Travel Insurance. Should you purchase one and which policy is right for you.

"Would you like to purchase travel insurance to cover your trip?" This is like a pesty little question that we ask our clients when booking them a trip. It has really become the "would you like fries with that" of the travel industry. Not to mention a big misconception among the public, especially with the recent reports on television on how people are getting turned down when they make a claim.

Based on everything that has been reported recently, I decided to to write this blog about Travel Insurance, and try to clear the air about what is being reported, and show you that travel insurance provided by the right provider can really provide you with a peace of mind when your are vacationing abroad. My goal is to provide you with tips when buying travel insurance and to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance. For the purpose of this blog, I will show you the coverage provided by RBC Insurance, because I'm not only fully trained and certified by RBC Insurance to sell their policies, but also because I believe in their policies and I've seen the good it has done for clients. I believe in their policies so much that I even have purchased a full one year travel medical policy for myself, so each time I travel I have the peace of mind knowing in case of an emergency I'm fully covered.

When booking a trip, you would probably never think of purchasing travel insurance. You might even think to yourself  why do I even need travel insurance? I'm a healthy individual and I don't need the coverage. Or you might even think that nothing could go wrong because you are a careful traveler. Or you may even think that travel insurance is a scam and that they only take your money and not provide you with the coverage that you purchased and was promised to you. Well that is the misconception that most people have about travel insurance. Before getting trained and certified by RBC Insurance I was like most people out there, I didn't want to spare the extra expense of purchasing travel insurance, so every time I went out on vacation I would always be more careful then I usually am to make sure nothing would happen to me, so it would take away the enjoyment of my trip as you could probably imagine. But now I know when I go on vacation, I truly want to be on vacation, so the last thing I'd want to think about are the "What IF's!!!". You know the pesky what if questions like "what if I get sick while I'm vacationing?" or "what if I fall and break my leg?" Those are just some of the questions that would be going through my head, and it would prevent me from enjoying myself. So now since I've purchased travel insurance, I have a peace of mind, and I can truly enjoy my vacation.

So you're probably asking me what are the different types of coverage out there? And how do I know if that coverage is right for me. Well allow me to shed some light on the types of coverage out there and how to know if that coverage is right for you.

Travel Medical
Travel Medical covers you while you are abroad in case of an emergency if you should require medical care. Every provider offers you different coverage, so you'll have to make sure that you purchase adequate coverage. Some providers will place a maximum cap on their policies (for example some will only cover you for $500,000 worth of coverage, which means if your medical bills go over that amount you are responsible for the rest). Some even require you to pay your bill and then apply to your provincial health coverage first, and what ever they don't cover then the insurance provider would cover the rest. Well that could take months for processing, which means your money is tied down until everything gets processed. Well RBC Insurance has come up with a solution to all of that. They provide you with Unlimited coverage while traveling (so you don't have to worry about having a maximum cap to stay under), and they also deal with the provincial health providers on your behalf so you don't have to worry about your money tied down and having the hassle of filing paperwork.

Trip Cancellation & Interruption
This coverage will protect you not only before you travel but also during your travel. This is a great policy to have especially if your trip is days, weeks, months or even a year away, since you never know what could possibly happen down the line that would force you to cancel your trip. You don't want to have to cancel and lose all your money on a trip that you can't even enjoy, or you don't want to be away and be delayed for any reason and have to pay out of pocket for accommodations, or even another ticket to make your destination. Trip cancellation will cover you if you have to cancel for any reason (as long as it's not I've changed my mind and just don't want to go), and trip interruption will cover you if your trip is interrupted for any reason beyond your control (for example the volcanic eruption in Europe).

With this insurance you want to make sure of the provider's coverage amounts. RBC Insurance will cover you for the full amount of the trip prior to departure, and they provide you with Unlimited coverage after your departure. So if you get stuck in another volcanic eruption and have to get accommodations, you don't have to worry about losing money.

Flight & Travel Accident
Flight & Travel Accident insurance covers you for death, dismemberment, loss of sight in both eyes or complete and irrecoverable loss of speech or hearing due to an accident during your trip. The amount of coverage provided by different providers varies, RBC Insurance will provide a total of $150,000 in coverage for both flight accident & travel accident ($100,000 for flight accident, and $50,000 for travel accident).

Baggage & Personal Effects
This insurance provides protection from the loss or or damage to your baggage and personal effects caused by theft, burglary, fire or transportation hazards anywhere in the world. Coverage also provides reimbursement for necessary toiletries and clothing when your baggage is delayed. RBC Insurance provides you with total of $1,400 in coverage.

