Rio Olympic Games visitors urged to take ‘sensible precautions’ against #ZikaVirus

News from Allianz Global Assistance.  They are a leading Canadian travel insurance and assistance provider and a company of Allianz Worldwide Partners, suggests precautions Olympic and Paralympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks and enjoy the festivities more safely. More than 7 million tourists will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to enjoy the XXXI Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place from August 5th to 20th. Allianz Global Assistance suggests some practical measures Olympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks to their health and safety, and to help them enjoy the Rio Olympic Games to the fullest.  “Visitors from all over the world will go to Brazil to celebrate Olympic values and the achievements of the most incredible champions. Most will come back home with plenty of marvelous memories, but a few may have some unpleasant experiences. In order for the festivities to be unforgettable for everyone, there are a few precautions to be taken,” reminds Dr Laurent Verner, Group Chief Medical Officer at Allianz Worldwide Partners. Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses Zika is spreading fast and, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should consult their family doctor before travelling to Zika-affected regions, including Brazil.  Other mosquito-transmitted illnesses present in Brazil are dengue fever and malaria. The most effective way of avoiding any of them is to protect against mosquito bites: apply repellents to both body and clothing;  wear clothing that covers the arms and legs;  stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, (early in the morning and at sunset);  avoid areas with stagnant water; Travel clinics can also prescribe medication to protect against malaria and dengue fever. Infectious diseases Vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended. Protection from vaccination lasts for up to 10 years, but must be given at least 10 days before travelling (where it is the primary vaccine) and must be spaced apart from other types of vaccine or booster shots.  Standard vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should also be up to date;  Depending on the length of stay, vaccinations against typhoid and viral hepatitis A and B, are advisable. Family doctors should be consulted for up-to-date advice. Medical care and assistance Medical costs in Brazil are high. For example, medical treatment for a broken leg in Rio de Janeiro could cost between $8,000 and $9,000 CAD. Be sure to purchase travel insurance from a trusted provider, review your policy in detail and understand your coverage before travelling.  Crime Rio de Janeiro has a high crime rate. Visitors should avoid wearing visibly-branded clothing in the downtown area. On the beach, keep a watchful eye on your belongings and ask your companions to look after them if you decide to go for a swim. Watch out for gangs of children: a common ploy is for them to pretend to be in a scuffle, but then break apart and snatch valuables from onlookers. Rio de Janeiro, the carnival capital of the world, is surrounded by lower-income neighbourhoods called “favelas.” If you decide to visit them, you should only do so with an official guide.  Sun exposure Travellers from the northern hemisphere who are not used to the strength of the sun in Brazil may not realize until too late how harmful it can be.  Over-exposure to the sun can cause fever and nausea, as well as long-term damage to the skin. To reduce the risk of damage: apply high-protection sun screen;  wear a hat or cap; drink plenty of water;  limit physical activities in the heat of the sun;  use a fan;  spend no more than a few minutes in the sun between 12 noon and 4pm.  Emergency numbers in Rio de Janeiro dial 192 to call an ambulance; call 193 for the emergency fire and rescue service; contact your assistance or insurance company as soon as possible after any incident for help and support.   More useful advice, contact our in-house specialists for your Travel Insurance at #OptimalTravel | 1-888-450-4950 Click here

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What's important questions to ask, for Travel Insurance...?

** 3 questions that should be on top of your list:

IMPORTANT questions to ask when assessing a Travel Health Insurance Plan:

• Covers pre-existing medical conditions. Get an agreement in writing that you are covered, or you could find your claim “null and void” under a pre-existing condition clause.

• Provides direct payment of bills and cash advances abroad so you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket.

• Covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services and does not exclude or significantly limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit.

Here is a few more FAQ on Travel Insurance Coverage.

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Medical Questionnaire & pre existing condition in Travel Coverage

What if something goes wrong...?  

If you travel; you might want to watch!

