The Best Insurance Brokers in Canada at Your Service

Let the best expertise guide you – be it insurance or in any other field. Hold the hand of the best insurance broker to get through the tricky lanes of insurance. Insurance brokers are basically independent insurance professionals who engage in dealing with several types of insurance policies and companies at a time. When the Canadian government insurance structure is failing, these insurance brokers, often working in groups, are the best options available for an average Canadian. Instead of the hundreds of companies, often making false promises, insurance brokers tend to be more responsible with their claims and services. And why not? They are independent and need to build on their reputation as successful brokers among the clients. These brokers from the insurance arena have a great resource reserve at hand, and can come in very handy when it comes to delivering the best.
Unlike insurance agents, who are impaired by legal bindings by their employing company, insurance brokers can freely seek and locate insurance deals from any company and for any consumer simultaneously. Moreover, this allows for more freedom, which is actually beneficial to the client. An insurance broker can handle any kind of insurance deal, be it life insurance, auto insurance or even health insurance policies. As it is evident, the insurance brokers need to have a lot of knowledge about all aspects of the insurance industry, including various kind of client claims and insurance claim situations. He is also supposed to know about the coverages provided by the insurance companies as unconventional riders and limitations, which is unknown to the regular insurance agents or common clients.
While employing an insurance broker, whether for an auto insurance policy or a health insurance deal, a client should always render the requirements in detail to the broker. Any miscommunication or misinformation might land you with a wrong or a regular insurance policy; a complete wastage of money and energy on both sides. Another important point to look out for is the broker’s license. The license signifies that the broker is under some authoritative body which regulates the brokers’ actions. This builds the confidence of the client in the broker as well as safeguards the former from any fraudulent acts.
A legitimate question may arise that what is the need to employ an insurance broker in this time of recession and avid cost-cutting? Well, there are two reasons for this. First, the money invested on the insurance broker actually is lesser than the sum that amounts from spending time and money in locating a insurance deal yourself. Secondly, it is financially wiser to let an experienced broker handle and customize your insurance policy than landing up with a wrong policy in your hands.
A number of online companies like insuremetoo.com have come to the forefront in Canada, meeting out the need of the insurance brokers. With a rapidly increasing number of Canadians making a bee-line for insurance policies, insurance brokers are already in great demand.
So what are you waiting for? Choose the best insurance broker in the industry available today and lay your worries to rest!

Why Home Insurance is Necessary for People in Canada

Remember the Hurricane Katrina? Or even the Tsunami in Asia? Apart from the loss of life, the property damage was stupendous. Thousands had been left stranded homeless, and penniless, without a proper home insurance coverage. This is why a home insurance cover is so necessary, even if its comparatively costlier than other insurance policies. Similar to other properties and tangible possessions, your home is also subject to an insurance cover. However, most homeowners in Canada are either not aware of the need of a home insurance policy or do not care enough! But have you ever imagined how a home insurance can provide an adequate buffer against problems that deplete a homeowner financially and mentally every other day? A home insurance cover, when customized and armed with appropriate riders and limitations, can lay a home owner’s issues to rest once and for all.Home insurance policy comes attached with a number of riders, exclusions and limitations. For an instance, a home insurance does not cover damage or losses from natural disasters. Therefore, in areas where flood or cyclones are frequent, it is advisable to have special insurance additions or riders incorporated into the original policy regarding the same. Earthquakes, or even hurricanes like Katrina can create serious difficulties for a homeowner. War is also an exclusion that is not covered a conventional home insurance policy. The addition of special coverage sections into the conventional policy might seem expensive to the client, but in actuality, it is safer to have them than lament about the damages incurred later on. Buying a home insurance policy is almost a compulsory act if you have taken a loan to buy or build the house. Mortgage loans embed a condition that the borrower has a home insurance policy to protect their home in case of any losses. Before buying a policy, it is always best to shop around a bit before settling on the best. Always remember that the cheapest or the most pricey insurance quote might not be the best; at least not for every individual homeowner! Once you have successfully identified the insurance policy you wish to purchase, scan through it carefully. Many insurance companies offer advantages or unconventional riders at specific times. Some companies offer greater coverage during Christmas or Thanksgiving season, which also coincides with the highest number of robberies, accidents and mishaps at home. Being aware of such special additions or coverages provided by insurance companies is a big boost for the potential individual. However, locating and managing the best home insurance deal is not a cakewalk. A huge number of private insurance companies have gained ground in the insurance industry in Canada today. Of these, a major portion are insurance portals such as insuremetoo.com, who offer professional advice as well as brokerage services to clients on a wide range of insurance services such as home insurance, car insurance, auto insurance, and even dental insurance. Professional help or even a consultation with an expert from the concerned field is necessary for sealing the final deal. So better be safe than sorry! Request a free quote for home insurance right NOW!

