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Travel Away: Jetting South Requires Travel Insurance

(NC)-Just as the last leaf falls to the near-frozen ground, the temptation to escape to a sandy beach down south grows stronger. Whether you're heading to Florida or Mexico, purchasing travel insurance should be top of your to-do list to ensure a great holiday and peace of mind.

According to François Morel, travel insurance marketing advisor at Desjardins Financial Security, buying this product is just as important as making sure you have a valid passport. "It doesn't matter whether you're leaving Canada for a day or for several weeks, accidents or illnesses happen all the time and it's best to be prepared," said Morel. "Canadians should be aware that hospital stays and medical services can potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars, compared to the few dollars it costs to buy coverage."

Don't leave home without it

Here are some things to remember when buying travel insurance:

• It's convenient: Travel insurance can be bought on the internet, over the phone. Pick the one that's easiest for you.
• Do your research: Because each traveller is different, each policy offers different coverage. Decide what you need based your destination and the length of your trip.
• Very inexpensive: Even though it cost just a few dollars, many travellers don't buy insurance before they leave. Take the extra time and dollars to ensure a safe trip. You'll be happy you did in case of an emergency.
• Make photocopies of your policy: Make sure that you have copies of all your important documents including your policy before you go. Consider giving a copy to a trusted friend or a family member as a backup.

Final details

There are always lots of things to consider when you go away. Do you need to be vaccinated? Have you packed sunscreen and bug repellent? So, knowing you've purchased travel insurance is one step to ensuring you have a great time. - News Canada