Pack smart, pack travel insurance

THORNHILL, ON, Jan. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The cold and dreary days of winter in southern Ontario have got you down. The frigid temperatures and the snow shoveling have you dreaming of warmer, sunnier climates.

If you're planning a getaway to escape the winter blues, CAA Travel Insurance is reminding travellers to make sure your vacation plans are protected.

"Travel insurance should always be a part of your travel checklist. Without travel insurance an expensive, dream vacation can turn into nightmare. Even the most well-thought-out travel plans don't always go as expected," Luxy Thuraisingam, Director Travel Insurance, CAA South Central Ontario.

According to the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, one in five people visit a doctor's office or emergency room while on vacation.

Four reasons to buy travel insurance:

• A sudden illness prior to your trip forces you to cancel your vacation plans.
• You arrive at your destination, but your luggage is nowhere to be found.
• Trying exotic foods abroad can land you in the doctor's office with stomach troubles.
• A trip to a hospital in the U.S. for a broken limb can cost up to $25,000 USD.¹

Tips for purchasing travel insurance:

• Remember to read your policy.
• If you have any questions, ask you insurance company.
• Understand what is and isn't covered.
• Don't buy on price alone.

CAA Travel Insurance offers a variety of plans to suit your needs. For more information, visit www.caasco.com/travelinsurance. CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A medical questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.

For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected.  CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, automotive care, travel products, insurance services and member savings for more than 1.9 million members.

¹ The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (2013)

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].