Just under half (44%) of young Canadians polled in May 2011 say they rarely or never purchase travel insurance when traveling to the United States.
Furthermore, more than half (56%) of young travelers said they don’t take the time to understand what their travel insurance covers before they leave on their trip.
RBC Insurance commissioned the Ipsos Reid survey, which polled 3,931 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 on their use of travel insurance.
The survey also found that more than a third (34%) of young Canadians say they don’t need travel insurance if they’re only traveling to the United States because their provincial health plan will cover their medical costs.
“However, a two-day hospital stay for a broken leg in California can cost up to $8,000 per day and the average provincial health plan would pay only $200 daily, leaving the individual responsible for the $7,800 difference,” RBC says in a statement releasing the survey results. “In comparison, a 30 year-old-traveling for eight days in the U.S. could buy full emergency medical travel insurance for just $33.”
The survey also found that 84% of young travelers believe that they don’t need to buy travel insurance if they are traveling to another province within Canada.
Health-related issues most common claims for snowbirds
September 30, 2011
Health-related issues are the most common insurance claims for travelling snowbirds, according to RSA Insurance. The three most common travel insurance claims for snowbirds are related to pneumonia, heart conditions and gastro-intestinal conditions.
“With an aging baby boomer population and medical advancements and treatments, we are seeing people experiencing more serious health conditions when travelling than we have in the past and medical treatments outside of Canada can be extremely costly,” said Erin Finn, director of underwriting for RSA Travel.
“…Making sure they have proper travel and medical insurance coverage before they leave will provide [snowbirds] with peace of mind while they are away.”
Thanks to Canadian Underwriter and RSA Insurance
Sincerely,
The Insurance Advisors @ Guthrie Insurance Brokers Ltd
Toronto – (416) 487-5200 – 1-888-310-SAVE (7283)
www.GuthrieInsurance.com - info@GuthrieInsurance.com
E & O E
