Winter Chills Leaving You Longing For a Getaway? Make sure your travel plans include this

TORONTO - Jan. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- Are you ready to throw in the towel? This chilling cold that’s been gripping North America is spurring a flurry of travel bookings and vacation planning.  Most people spend time looking for travel deals, direct flights and planning excursions. The one thing most fail to plan is for the unexpected.  If a medical emergency should strike you don’t want your longed for getaway to become a long-term financial burden. And that’s why it’s so important to make sure you get travel insurance.

Many out-of-country hospitals require up-front payment for treatment, which could add up to thousands of dollars. Credit limits on your credit card, cash withdrawal limits on your bank card or at an ATM, and simply not having an emergency fund set aside may prevent immediate access to the care you or your family need. “It is amazing how out-of-pocket costs for what might seem like a relatively minor emergency can put a real damper on a vacation.” says Jane Blaufus, Personal Finance Expert and Author of With The Stroke Of A Pen, Claim your life® “Worse, the costs of a more severe emergency, such as a broken bone, or a head injury could affect your long-term financial well-being and effect your ability to earn an income upon your return home.”

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (http://www.insurance-canada.ca/consinfotravel/infonews/20...) conducted a national survey of Canadians about their travel habits and their understanding of provincial health coverage. The survey revealed that:

·35% of Canadian travelers do not buy or have travel health insurance.

·Only 6% of Canadians realize that provincial health plans cover approximately 9% of medical expenses when traveling outside of Canada,”

·Only 28.5% correctly identified the average cost of treating a fracture in the US ($10,000)

·The most common reasons for seeking medical care include gastrointestinal issues (21.8%), infection (16%) and fractures (10.7%)

There are many travel insurance options available but it is wise to compare their benefits. Your employer-sponsored benefit plan for one may provide coverage but you need to find out if there might be an age limit for dependent children living with the employee. Make sure you have your benefit details with you when you are traveling and make sure they are easily accessible and that each member of your travel party knows where to find them in case of an emergency. Credit cards may offer travel insurance coverage but may only provide coverage for a certain number of days or might restrict the amount you can claim so it is always it is always wise to read the fine print as with any contract.

As you dream about your next trip and consider what you should pack, make sure you add travel insurance to your packing list.  This can help you to avoid surprises and ensure peace of mind while traveling.

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To book Jane for an interview or to provide commentary on personal finance or pre-planning please contact:

Rania Walker

Phone: 416-258-8953

rania@sparqstreet.com

@raniaspeaks

About Jane:

Jane Blaufus is an Author, Professional Speaker and Personal Finance Coach.  Her book, WITH THE [STROKE] OF A PEN®, Claim your life shares her personal story, struggles and lessons learned following the unexpected death of her first husband. She has been featured on the CTV National News Channel, CBC’s Lang and O’Leary Exchange, CHCH Morning Live, CFRB NewsTalk 1010, Zoomer Radio and CTV News at Noon. She is a Huff Post Contributor and GlobalNews.ca’s Financial/Insurance Community Blogger Expert.  Jane is releasing a comprehensive planning binder as a companion piece to her book in January of 2014.  www.janeblaufus.com @janeblaufus   #claimyourlife