Will You Risk Not Having Health Insurance When Traveling To Canada?

Canada has a universal public health insurance program (Medicare) that usually covers the cost of most injuries and illnesses for citizens, meaning that individuals requiring dental or medical attention can visit doctors and hospitals with no bills to pay. However, some areas of health care aren’t covered by the governmental plan and travellers from other countries or new residents may not have access to the free health care, making short-term insurance a must. Suffering a medical emergency in a foreign country, even one as close as Canada, can empty your wallet very quickly.
Most short-term health insurance providers offer insurance for periods from as little as a few days to up to a year. Considering that many travellers to Canada can visit for only six months per year, health insurance coverage for longer periods may be unnecessary. However, individuals planning to enter and leave the country frequently over the course of a year should look into coverage that is as long as possible.
If you have health insurance in your own country, you can check with the insurance provider to see if your current coverage will also cover any accident or illness while travelling abroad, as you may not need a separate short-term insurance while on vacation or business. United States insurance companies can provide extra insurance for travellers to Canada based on the time spent out-of-country and the limits of coverage required. While health care costs in Canada are relatively lower than costs in the United States, you can estimate that a hospital stay in Canada might average $3,000 a day and having insurance coverage limits of approximately $50,000 is a good idea.
Compare costs between insurance companies and find out ahead of time what medical needs are covered and what aren’t. Never assume that the worst won’t happen, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, do work with an insurance company that is professional and that carries a strong reputation. While unknown companies may have cheaper rates, choosing an insurance provider with a name most people recognize is the best decision. Be careful of deductibles, as they’ll affect the overall cost of the insurance coverage. Higher deductibles lower rates and while paying out of pocket may seem feasible at the time you agree to take short-term insurance coverage, you may find yourself in serious medical straits without the available cash or funds required for treatment.
A consideration about requiring short-term health insurance for Canada is whether the individual has a pre-existing condition, as most short-term insurance plans will not cover costs relating to existing situations. Short-term health insurance is for emergencies only and for medical attention that is sudden or unplanned. Evacuation is something to look into, should you need to return to your home country or place of residence quickly. Many insurance providers don’t offer the option of covering costs of evacuation, and the procedure could be expensive. Also, include dental insurance in your coverage if possible, as many people overlook this aspect but find themselves requiring emergency oral care.
Always carry identification on you, as well as information or a policy card that lets emergency attendants know that you have insurance coverage. Your identification should include the provider and policy name, effective dates, and as much pertinent coverage information as possible.

Consequential Travel Tips #1

CONSEQUENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS # 1 WRITTEN BY DONNA TOUCHETTE  /  DMT Travel

EXTRA LUGGAGE– It may be possible to purchase the right to check a third bag, at a cost of something like $125. In high capacity travel times however, it may no longer be possible to elect this option, at any price. Again, don’t be stymied at the gate. Check with your airline in advance.

TAG YOUR BAGS…INSIDE AND OUT — It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.

 WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN — Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or Velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, safari pants with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE — As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.

 HURRY UP and WAIT — Early arrival at the airport for check-in is now more important than ever. You will avoid many problems and much distress simply by arriving at the airport check-in counter a generous two hours or more in advance of your flight departure. In fact, on some recent Singapore Airlines flights, they asked that you check in 3-1/2 hours prior to flight time.

CONNECTING FLIGHTS — When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs .I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.

 FALL-BACK OPTION — Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.

 YOUR PASSPORT if you’re planning on vacationing in another country, you’re going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you’ll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://www.dmttravel.com. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.

 TRAVELER’S CHECKS try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler’s checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler’s check while you’re on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check’s face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.

 MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.

 RESTRICTIONS WITH CARRY-ON BAGGAGE The Transportation Security Administration (a division of US Department of Homeland Security) has recently revised its restrictions on items in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the US. Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage. These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:* Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials .For the perfect travel container visit www.dmttravel.com/accessories.html* Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.* Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement .These are some notable exceptions:* Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.* Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics* Gel-filled wheelchair cushions* Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons. More details are published on the Transportation Security Administration web site. Make sure to visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage and reaching an airport security check point

.HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING when traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won’t cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans. Please call me at 888-339-4400 or contact me at groupspecialist@hotmail.com and we can discuss which plans will meet your personal needs.

