Marriage means pledging a lifelong commitment to your significant other… in sickness and in health. Planning a wedding involves so many details before the ‘I dos.’ For three-quarters of couples that are getting married this includes planning their post-wedding get-away.
Many couples have warm and wonderful honeymoon destinations in mind: The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, and The United States. Others plan their new adventure as a married couple heading west to Banff or Whistler or east to PEI or the Cabot Trail. And just in case the trip they’ve saved up for is derailed or someone gets sick or has an accident while away, couples plan their travel insurance – but are there others you need to think about too? Are you planning a buddymoon?
What is a buddymoon?
It used to be that newlywed couples couldn’t wait to be alone together in the first, special days following their nuptials. Now many people are living together first, marrying later in life, accustomed to vacationing in a group, or already have a family together and are excited to recommit by renewing their vows.
When being alone for a honeymoon is no longer as important, post-wedding travels are becoming the ‘buddymoon’ where couples invite close family and friends along. Sometimes is just another close couple joining – like the best man and maid of honour – or just the kids. Other buddymoons include a big group of friends and extended family members. They may join the newlyweds for all of the trip or only a few days.
Do my buddymoon guests need travel insurance?
You likely know that your provincial health plan may pay for emergency medical services if you have a health emergency while you are out of your home province, but many people don’t realize that your government plan will only pay a very small portion — compared to the total cost of the care you need. That’s why you need to highly recommend that that your buddymooners purchase these types of travel insurance.
Trip protection insurance
Planning a getaway is a financial investment. So, everyone should have trip protection insurance. This type of travel insurance can help with unexpected costs from delayed or lost baggage, trip cancellation and trip interruption, and flight and travel accidents. Trip protection coverage typically covers any prepaid expenses due to cancellation of your trip if you become sick and covers reimbursement for lost baggage. Or, if someone in your group needs to return home sooner (or later) than planned, trip interruption can cover extra costs they may face.
Trip protection coverage also covers essential items you may lose, like clothing, shoes or toiletries up to your policy’s maximum. But remember, you won’t be covered for lost items like electronic equipment or mobile devices, your jewellery or camera and equipment – so do your best to keep them safe while you travel.
Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
If someone becomes sick or injured during your buddymoon, costs that are not covered can include air and ground ambulance, emergency dental treatment and prescription drug expenses, and fees charged by hospitals or facilities. Depending on what country you are visiting, a hospital may require immediate cash payment unless you can provide proof of insurance – and that can amount to hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket cots. And your travel insurance will include assistance services that help coordinate the care you or your guest needs and should have coverage for
- Physician fees
- Hospital stays
- Pre-approved Surgery fees
- Medications
- Ambulance
If something should happen while you are away with your guests, it’s a good idea to have everyone’s travel plan policy number and insurer contact information ready at a moment’s notice so any hospital or physician can arrange for direct payment.
When should everyone buy coverage?
Make certain everyone in your group purchases travel insurance before the date of your departure, in fact, as soon as possible after booking their travels if they want a plan that includes valuable Trip Cancellation and Interruption benefits, as well as benefits for existing medical conditions.
While each of your buddy’s’ circumstances are unique, remind your crew that when they apply for travel insurance, full disclosure is required –fudging on the details of a pre-existing condition to save a bit of money on their quote is a bad idea (that can result in their policy being void). SBIS offers policies that meet almost everyone’s needs even if they have a health condition.
Don’t forget the option of family travel coverage
If you are making all of the arrangements for your buddymoon that includes your new spouse (yes, spouse coverage!) and your children, you can purchase a family travel insurance plan. Then, remind your extended family members and friends to purchase plans of their own to ensure that the entire group will be protected.
When someone asks if you have travel insurance, say ‘I do’
An essential part of your wedding checklist is preparing for the unthinkable: emergencies and illnesses being top of mind. Planning a wedding and planning travel can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Do your research and Contact us today for a free, no-obligation travel insurance quote or go online at SBIS. Happy travelling and congratulations!