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2012/trippedup/index.html

(Copy & paste to watch)

* CBC took " Travel Insurance " seriously enough to do an undercover report!!!

We believe that knowledge is Power.  

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BEWARE: Are you travelling out of province?

When should you need travel insurance?

Every time you set foot out side your province of residence!

It’s likely, that you probably spend a lot of time, effort and money planning your next vacation, now you have to make sure that all aspects of it are covered. 

Out of province:

Every time you leave your home province.  In Canada, most provinces have an agreement to accept out of province health plan.  But if you are travelling in Quebec, expect to have to pay for expenses out of pocket, and then get reimburse.  To be noted that NOT ALL expenses will be reimburse, and you will be responsible for the balance.

So, no need to find that out on a trip.  Either you are leaving for 1 day or 6 months, no need to take the risk.  

Medical Travel Insurance coverage is a must, every time you travel!  Not worth the financial risk!

Happy Travelling...from  #OptimalTravel !

EXPIRED? NEED TOP-UP INSURANCE?

Expired Medical Travel Insurance? 

Staying longer then anticipated!

Sometimes, plans doesn’t go as planned.  Expect the unexpected!  No one wants to think that our travelling plans could change in a heartbeat, but they do. 

Your vacation was that awesome, that you decided to stay longer…but what about you medical insurance; will it permit you to change your plans?  Or will you have to come back home as planned?

Most travel insurance companies will not accommodate those changes.  For most, you need to be in Canada to buy medical insurance.  They will not change your policy date or protection; if you are still out-side of Canada.  So for most travellers, this could mean the end of thinking of changing their plans.

But they are some insurance companies that are willing to assist you.  Even if you didn’t’ purchase your insurance policy with them, or even if you had you policy as part of your group insurance at work.  They will offer top-up travel insurance coverage.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

That time of the year again!

Time to get ready for another year of School, University or College!

So many things to do, so many things to buy.  The best way to get thru all that "going back to school" last week of summer vacation, is have your list ready.

Just like going to the grocery store, without a list it seems that our grocery bill is always higher then expected.  Get organized before you hit the stores.  Take that 30 minutes to rally what you need in you list.  It will definitely makes is easier.

For student are studying out of Canada or are coming in Canada to study, on top of all the to do list and things to get, make sure your get your Medical Student Plan.  Depending on coverage, we have found Comprehensive Emergency Medical Coverage designed for students, for one one monthly low rate $50.00 per month.  

Share you "going back to school" tricks with us!

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Forgot to buy your Medical Travel Insurance!

Last minute Medical Travel Insurance?

Forgot to buy your Medical Travel Insurance

Ever been in the airport, and you hear the traveller next to you making a call to buy Medical Travel Insurance ? 

Well, unfortunately, we do get those calls.  Protection at last, but at least they made the call, before it’s too late.

Did you know…Medical Travel Insurance  could be bought instantly via the phone by calling a Licensed Travel Insurance Agent? 

They will go thru a series of questions, to make sure you qualified for the protection.  And you will be on you way.  You pay with a credit card and they will email you a confirmation of your policy.

It is called last minute, but having it is better then no insurance!

By calling a Licensed Travel Insurance Agents, they will be able to help you

We will go thru a series of questions, to make sure you qualified for the protection.  And you could instantly be on you way.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Frequent Flyer Status!

ATTENTION FREQUENT FLYER

Do YOU qualify for Frequent Flyer status,For your Travel Insurance?

What kind of Medical Travel Protection should you have?

Many Canadians travel abroad, more times then most of us going to get a haircut.  This is when it’s a good time for you to review your travel insurance protection.  You might qualify for enhance frequent traveller’s insurance protection.  

We often wonder what is our best bet for our needs.  Where to start?  Well, there are 4 basics type of packages available to travellers. Your travelling patterns are usually a good place to start to better understand which one would fit best your lifestyle.

Four types of Medical Travel Insurance packages: 

You can purchase travel insurance in four ways.

