It’s an old tune by now, one that many travel agents have already heard. Clients will book a vacation with them and then decline travel insurance, claiming they are already covered by their credit cards. But are they really? Have your clients read their recent certificate of insurance to be sure?

In this situation, agents should ask clients to familiarize themselves with what is – and isn’t – covered with their credit card plans. For example, does the credit card cover family members if the insured must cancel? Does the credit card provide both trip cancellation and interruption, or just interruption? Will the credit card coverage provide 24/7 emergency assistance and pay hospital and physician fees up-front in an unexpected medical emergency? Credit card coverage also has a range of age limitations and the various terms and conditions are often subject to change from time to time. All these are important questions to ask, ones that need to be answered prior to departure.

Understanding travel insurance benefits is essential – make your clients read and understand the policy’s limitations and exclusions. If a medical questionnaire is required, ensure that it is completed thoroughly and accurately. If they are unsure on how to answer a question, advise them to consult a family physician.

If your client has a pre-existing medical condition, this does not mean that insurance cannot be purchased. There are certain plans that may cover a pre-existing condition if it has been stable for the required time period as defined by the policy.

Manulife travel insurance plans offer financial protection for covered expense against unexpected medical emergencies during a trip, as well as cancelled or interrupted trips due to many covered risks.

Keep in mind when selling travel insurance to your clients: make sure they are aware of the features and benefits of their insurance plan, and remember to match the value of the product to their underlying needs. After all, booking a relaxing vacation doesn’t mean that incidents won’t happen prior to departure.

*Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See policy for details.

Note: These travel tips are for information purposes only and are in no way intended to replace your training, sales materials, professional judgment or otherwise.