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Abilities Magazine
| September 28th, 2004 | |
The ForumOntario March Of DimesSpring 1999. Issue 38: p. 33 Forumby Linda Hawke There’s nothing like the feeling of the warm tropical sun on your bare skin around this time of year. Each winter, thousands of Canadians escape the frigid, blustery weather and head south. But for people with physical disabilities and their companions, travelling can be a nightmare rather than a much-needed rest. One of the many hurdles to overcome in planning a trip is finding adequate, comprehensive travel insurance. And let’s face it, most of us don’t spend a lot of time poring over the fine print in those policies. Focused more on whether our room has an ocean view and what the regional delicacies are, in the end we may begin our vacation not fully aware of what is and isn’t covered by our travel insurance plans. Everything is fine until something goes wrong and we need to file an insurance claim. For example, some policies contain clauses which mean that an individual with multiple sclerosis would not be covered if he or she needed medical attention while travelling - even for something simple and unrelated to MS, like food poisoning! These common, "pre-existing condition" clauses may severely limit insurance coverage for those with physical disabilities who are otherwise healthy but become seriously ill or injured while travelling. Other problems that travellers with disabilities have encountered when forced to submit a claim through their insurance plans are all too common. Many standard policies do not cover wheelchairs and scooters if they become damaged during the trip or in transit. Given the high cost of replacing or repairing these devices, this can become a major, unexpected financial burden on travellers who presumed they were covered for such a situation. Those who are not lucky enough to be heading for the sun but who still travel out of their province of residence need to consider proper insurance coverage as well. For example, prescription drugs are not included in provincial health plans while travelling out of province, and other charges may apply to services like ambulances and lab tests. Ontario March of Dimes is well aware of the many barriers encountered by people with disabilities who love or need to travel. Catherine Smart, Provincial Recreation Coordinator for the organization, has heard countless stories from consumers who’ve had difficulties with travel insurance. That’s why Ontario March of Dimes is proud to have recently consulted on the development of a new travel insurance plan that makes travel - whether for business or pleasure - a breeze. The comprehensive coverage and reasonable rates of the travelAbility( plan, offered by Aurora York Insurance in partnership with Ontario March of Dimes, make it a great choice for individuals with and without disabilities alike. travelAbility( is available to people up to age 70, including those with pre-existing conditions, and, for the first time in the insurance industry, offers coverage for repair or replacement of up to $2,000 for devices like wheelchairs. For more information on the many other unique features of this plan, contact travelAbility( toll-free at 1-888-573-7251, or e-mail: [email protected]. You can also consult the website and even apply for a policy online, at www.travelability.com ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES 10 OVERLEA BLVD. TORONTO, ON M4H 1A4 TEL: (416) 425-3463 FAX: (416) 425-1920 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.omod.org
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