 AIRLINES’ SEAT POCKETS before you stick your hand into the seat pocket in front of you, think about what the last few passengers may have left in there. They are the dumping ground for everything from rotten food to used diapers. It may surprise you to learn that aircraft are given a deep cleaning only once a month. How is still the question? Planes are lightly cleaned between flights (obvious trash picked up, crumbs brushed off) and cleaned overnight (toilets, galley, seatback pockets emptied, floors vacuumed). So before you put your hand in someone’s used Kleenex, think twice before reaching into the seat pocket – and don’t even ask me about the pillows and blankets.

 GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they’re busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don’t recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have more leg room, because no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row.

 TRAVEL AGENTS VS. ONLINE BOOKING who can take care of refunds and changes when you have booked your trip online? Don’t be surprised when the answer is no one. All that time spent online is doubled when you have to get on the phone and make a change. Forget the refund, as online specials are usually non-refundable. Need help overseas? I cringe for you. Internet specials are great until you have a problem or need to make changes. That is where travel agents are lifesavers, especially if you are out of the country. Definitely go online to do research. Compare prices and look at hotel photos and airline seating charts. But for an expensive or complicated itinerary, use a travel agent. And pack their cell phone number.

 YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS you having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen for your protection. It was not for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.

 PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing. 

SHIPPING TIPS if you use a credit card for a purchase or service overseas, keep your receipts and double check your bill. There are thousands of mistakes on international credit card purchases, but unfortunately, there’s very little recourse. One common problem is receiving defective merchandise that has been shipped. The law only protects you if it was shipped within your home state or if you lived within one hundred miles of the mailing address. Therefore, don’t ship without good insurance. And what about the merchant who adds extra zeroes or moves the decimal point to increase the charge? This happens all the time. You must notify your credit card company in writing within 60 days. You’ll also need to send a copy to the appropriate federal agencies as well, and believe it or not, the Director of Tourism of the offending country. Often the promise of bad publicity from an American tourist can nudge the merchant to withdraw.

 DECLARE YOUR ITEMS you are required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You’ll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn’t buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy! For more tips and all your travel needs visit: http://www.dmttravel.com.

Donna Touchette

Learn Travel Tips That Will Keep you Safe

While traveling can be interesting, happy and even necessary at times, one should take care that the experience should not be a problematic one. For this travelers should follow some basic guidelines, which would help them in a long way to ensure their own safety as well as that of their family and luggage.

Ensure that your insurance coverage caters to any kind of loss or accidents overseas. Your health insurance may reimburse you for medical care while abroad, but most health insurances do not ensure medical evacuation in case of an emergency from a remote area.

You could purchase a policy designed for travelers, catering to short-term health and emergency assistance, and especially medical evacuation in the event of an accident.

It is essential to register your travel with the State Department so that you may be contacted if necessary in case of a family emergency at home or because of a problem in the place you might be currently situated in.

Keep a note of the credit limit of your credit cards while traveling, this way you can avoid over charging and cross limits during travel. There have been times when people have been arrested for unknowingly exceeding their credit card limit.

Always avoid carrying too much of cash, countersign travelers checks in front of the person who will en-cash it. Restrain from showing your money to unknown people. Be sure to take back your credit card the transaction is complete.

Avoid black marketers for money exchange and deal with authorized agents only. In case of a loss or theft immediately report the matter to the authorities.

Always be very cautious while traveling. Use your instinct and common sense while traveling, beware of local goons or pick pockets. Avoid politically tensed areas, or unsafe roads.

Keep with you a list of emergency phone numbers that you might need apart from the closest embassy or consulate numbers.

Keeping yourself safe in the hotel is as important as on the roads.

Check into a hotel only after you have prior information about it. Avoid meeting with visitors in your room. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe instead of the room. In case of international travel it is always advisable to travel with a group or on a travel cruise.

If you are traveling by road, rent a car, which is easily available and used more by the locals. Keep your car doors locked when you are not in. Avoid flashy cars, and do not compromise on the quality of the vehicle, since it is necessary for your comfort and safety to have a good vehicle.

Always remember that while traveling that your safety is primarily your own look out. You should always be careful while driving and maintain road rules applicable internationally.

Drunken driving could be dangerous besides landing you in trouble.

All in all in order to make your trip a healthy and happy experience it is important that you are aware of the complications that might occur.

A very important travel safety tip is to not look like a tourist. Do your research on what people of the country or state are wearing. I would not suggest purchasing an entirely new wardrobe but not sticking out like a “sore thumb” may be in your best interest. The least amount of jewelry is best. If you have to wear jewelry try least expensive pieces. Besides most people travel to enjoy their destination not to have their destination enjoy their dress ensemble.