Ø  Per-trip coverage is the most common type of travel insurance;

Ø  It provides protection for a single trip;

Ø  Multi-trip coverage provides protection for multiple trips;

§  For a twelve-month period.

Ø  Top up insurance from most carriers;

Ø  The annual policy is for frequent travelers;

§  It provides coverage for medical, cancellation/interruption, baggage and accidental death/flight for multiple trips for a 12-month period.

You think you qualify for a Travel Insurance Annual Plan ; check it out!

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Travelling documents for Canadians.

Do you have your documents in order?

So many times, we hear about travellers that are confused and frustrated because they don't have the right travelling documents.

No more guessing games, make sure you have all the the right document in your possession when travelling.

With your passport and your travel insurance certificate, you are sure to have the proper documents in hand.  We also recommend that you bring another source of picture ID, like a valid drivers licence.

If you travel abroad, especially out of north America, most hotels will require your passport before they began check-in.  So have it ready!

If you plan on purchasing big tickets items, you could also be asked for more identifications, like your passport.

Also, don't forget to bring a credit card, I would actually recommend 2.  Don't keep them at the same place in case you lose one.  This way you will always have a back up plan.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Children travelling abroad

Your children travelling with other people?

We usually recommend our clients that if they have children travelling abroad, to have them carry a consent letter.  This document will prove that the person responsible for your child/children have the legal right to make major decisions on their behave.


If your children travels with a group or event with a custodial parent, it is recommended to have a consent letter to facilitate the travel.

Every situations are unique, so we recommend that you talk to a professional like a lawyer for the proper advise.

Having one does not guarantee their entry to another country, but in lots of country it will be required.  You can also have the letter certified, with the signature of an official that has authority; like a commissioner of oaths or a lawyer.

Remember, if your are not travelling with your children, extra precautions should be taken and the responsibility of your children should be evident.

Here is an example:  
- Consent letter from the Government of Canada.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Make sure you know what things cost...

...before you start shopping!

Now that you are all ready to leave, you should make sure you are up to date with the exchange rate of the country's currency. 

I found this site, it is pretty easy to use, plus it's always up to date, with the current exchange rate anywhere in the world, from the Bank of Canada.

Why not take a minute to get your numbers right, before you start shopping.  This is a great tool that we recommend to our frequent travellers.

So if you are a shopper, you will be able to know right away, if you are getting a deal!

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Credit Card travel insurance coverage....

I am already covered by my credit card?

But are you??     Know the limitations! 

Be sure to read all the policy and the fine print, better know now then later.

You may want to pay particular attention to the following elements:

-  Travel duration; as many plans has maximum days.

- Emergency Medical Care Coverage; check for eligibility requirements, as you may only be covered if your condition as been stable for more than 6 or 12 months.

- Trip Cancellation or Interruption; check for limits.

- Baggage; very low maximums

Travel smart, don't get stuck in fine prints, make sure you have complete and affordable coverage.  

Know exactly what you are covered when travelling!

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !

Medical care in US for travellers!

What you should know, before you leave!

How expensive is medical care in the US for travellers?  Those numbers are scary.  Especially when we know I much it could cost.  Maybe we don't know....?

We just had a client, in winter 2013, that has been going to Florida for over 32 years.  Never had an issue, never visited a doctor neither an hospital will travelling, until now.

Any records has to be broken, so 2013 was the year.  After an overnight, with just a few basic test, to then be release in the morning.  They couldn't find anything, it might of just been fatigue and sun, said the doctor.

All that for a low cost of over 34 000$ US.  Yes, you read it right!

Thanks to their optimal coverage the cost to the client was ZERO, but it was a scary ordeal for the clients, they were 72 & 76.  They couldn't believe the cost. They heard how expensive it was in the US.

Now they fully get why they have been purchasing Travel Insurance for the last 32 years.

Happy Travelling...from #OptimalTravel !