The travel insurance industry is committed to serving Canadian travellers
Canada’s Travel Health Insurance Association (THiA) launched the Travel Insurance Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in June, 2017. The Bill of Rights is the result of over a year of meetings, consultations, and input from travel insurance agents, brokers, insurance companies, underwriters, emergency assistance companies, claims administrators, air ambulance companies, and other industry experts. The new Bill of Rights has been endorsed by Travel Insurance Office Inc. and the THiA membership.
Travel health insurance was designed to give all travellers peace of mind and protect them against unexpected medical expenses. 95% of submitted travel health insurance claims are paid in Canada, says a report based on a KPMG survey of Canadian providers commissioned by the THiA.
“Our goal is to see every claim paid. The industry came together and designed the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities to deliver a clear statement as to what the public can expect from their travel health policies.” - Will McAleer, THiA’s President in 2016-2018.
“Everyone deserves a carefree vacation and the new Travellers’ Bill of Rights will help provide Canadians with peace of mind when they take off, be it for business or pleasure.”
Unexpected medical treatment outside of Canada can be expensive. The world’s most expensive health care system is in the United States, which is also the most common travel destination for Canadians. A significant medical emergency in the US could cost $10,000 a day or more depending on the nature of the emergency.
What is the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THiA)? Founded in 1998, the Travel Health Insurance Association (THiA) is the national organization representing travel insurers, brokers, underwriters, re-insurers, emergency assistance companies, air ambulance companies and allied services in the travel insurance field. THiA is the leading voice of the travel insurance industry in Canada and is engaged in public education and issues relating to regulatory affairs and member communications. The THiA website has a guide available to help Canadians understand their travel insurance needs before they investigate policies. Visit the THiA website at: www.thiaonline.com
Dan Donnelly, President of Travel Insurance Office Inc., is one of the founding members of THiA. Some of the company’s managers are members of THiA committees including the committee that created the Travel Insurance Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
The Travel Insurance Bill of Rights and Responsibilities builds upon the following 4 golden rules of travel health insurance:
1. Know your health
- Consult a health care provider if you have any questions. 2. Know your trip
- How long will you be gone?
- Are you a snowbird?
- Will you be travelling many times during the year?
3. Know your travel insurance policy
- Insurance providers have staff available to answer any questions related to policies.
4. Know your rights
Canadian travellers have the following rights:
A No-obligation Purchase
Travel insurance providers will allow a minimum 10-day free review of the policy. To Be Informed
You will receive your policy documentation and confirmation of coverage outlining the policy terms and conditions whether purchased in person, over the phone or online. To Request Clarification
You may ask questions about the travel insurance you have purchased. To Review & Modify Medical Screening
You will receive a copy of the answers you provided on the medical questionnaire prior to the start of your policy. To Receive Worldwide Assistance & Toll-free Support
You have 24/7 access to the help you need when you need it from your travel insurance provider. To Fair & Prompt Claims Handling
You will have a timely and transparent communication process. To Escalate & Appeal
You may challenge decisions and request additional reviews with new information. To Confidentiality
Your personal information will be protected in all dealings with your travel insurance provider. To Know Your Insurer
Your policy will clearly identify the underwriter of your travel insurance and the process to file and resolve complaints. To Your Preferred Language
You may transact and correspond about all components of your travel insurance in English or French.
Canadian travellers are responsible for the following:
To Provide Accurate Information
The travel insurance application needs to be completed accurately. To Understand Your Policy
Take the time to read and understand your policy. To Travel With Proof of Insurance
Have your policy number and emergency assistance contact information easily accessible. To Notify Your Travel Insurance Provider
Provide prompt and timely communication when a claim situation arises and provide all requested documentation related to your claim including all relevant receipts.
Travel Insurance Office Inc. has been serving travelling Canadians for 28 years and its main focus has always been the needs of its clients. The new Travel Insurance Bill of Rights and Responsibilities shows an industry commitment to these same values.