COVID-19 Update
Dear friends and clients,
We are living in unprecedented times, but we are facing these challenges and uncertainties together. As a business, the Caliber Insurance Brokers team is working to do everything we can to continue to be there for you, providing the high level of service you are accustomed to.
For those of you who currently hold insurance with us, are awaiting a quotation, or are about to get your new policy, we are still here for you and we are taking all the necessary precautions in order to fulfill these duties safely.
With the information we have regarding COVID-19, we are taking the necessary and appropriate steps to keep everyone's health and safety a top priority. One of those steps is to limit contact, as such we have shortened our hours to 10-4, Monday-Friday, and our offices are currently closed to the public as we do our part to encourage social distancing by working 100% remotely.
Through email, phone, or video, we can provide you with updates on current market conditions, rates, and set up action plans to ensure you are receiving all the services you need. Our team has ensured that each one of us has fully equipped home-offices set up to continue serving you, our valued clients, at full capacity.
The health of our clients, our team, and the general public are our highest priority, and we urge you to join us in focusing on the health and safety of our community during these trying times. As per the Government of Canada:
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.
This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including:
- avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
- avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
- limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
- keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
- use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- when coughing or sneezing:
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
- dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water):
- toys
- toilets
- phones
- electronics
- door handles
- bedside tables
- television remotes
If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. They also need to be changed frequently.
However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.
Most importantly, stay positive and continue to support each other. We can and we will get through this together, growing closer and stronger as a community.
The Caliber Insurance Brokers team is still here to answer any questions you may have, so please don't hesitate to reach out, even if it's just to chat.
You can do this. Take care and stay safe.
-The Caliber Insurance Brokers team
Heading South? Don’t Get Burned by Your Travel Insurance
If you are travelling out of Canada, travel insurance is a very good idea. But all travel insurance policies are created equal, right? Not always. Here’s the basics of what you need to know when you pack your bags and head out in the world.
Coverage
Our preferred carrier covers up to $5 million for emergency medical expenses. That also includes ambulance, a hospital stay and emergency air transportation back to Canada. All travel plans cover injuries and illness that are sudden and unforeseen. If you leave home with a broken leg, you won’t get your cast changed. If you break your leg in the Grand Canyon, you’re covered.
Deductible
You can get a $0 deductible, all the way up to a $100,000 deductible. Most people choose a $300, $500 or $1,000 deductible. As with any insurance policy, the higher the deductible – the lower the premium.
Doesn't My Credit Card Cover Me?
When you pay for a trip on your credit card, the credit card provider may include some travel insurance coverage. Make sure you understand what they do – and do not – cover.
For example, one travel credit card policy I looked at requires you to call Assured Assistance before you receive treatment. If you call after receive treatment, you will have to pay a portion of the care up to a maximum of $25,000. That same credit card only covers you for the first 15 days if you are under 65, or 3 days if you are over 65. If you plan on being gone longer, you need to call your credit card company to buy additional coverage.
Coverage is only for the credit card holder – your spouse or family member may not be included! Your credit card won’t cover you for uncertified scuba diving, skydiving, or anything considered an ‘Adventure’ or ‘Extreme’ sport.
What About My Group Insurance at Work?
Most employer-sponsored group insurance plans that include health coverage with include some travel coverage. One plan I looked at covered up to $5 million of emergency medical expenses with a 15-day limit. Your group plan may offer up to 30 days of emergency medical travel. If you are going to Vegas for 4 days, this could be fine. If you are going to Europe for 2 months, you’ll need to buy additional coverage from your broker.
Adventure and Extreme Sports
Some travel policies exclude coverage for activities like:
- Backcountry skiing
- Mountain biking
- Endurance activities over 6 hours (like an IronMan in Hawaii)
- Skydiving
- Scuba Diving over 30 meters
- Running with the Bulls
When you get a quote from your insurance broker, let them know if you will do anything more than lay on the beach or hit the casino. For a small amount, you can get coverage for all of the activities listed above – and more!
Is Trip Cancellation Worth It?
The maximum benefit for Trip Cancellation is $25,000, which is probably more than you are spending! The cost is much lower than a heart attack in Florida, but the chances of a trip being cancelled are much higher. For that reason, Trip Cancellation costs more than the Emergency Medical policy. If you are concerned about a trip being cancelled, this coverage can give you peace of mind.
Trip Interruption
This feature covers you if a trip is ended early due to an illness, death of a travel companion, travel advisory or natural disaster. The cost of an interruption is cheaper and less likely than a cancellation – and the premium is a lot less than Trip Cancellation.
What About Baggage?
Your homeowner’s policy covers your belongings anywhere in the world, including a vacation. However, if you get your luggage stolen in Wisconsin, it is a claim against your homeowner’s policy. You can buy coverage for up to $1,500 of your stuff.
Renting a Car on Your Trip?
For a small premium, you can get an Extension to Non-Owned Vehicles added to your auto insurance policy. You need to have insurance on the vehicle, which is normally Collision and Comprehensive. This coverage is good anywhere in Canada and the US. If you rent a car in Palm Springs, you are covered. If you rent a car in Mexico, you are not.
If you rent a car outside of Canada and the US, you can purchase Collision coverage here in Canada. Typically, we hear that the premiums are much lower than what the car rental agency charges. However, you will still have to get Liability insurance from the rental agency.
As a service to our clients, we can give them a Confirmation of Coverage letter when they rent a car. Those letters are good to the end of the policy term and can come in handy if the rental agency wants proof of insurance!
