A F i e l d G u i d e to s n ow b i r d i n G
Save 10%
Caa members
get 10% off travel
medical insurance
caamanitoba.com/
insurance_travel
Pricey
Procedures
the cost of commo n
misha ps a n d a ilmen ts
a r ou n d the wor ld *
Heart bypass, Australia:
$53,000
mend a broken wing
travel medical insurance is the single most important tool in a snowbird’s toolbox.
“Without it, you could be on the hook for a six-figure medical bill before you fly
back home,” says Glynnis Fidler, Caa manitoba’s manager of insurance services.
Follow these eight rules to ensure a happy and healthy journey.
and learn more at caamanitoba.com/insurance_travel
EvEryonE nEEds it
If you’re leaving the country—or even
the province—you should always purchase travel medical insurance. Most outof-country hospital and emergency services
are not fully covered by Manitoba Health.
RULE
#
1
Buy BEforE you lEavE
You must purchase coverage before
leaving the country. You will not be
able to buy coverage during an emergency.
RULE
#
2
GEt thE riGht plan
Pick your plan based on duration and
frequency of travel—if you’re going
on one trip only, purchase a single-trip plan.
But if you will take a few trips spread over the
year, a multi-trip plan may offer the best rate.
There are several durations available. Contact
a CAA travel counsellor to discuss your needs.
RULE
#
3
BE complEtEly honEst on
mEdical quEstionnairEs
Your insurance provider can access
your medical history once you start a claim.
If you don’t disclose conditions upfront and
truthfully, many insurance companies will
void your policy and deny any claim—even
if a procedure has nothing to do with the
incorrect information. “Give yourself plenty
of time to fill out the forms. And if you’re
unsure of an answer, consult your physician,”
Fidler says.
RULE
#
4
you can GEt covEraGE
EvEn if you havE a prEExistinG mEdical condition
“Coverage is available for people with a preexisting condition, but there is a stability period
required prior to your departure date,” Fidler
says. Check with your CAA travel counsellor to
confirm the stability period that might apply.
RULE
#
5
“mEdical tourism”
will not BE covErEd
Planned procedures, like elective surgeries and routine doctor checkups, won’t be
covered. Only unforeseen emergency procedures are insured.
RULE
#
6
advEnturE travEl
may not BE covErEd
Some policies exclude extreme sports
like zip lining, bungee jumping and kiteboarding. Most policies you buy through CAA will
cover these adrenaline-pumping activities, but
always read the fine print of your policy or discuss your adventure plan with a CAA travel
counsellor before taking the leap.
3-day hospital stay, U.S.:
$38,000
Fractured shoulder, Mexico:
$25,000
Broken leg, Hawaii:
$20,000
Air ambulance to Manitoba:
$25,000+
RULE
#
7
call thE numBEr on
your insurancE card
In an emergency, you’ll present the
wallet card at the hospital, but you should also
call the number on it immediately. This will
start the claims process and get you instant
support from your insurance provider.
Appendectomy, France:
$5,800
RULE
#
8
Tylenol tablet in hospital, U.S.:
$48
*Costs are approximate
averages and/or may be subject
to regional fluctuations.
CAA manitoba
FaLL 2016
49