Rental Car Physical Damage
This insurance provides coverage for loss or damage to a car you rent worldwide for 60 consecutive days or less. Coverage offered by RBC Insurance is $50,000.

I hope that some of the explanations that I provided about the different coverage helps you with understanding your options when it comes down to travel insurance. If you are still skeptical about purchasing travel insurance, let me give you some tips on purchasing travel insurance.

1. Please read your policy information very carefully.
2. Review and understand all relevant policy exclusions and limitations: pre-existing conditions, alcohol abuse, non-emergency treatment and criminal acts.
3. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or questions about your health, please refer to your policy information. In particular, please have a clear definition of Stable.
4. Make sure the insurance coverage you purchase covers the full duration of your trip.
5. If you have any questions about any of the policies, please consult a trained and certified travel consultant or your insurance provider.

Here are some frequently asked questions about travel insurance and policies:

Q. Is travel insurance mandatory?
A. Travel insurance is certainly not mandatory, but it is definitely recommended. It will provide you with a peace of mind that you are covered for all the "what if" moments.

Q. How much will travel insurance cost me?
A. The cost of travel insurance will vary based on the age of traveler(s), the purchase price of the trip, as well as the length of coverage.

Q. Do I need to fill out a medical questionnaire?
A. If you are over the age of 60 you will have to fill out a medical questionnaire only if you are purchasing out of country medical coverage.

Q. Do I need to purchase cancellation and interruption and medical coverage separately?
A. You don't need to purchase those two separately, as there are packages that will offer you both coverage for one low price.

Q. Will the policy cover me for all my medical expenses until I return home?
A. The policy is designed to cover you for all emergency care while traveling. For example, if you fall and break your leg at your destination point, the initial emergency treatment will be covered. However, ongoing routine management care will not be covered.

Q. My new fitness regime is really paying off-I had my yearly physical and my doctor decreased my heart medication. I am booking a business trip soon. Should I have concerns about coverage?
A. Yes. The insurance coverage excludes pre-existing conditions that aren't stable. A change in medication, either increase or decrease in the dosage, discontinuation or how often you take the medication or the type of medication means the medical condition is not stable.

Q. I've had recurring pains for weeks. My doctor said it's probably nothing serious, but she'd like to run some tests. I have to book my flight now. Will the insurance cover me if I need to cancel?
A. No. The insurance excludes medical conditions and/or symptoms which are under investigation where or not a diagnosis has been determined. Please refer to your policy for more information, and in particular, the policy definition of stable.

Q. I'm traveling with my family (my wife and kids), is there a special family rate?
A. Yes. You can purchase emergency medical family coverage. This means your children are insured when they travel with you or join you during your trip.

Q. We booked our cruise for next year and are entitled to a full refund in the event we have to cancel. The cancellation penalties come into effect about two months prior to our departure. What's the point in buying insurance now?
A. I strongly recommend that you purchase your insurance when you make your initial deposit because it protects you from the moment the policy is issued. If you wait and purchase your policy at the time the penalties come into play, you run the risk that a medical condition might not be considered stable if you were having symptoms or investigations within the 90 days prior to purchasing the policy.

Q. What happens if I am unable to obtain appropriate report to substantiate my baggage claim?
A. As an insured you are are required to make every effort to obtain proper substantiation as outlined in the policy. If the required supporting documentation is not provided it may result in a non-payment of the claim. The insurance company reviews all relevant circumstances, especially those outside your immediate control and evaluate each case on its merits.

I hope that this blog proves useful to you and takes out some of the misconceptions about travel insurance. When it comes down to purchasing travel insurance, please always consult a trained and certified travel consultant. We are trained and certified to answer all of your questions and make sure that the correct policy is issued to you, so you are not left with a huge medical bill. If there is a question that we cannot answer, we will be sure to look further into it and find the right answer. So please read my tips carefully and again consult a trained and certified travel consultant or the insurance provider if you should have any questions.

20 Tips for Solo Travelers

More and more of us are traveling solo now a days. Some  go with confidence, some go with trepidations. One of the questions that a lot of solo travelers ask is "is traveling solo really safe?"

Well the short answer to that question is "Yes". In my experience, solo travel is just as safe as traveling with friends; you just have to be a bit more wise-to-the-world. You, alone, are responsible for navigating and negotiating unfamiliar territory so, whether the question of safety doesn't enter your mind or you worry about it all the time, a quick read of these solo travel safety tips is worthwhile.

1. Know the priorities of safety. Take care of your person, your documents, your money and your stuff—in that order.

2. You don't have to plan in detail before leaving but you should know where you're going to stay—at least the first night. Book your accommodation before leaving.

3. Plan to arrive during daylight so you're not trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city in the dark.

4. Know the value of being seen. A public place is always safer than a private place.

5. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut. If something doesn't seem right, get out of there.

6. Let your emergency contact at home know where you're staying. They should be aware of your movement from place to place and where you're staying in each destination.

7. Don't let people you just met on a day tour or at a bar know where you're staying. Your accommodation should be your safe haven.

8. Engage people in your safety. Comment to the person at the hotel's front desk where you're going at night, ask people for directions if you're feeling anxious in a place, make it obvious to your server that you're alone...

9. If you need help look around and decide who you want to help you. The chances of choosing the wrong person are far less likely than the wrong person choosing you.

10. Sleep well and stay sober so that you are capable of assessing and responding to situations well. Don't let your drink out of sight.

11. Walk and act with confidence—like you absolutely know what you're doing and where you're going.

12. Be polite, but don't let being so compromise your safety. Be rude if necessary.

13. Don't wear jewelry, even if it's not expensive. Hold your wallet, camera, mobile securely at all times.

14. Keep your passport, plane ticket and extra money hidden on your body or secure in a safe. Keep additional money hidden in your pack—a pill bottle with a few pills in it is excellent for this. Have copies of your documents with you. Also, email scanned copies of your passport, driver's license, health and travel insurance to yourself.

15. If you see someone suddenly in need of help, ask someone to go their aid. Don't go yourself and certainly don't go alone.

16. Know how to access your government's help in case of an emergency. Most countries have specific sites where you can register your travels and learn how to get help when traveling.

17. Pre-program your phone with your personal emergency contact number, accommodation phone number, your government's consulate office and the local emergency number.

18. Take out small amounts of cash from ATMs frequently rather than carrying large amounts of cash on you. Carry at least two different credit cards. Advise your financial institutions of your travel plans before leaving.

19. Pack light so that you can manage your luggage by yourself with ease. One carry-on, whether it's a suitcase or backpack, will make your life easier than larger pieces. Use a distinctive mark on your luggage other than a name and address tag. Keep your name and address inside your bag for proper identification if needed.

20. Carry a small first-air kit, a few feet of duct tape, a safety whistle and an extra padlock with you. These can all come in handy.

Solo traveling is all about smart traveling. So next time you have some trepidation about traveling solo, take a look at these tips, and remember to be smart when traveling.

A Week of Oasis

Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas. One of the biggest cruise ships in the world. A great floating resort at sea.

I had the pleasure of sailing on board this wonderful ship last year for seven days visiting Western Caribbean port of Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. This ship is everything you can imagine and more. My first day started with boarding this ship. As big as this ship is and as many passenger that sail on her, the boarding process was a breeze. We didn't have to wait long at all to get to the check in counter, get checked in and board. I was very impressed with the amount of time that it took to get boarded, probably 5 minutes at most.

Deck 5, the Royal Promenade Deck: We boarded on Deck 5, the Royal Promenade Deck. I have to say honestly my jaw dropped once I boarded. The Promenade Deck looks like you just walked into a high end hotel/mall. The deck was immaculate. People walking everywhere, taking pictures and exploring. The promenade deck carries the Rising Tide Bar. This bar rises from Deck 5 all the way up to Deck 8, and back down to Deck 5. Hydraulic pistons slowly raise and lower this bar ever so gently so you don't spill your drink. This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Promenade Deck is really the central hot spot of this ship, a lot of entertaining events takes place on this deck that you have to see. Having seen the Promenade Deck and some of the things it has to offer, I couldn't wait to explore the other decks.

Deck 8, Central Park: Yes you read right, Central Park. Oasis of the Seas has a neighbourhood called the Central Park, just like the one in New York. This is a tranquil environment where you can sit down under the sun and just relax and enjoy a cold drink or even breakfast and lunch at one of the few restaurants, or you can shop at some of the high end stores located on this deck. At night, Central Park is a great place to come and enjoy some of the specialty dining venues that this ship has to offer. I suggest you try Chops Grill, I've had one of the best stakes of my life in this restaurant. Only a $25 surcharge gets you into this restaurant, and trust me when I tell you, you will have a great 3 course meal that will leave you wanting more (if you have the space for it that is!!!).

Deck 8, Aft, Boardwalk & Aqua Theatre: Another great neighbourhood on board the Oasis of the Seas is the Boardwalk which also includes the Aqua Theatre. Your probably asking me what is the Boardwalk? Well Boardwalk is a neighbourhood dedicated to family fun and nostalgia. It carries the first ever carousels at sea and the exclusive Aqua Theatre which will amaze you at night with acrobatic show that you have to see to believe.

