Health Concerns Sees Some Canadians Altering Travel Plans
Global instability and health concerns are leading Canadians to change their travel plans, according to the Travel Health Insurance Association (THIA).
According to a THIA consumer survey, 13% of respondents have altered travel plans because of civil unrest or violent events and 14% of travellers of child-bearing age have changed their travel plans because of concerns about the Zika Virus. The number of Canadians purchasing travel health insurance is also up, having increased to 78% in 2015, up from 74% in 2014, according to a Conference Board of Canada study.
“Everyone deserves a carefree vacation,” said THIA president Will McAleer. “Canadians need to know their policies, know their health and know their trip before departing. An increase in cancelled trips highlights the importance of understanding one’s policy. One good example of this is a clear understanding of what kind of requirements exist to claim trip cancellation insurance.”
Forty per cent of respondents believe that trip cancellation is covered when Travel Advisories are issued, something which isn’t necessarily accurate. And, only 47% regularly review their coverage before embarking on trips. Every policy is different and THIA recommends that Canadian travellers understand the importance of reviewing their policies to ensure their needs are addressed.
Travel health insurance is designed to protect travellers from unexpected expenses – be they related to medical emergencies or concerns about particular travel destinations. Forty-eight per cent of Canadians travel at least once a year and 64% plan to travel this winter.
Concerns about the Zika Virus resulted in 14% of respondents who were planning pregnancies to change their travel plans from tropical destinations to Europe, the US or within Canada, and 35% cancelling their trips altogether.
THIA recommends that Canadians do the following to have carefree vacations:
- Understand your travel insurance policy – Insurance providers have staff available to answer any questions related to policies.
- Know your health and consult a health care provider if you have any questions.
- Know your trip – How long will you be gone? Are you a snowbird? Will you be travelling many times during the year? Do you plan to scuba dive? Some policies will be more suitable for you than others.
- The THIA web site has a guide available to help Canadians understand their travel insurance needs before they investigate policies.
