Navigating the travel season with confidence

As summer winds down and we transition back from holidays, the busy season for travel (and travel insurance) is upon us! Whether it’s for leisure, business, education, or reuniting with loved ones, travel is a major part of many lives. But travel isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor—every journey has a purpose. Understanding these diverse motivations is key to supporting your clients and their employees.

At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, our group plans with extended health benefits offer robust travel insurance coverage, designed to provide peace of mind for trips of all kinds. Our plans offer flexibility with coverage options ranging from 60 to 180 days, all supported by $5 million in Emergency Medical Care benefits. Whether it’s a short getaway or an extended stay, we’ve got it covered.

Understanding the types of travelers and trip intents

Leisure and adventure travel

Leisure travelers set out to unwind, explore new cultures and create cherished memories, while adventure seekers crave adrenaline-fueled experiences like hiking, diving, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. When advising clients, it’s crucial to highlight that knowing what is and isn’t covered is vital. For high-risk activities, consider these questions:

• Are there activities or excursions planned that might affect coverage?
• Are these activities covered under the plan?

If in doubt, members should contact our Member Experience Center for clarity.

Business and professional travel

Business travel often involves attending meetings, conferences and networking events, with professionals balancing work commitments while navigating unfamiliar territories. It’s essential to remind frequent travelers about pre-existing condition clauses and potential health changes that could impact their trip. Important questions include:

• What risks or concerns do they have regarding travel, such as flight cancellations or lost baggage?
• Do they have any pre-existing medical conditions that should be considered?

Remember, pre-existing medical conditions will be covered, provided the condition is stable in the 90 days prior to travel and medical attention is not reasonably anticipated during the travel period.

For a condition to be considered stable, there must not have been:

• any new treatment prescribed or recommended, change made to or stoppage of an existing treatment, and
• any change to any existing prescribed drug (including an increase, decrease, or stoppage to prescribed dosage), or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug, and
• any new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms, and
• a hospitalization or referral to a specialist, and
• any tests, investigation, or treatment recommended but not yet complete, nor any outstanding test results, and there is no planned or pending treatment.

Student and educational travel

Students traveling for education gain invaluable global perspectives and cultural understanding. For these travelers, age and trip duration are critical factors to consider:

• What is the student traveler’s age and are they eligible under the group plan for the full duration of their trip?
• How long will their educational program last, including any personal travel? Are sufficient days covered under the plan?

If the student requires coverage for additional days or reach their dependent eligibly age while away, have the member contact our office to explore solutions.

Visiting family and relatives

Travel to visit family often holds deep emotional significance, bridging geographical gaps and celebrating important milestones. Key considerations for this type of travel include:

• Will they be traveling alone, with family, or with friends?
• Are all dependents and/or companions adequately covered by their own travel insurance plans?

If the dependent or travel companion does not have sufficient coverage for the trip, click here to explore our comprehensive suit of stand-alone travel plans.

Empowering confident travel decisions

The tapestry of travel is woven from diverse threads, each representing a unique purpose and experience. By understanding these distinctions, you can equip your clients and members with the knowledge they need to prepare effectively and make the most of their journeys, no matter their motivation. With Saskatchewan Blue Cross’s comprehensive travel coverage, your clients can travel confidently, knowing they are well-protected.