When you visit the Boardwalk, you will also be surrounded by casual restaurants, including Johnny Rockets, Rita's Cantina and the Boardwalk Dog House, plus an ice cream and donut shop, bars, candy shop and more.

A great neighbourhood for kids and kids at heart.
                                                   

 

Deck 15, Pool & Sports Deck, including Flow Riders and Zip Line: Yes a zip line. At sea. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to have a zip line. Located on Deck 15 you will find four pools to choose from: the H2O Zone, where kids can enjoy a giant octopus with its water-spraying tentacles and a separate wadding pool for infants and toddlers; the sports pool, dedicated for laps and water-sports; or the new beach pool, with a slopped entry that simulates wadding into the ocean. Or lounge by the traditional pool, with more sun loungers than any other ship afloat. And when you've worked up a thirst from taking laps in the pool,  you can stop by one of four bars, or retreat to cool off in the grandest Solarium yet. Surrounded by glass and standing two decks high, this is the perfect place for adults to relax. Hungry? The new Solarium Bistro offers sit-down dining areas with healthy entrees, and at night transforms into an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse.

 

Entertainment Place: Entertainment Place is a neighbourhood filled with more entertainment options than you can imagine. Here you'll find a mix of large, pulsating spaces and smaller, intimate venues that deliver a variety of entertainment every night. 

Feeling lucky? Play a game of chance at the elegant Casino Royale which rivals any land based casino in style and sophistication.

Did you know that Oasis of the Seas brought the first Ice Rink to the sea? That's right. You can enjoy a one of a kind ice show on board the Oasis of the Seas. 

Are you a fan of musicals? Well you can enjoy the hit Broadway show "Hairspray" at the Opal Theatre. 

Feeling groovy? (yes I did say groovy!!!) Then you can head down to Blaze Night Club, the hottest night club at sea. You can find this hot night club located on Deck 4. Or you can visit Dazzles, where you can experience spectacular music with themes ranging from Big Band to Disco. You can find Dazzles on Decks 8,9 & 10. 

Spending one week on this ship truly was not enough. On the last day I really didn't want to get off. I wanted to stay on and continue sailing and experiencing more. There was so much that I didn't get to experience that I can't wait to get back and experience them. Oasis of the Seas does both Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Fort Lauderdale Florida all year round. Don't wait. Sail on her and experience everything that I mentioned here and more. My week on board the Oasis of the Seas was truly A Week of Oasis.

Change How You Travel In 2013

Unlike typical New Year's resolutions such as losing weight, quitting smoking or training to run your first marathon, which -- let's be honest -- are often times hard to keep, I offer here three tried and true travel resolutions that are fun and much easier to adopt! While many of you may resolve to travel more frequently, perhaps to more exotic locations, or to travel at all, there are easy and fun ways to maximize the opportunities inherent in any travel experience. If your goal for 2013 is to take the vacation of a lifetime or just to make the most of even a seemingly prosaic trip, these three tips will help you keep your resolve and add considerable value to your experience.

Exceed the ordinary by not traveling ordinarily. When you visit a new place, there are usually a handful of touristy sites to see and a myriad of cultural ideologies to learn. While embracing these aspects of a new location is the ordinary experience in educational travel, there are countless unconsidered modes of transportation that can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary, more immersed and authentic experience. If you seek a clever variety of ways to get around -- mix it up -- especially those which bring you closer to the terrain, the locals and their daily customs, good things will happen. Whether you move about by foot, Segway, bus, pedicab, kayak, boat, zip line, bike or even a hot air balloon, you will see your destination and its people through a new and entirely more rewarding perspective. Dare to veer off the tourist path and you will be richly rewarded!

Travel with a theme. Decide to travel with the lens of a specific theme and ironically you will actually see and learn more. No matter where you visit, you can't go wrong when allowing yourself the opportunity to engage with locals -- and thus taking a thematic approach makes that happen. For travelers looking to take their trip beyond an ordinary vacation to an educationally profound level, commit to preparing for it within the context of a specific theme. For instance, your theme when traveling to a foreign city could be "origins," meaning your trip is guided by your search for the roots of culture in everything you encounter. With such an approach, you seek to learn the real story behind the local cuisine, art and architecture, as well as the new customs you witness, and peculiarities of lifestyle which you notice.
Depending on where you are, you might of course add the back-story of local flora and fauna, geology and other natural wonders. By being more specific in determining what it is that you want most out of your travel, you dramatically increase the chances of creating those magical spontaneous and authentic moments -- the ones that make educational travel so special. Naturally, this approach requires added preparation, most especially determining who might be your best local guide, but it so leverages your opportunity that it is always worth it for the traveler interested in going beyond the ordinary.

