There is a lot of provider that offers early bird discounts  on their policy, if they are purchase before a certain date!

We have providers that will offer up to 6% if you buy early.  So on a policy of 1200$, you can be talking as much as 72$.  This is not to shabby!  


For most, even if you need to change de dates of travel, from a few days they will accommodate and still honour the discount.


Always remember, Medical Travel Insurance coverage is a must, every time you travel!  Not worth the financial risk!

Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !


Friday 16 August 2013

Really, shopping for Travel Insurance...?

Did you shop for your 

Travel Insurance Coverage this year?  

Yes, like we shop for household thinks, car, vacation, etc...; we should also shop for Travel Insurance.  

I am always astonish when we shop the market for clients, how broad is the range in quotes, especially for people over 60 years young.  This is mainly due because all company have different medical questions and underwriting process.  Meaning, if you have little health issues, most company have 2,3 and even 4 tiers in pricing.



So how to get the best insurance deal, well talk to a travel insurance broker.  You will be ask basic health questions, from there they will shop the market without being bias in there recommendation.  They will bring options to work with to get you the best coverage.

Here is another great example in Travel Insurance Quote:

We did 4 quotes* for a Lady age 72 with some heart problems, leaving for Florida for almost 6 months:
  •  Quotes came in at 4416$, 3460, 2466$ & 2152$.
We recommended TourMed @ 2466$.  To be fully covered from any preexisting medical issues, including Heart.
Did you shop your Travel Insurance..get your free instant quote!

Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !


(* Quoted with: Blue Cross Travel, TourMed, GMS & TIC)

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Keep an eye on exchange rate!


If you are like most of our snowbird travel clients, the currency rate for the US dollars can mean savings or a this year might be harder on the budget.

We have found this site, that will give you daily updates on the currency chances.  You can monitor when is the best time to exchange your money to get the best exchange rate.  


When you convert a large sum of money, you could be talking about quite a savings.


It's almost looking at a sale flyer, but you are shopping for a better rates.  Other than your travel insurance coverage, here is an excellent place to pack savings on your next trip.



Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !


Friday 19 July 2013

Canadians not willing to pay for travel insurance despite emergency worries, says study.

According to new study by BMO...

Only half of canadians that will travel this summer will pay for Travel Insurance...?

This is risky business for canadians.  Our health care system in Canada only provides full coverage in the province of your residence beyond that, you need to get coverage.  You will be 100% liable for any medical bills occur abroad.


So why risk it?  It is so easy to get coverage, espacially affordable coverage, as low as 19$....so why risk it all?


Did you know you can apply for coverage, directly online or call to get instant coverage.  


Here is a few example stated in the study:

- a broken leg in the United States can cost up to US$20,000;
- an air ambulance from Florida to Ontario can cost US$15,000; 
- a treatment for decompression sickness in Thailand can cost up to US$40,000.

So it is easy and definitely not worth the cost.



Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !



Source: http://beaconnews.ca/blog/2013/05/travel-insurance-not-a-top-priority-for-canadians-says-study/

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Broken record, after 32 years!


Scary, but all covered!


How expensive is medical care in the US for travellers?  Numbers are scary.  Especially when we know I much it could cost.  Maybe we don't know....?  

Well record has to be broken for one of our client at  Optimal Travel


We just had a client, in winter 2013, that has been going to Florida for over 32 years.  Never had an issue, never visited a doctor neither an hospital will travelling, until now.  


After an overnight, with just a few basic test, to then be release in the morning.  They couldn't find anything, it might of just been fatigue and sun, said the doctor.


All that for a low cost of over 34 000$ US.  Yes, you read it right!


Thanks to their Optimal Coverage the cost to the client was ZERO, but it was a scary ordeal for the clients, they were 72 & 76.  They heard how expensive it was in the US but they couldn't believe the cost. 


Now they fully get why they have been purchasing Travel Insurance for the last 32 years.



Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !


Tuesday 2 July 2013

Purchase Travel Insurance months before you leave!

Buy it in advance!

Well, this is an option that could be very beneficial for some clients, especially when you can buy it, and you are a year younger.  

Believe it or not, we have clients that saved over 200$/each on their policy just by buying the Snowbird Travel Insurance before their birthdays.


In Travel Insurance unlike any other insurance, we use your current age, when you are buying the policy, not the age when you are leaving Canada.


I am sure, that those savings could be put in better places than insurance.  


Let's say, you could be enjoying dinner on us!



Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !




Wednesday 19 June 2013

Our Canadian summer has finally started...?

Is it safe to say that our Canadian summer has finally started...?


For most snowbird, when they are on their way back to Canada, it's usually the end of their travel insurance coverage   And at the same time, they expect their summer to start, very soon after their arrival with great weather.  

This year, it's been a waiting game, but I think that we can finally say that summer is here, 2 days to go!

Now, it's time to hit the stores for some flowers.  One think because of the not so nice weather,  they still have a lot of choices available for flowers, as most store are overstocked.  


Good thing for us, it will probably mean great deals this year!



Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !