Why Travel Insurance is a Must for Families
You’re going on a vacation with the kids. It’s going to be fun! Make sure you pack travel insurance, too, as protection for you and your family.
Travel insurance helps give you and your family a financial safety net should the unexpected happen – an accident or an illness.
Travel insurance for families can include coverage for you, your partner, and any dependent children, as long as you're all travelling together.
Safety First: Get travel insurance for your family:
Finding the right travel insurance for your family is essential, especially when it comes to traveling with kids.
All it takes is a slip on the monkey bars to end up at an ER away from home. But beyond potential accidents, travel insurance typically can cover flight delays or cancellations, unexpected illness, and more. The benefits of travel insurance can include:
a. Medical coverage: Kids are energetic and prone to illnesses or injuries. With travel insurance, you can be sure they receive proper medical attention without worrying about the financial burden of expensive medical care in a foreign country, where your private or public insurance plans from home may not apply.
If you are planning to participate in extreme sports, such as BMX, SCUBA, or skiing/snowboarding, make sure to check your travel insurance coverage with an expert before chasing the adrenaline.
b. Trip cancellation protection: Family emergencies or unexpected events can lead to trip cancellations. Travel insurance covers non-refundable bookings, preventing financial losses and potentially saving your vacation in an emergency.
c. Lost or delayed luggage: Traveling with children often means extra baggage. If your luggage gets lost or delayed, travel insurance can provide compensation for necessary purchases, so your family can continue enjoying the vacation without wearing the same outfit for two weeks straight. Always keep all important medical equipment or medications in a carry-on with you, along with important documentation and any essential electronics.
Check with your travel insurance provider because in some cases baggage insurance is an add-on optional coverage. Baggage insurance is ideal for Canadians travelling outside of their home provinces and to other countries.
d. Emergency evacuation: In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, travel insurance covers the costs of emergency evacuation, ensuring your family's safety.
Tips for travelling with your family
1. Plan ahead:
Of course, taking time to plan ahead is key when traveling with kids. Research your destination, create a detailed itinerary, and find activities and accommodations suitable for families. Proper planning helps anticipate challenges and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
Utilize travel apps designed specifically for families, such as TripIt, Roadtrippers, or Sygic Travel. These apps offer features like itinerary organization, mapping, and recommendations for family-friendly attractions and accommodations. Websites like Expedia, or Airbnb can be valuable resources for researching and booking family-friendly accommodations. Take advantage of filters to narrow down your options based on specific needs and preferences.
Explore family travel blogs and forums where experienced travelers share their insights and recommendations. Websites like TravelingMom, Family Travel Association, or TripAdvisor's family travel section are great places to seek advice, tips, and destination-specific information.
2. Pack smart
Packing strategically for a family vacation can make all the difference. Make a checklist of essential items such as clothing, toiletries, medication, and entertainment for the little ones. Take extra snacks, drinks, and any necessary baby supplies too. And don't forget important documents like passports, ID cards, and travel insurance information.
Online packing list templates or smartphone apps (such as PackPoint or TripList) can help you create comprehensive checklists that are tailored to your family's needs while avoiding bringing too much. Use these checklists to bring exactly what you need while ditching the extra snacks, electronics, toys, and shoes that can take up valuable space in checked luggage.
Think about packing a fun carry-on bag full of entertaining distractions to keep kids engaged and having a blast on long flights or car rides. You could include a few small travel-friendly toys, magnet kits, special snacks, portable games, or colouring books for offline fun.
3. Choose kid-friendly accommodations
Selecting family-friendly accommodations is important for a comfortable stay. Look for hotels or resorts that offer amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and entertainment facilities. These features help keep the kids happy and engaged during downtime.
Check out local blogs or websites to search for the best kid-friendly playgrounds and attractions in your destination city. Central parks in major cities often have impressive playgrounds and it can be fun to compare them around the world over the years. Who knows, you might even luck into a kid-friendly event or festival!
4. Have a flexible itinerary
While having a basic plan is essential, being flexible is equally important, especially when traveling with kids. Children can be unpredictable, and their needs may change. Allow for some free time in your schedule for unexpected adventures or simply to relax and enjoy each other's company. Better yet, ask about babysitter or kid spa services at your destination resort and plan some downtime for yourself, too!
Traveling with kids is a fantastic, enriching experience, but it always requires careful planning. Follow these vacation tips and be sure to get travel insurance for your family before you go. It’s worth the peace of mind knowing you're prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
At Western Financial Group, we're here to guide you through the insurance process and offer support. Reach out to us for further assistance and embark on a safe and worry-free journey!