Dare to travel locally as if you were a tourist, with an edge. If your resolution this year is to take a trip -- but fear your lack of time or money will permit you from reaching this goal -- don't be discouraged! You do not have to leave the country, city or even your town to embark on a new adventure. Routinely, most of us forget that the very area in which we reside is rich with opportunities for exploration, adventure and fun which happen as well to afford dramatic learning opportunities. When we become accustomed to our surroundings, it's very easy to overlook the beauty, culture and even the foreign and sublime in the nooks and crannies right outside our front doors.

No matter your locale, there are countless museums, unusual stores, neighborhood restaurants and parks and most importantly, people that can enrich your local journey! If it turns out you can't afford to take that trip you've always wanted, take a trip downtown instead, by yourself or with others, and resolve to learn something entirely different. Approach the ordinary in an extraordinary way. Frequently, plotting such a venture with a buddy yields powerful results as you will surprise yourselves with how cool your home is if you actually see it as a tourist, but with an insider's advantages. Of course, if you are able to take that trip to an exotic foreign destination, by all means, have at it -- and heed any of the above tips to maximize your travel experience!

If traveling is one of your resolutions for the New Year, and you can afford to take that trip, your next logical step is to pick a vacation that's right for you or for you and your family. There are many destinations that offer you a great learning experience not only for you but also for your family. Why not travel to the Galapagos? Or visit the Panama Canal?

No matter where your travels take you this year, change the way you travel, you will be glad you did.

Source: Huffington Post

Airline lost your luggage? Don't panick just yet. Find out what your rights are!!!

This is something that has happened to all of us. Standing there at the carousal waiting for your luggage and its just taking its time coming, and then the dread feeling of being the last person at the carousal and your luggage hasn't showed up. What to do now? Trip doctor answers this question for us: 

What are your rights if your luggage is delayed?

Trip Doctor’s Answer

There’s nothing quite so forlorn as being the last person left at the baggage carousel, craning to spot a suitcase that’s just not coming. It’s like being picked last for dodge ball. I’ve been there—just last summer, in fact. I flew to Denver for a week-long trip and left the airport with no clothes for myself or my infant daughter.

But I did learn a few things about lost—and delayed—luggage from the experience. First, a lost bag is rare. According to the Department of Transportation, domestic airlines recorded an average of just three bags mishandled for every 1,000 passengers in the first half of 2012 (the latest figures available). And that includes luggage that’s lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed. So even if your bag doesn’t show up, chances are it’s not gone for good.

A delayed bag, though, is still a major inconvenience. On my Colorado trip, my suitcase materialized a day later—after I had replaced hiking gear, a swimsuit, and baby clothes, among other items. (Imagine the shopping list if I had been skiing.) According to George Hobica, founder of Airfare watchdog, in the past, most domestic carriers offered fliers whose bags were delayed either travel vouchers or compensation capped at $50 a day, which doesn’t get you very far. But a 2009 directive from the DOT ordered domestic airlines not to place arbitrary limits on compensation; instead, they were to cover “all reasonable, actual and verifiable expenses related to baggage loss, damage or delay,” up to $3,300. In other words, if you need more than $50 a day, you can probably get more. You just have to know to ask. And if the airline doesn’t comply, file a complaint with the DOT. Also, be sure to ask your airline about getting your checked-bag fee reimbursed. Some carriers, such as Delta, will compensate you.

Bear in mind that your airline’s definition of “reasonable expenses” may be different from yours. Discuss your situation with the baggage agent before replacing your Paul Smith suit for that business meeting. Below, a few tips for keeping your bags in check.

• Fly direct, and choose an airline with a good track record. The best last year was Virgin America, with 0.9 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers. The worst: ExpressJet Airlines, with 6.2.

• Put an ID both outside and inside your bag. That way, if your luggage tag falls off, there’s still a way to track you down.

• Make your bag distinctive. Prevent someone from taking it home accidentally by tying something bright and colorful—a ribbon, say—around the handle.

• Buy baggage insurance, your travel consultant can recommend you the best travel insurance for you.

So far in my travels this has yet to happen to me (knock on wood), but now I know what my rights are as a passenger if the airline ever delays my bags. I hope that this helps you with your future travels.

Source: Travel + Leisure