The following is a sponsored advertorial on behalf of Manitoba Blue Cross.
In a Blue Cross survey, travel coverage ranked low for contributing to young travellers’ peace of mind
While younger travellers state that they understand the benefits of travel coverage and its value, only 43 per cent of Gen Z (aged 18-29) and 39 per cent of Millennial (aged 30-44) travellers feel that buying travel coverage gives them greater peace of mind when away from home, a recent Blue Cross study has found.
In fact, nearly a quarter of Gen Z and 12 per cent of Millennial travellers report never buying travel insurance when planning a trip.
This leads to the question – do younger travellers truly understand the profound risks that can arise from not having robust travel coverage? From surprise health concerns to significant financial loss due to a hospital visit or missing a flight, having travel coverage offers so much more than just the vague notion of peace of mind.
When asked to rank factors contributing to peace of mind while on a trip, Gen Z and Millennial respondents both listed bringing extra cash, along with setting a budget for the trip, as top contributors – with travel coverage near the bottom. Yet, on average, it costs nearly $5,000 per day to stay in a U.S. hospital. It’s a sizeable cost that few – if any – travellers will have on hand in an emergency. According to the study, the average recent vacation spend is $4,200 – so even that one-day hospital stay can cost more than an entire trip.
However, the average cost of Manitoba Blue Cross coverage for travellers under 55 ranges from $30 to $60 depending on various factors (age, trip length, inclusions, etc.), with an annual plan averaging around $165. Compared to a medical expense, a travel plan is a drop in the bucket.
Reducing risk – and stress
For young travellers, understanding the implications of not having coverage is crucial. And that goes beyond unexpected medical costs. All travellers need to be aware that a comprehensive travel plan can also help when a flight is cancelled or their luggage is lost. Manitoba Blue Cross offers robust coverage for lost baggage, cancelled flights and delayed tours.
Travel coverage through Manitoba Blue Cross includes International Travel Assistance, which provides travel advice and help with lost documents and rebooking, as well as translation services when communicating with medical staff.
Plus, through a partnership with CanAssistance, travellers covered by Manitoba Blue Cross can access direct billing with 95 per cent of U.S. physicians, hospitals and clinics. This means if a member is eligible and the service is deemed to be covered, medical expenses will be processed immediately – travellers won’t have to pay medical fees upfront and wait for reimbursement.
At the end of the day, all travellers want to reduce stress – and getting travel coverage before you go is an affordable way to do so.
To learn more about travel coverage with Manitoba Blue Cross, visit mb.bluecross.ca.
