Pet & Vehicle Return with Travel Insurance

When we think of travel insurance, most of us picture a safety net for medical emergencies. But did you know that the same travel insurance can also cover the return of your pet or vehicle if need to be airlifted back to your home province? Return of vehicle and pet while travelling are lesser-known, but handy benefits that TuGo’s Emergency Medical Plan covers. 

Travelling with Pets Is Easier Than Ever

More Canadians are vacationing with their pets than ever, thanks to pet-friendly hotels, attractions and even restaurants. But what happens if you’re in a medical emergency far from home and you need to be transported back to your home province/territory? With TuGo’s Emergency Medical Travel Insurance, we will make sure your pet gets home safely.  

How Pet Return Coverage Works

If a medical emergency requires you to be airlifted to your home province/territory, TuGo covers up to $300 to transport your pet safely back home. This benefit also includes service and/or show animals! 

Pro Tip: Keep an emergency contact—like a nearby family member or friend—who can act as a dog/cat-sitter in case you’re unable to care for your pet. This way, your pet won’t be left in strangers’ hands if you’re ill or injured and can’t care for them. 

Getting Your Car Home in an Emergency

If you’re in a travel emergency and need to be air-lifted back to your home province, or if the doctor determines you can’t continue your trip by driving, Emergency Travel Insurance could cover the return of your vehicle.  

What’s Covered

When pre-approved by TuGo, this benefit applies to cars, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, boats or other land or water vehicles used for the trip, including vehicles you own or rent (coverage is not available for vehicles you borrow or vehicles used for commercial purposes). 

How We Help

In the event of an accident or illness, our Claims Assistance team often helps travellers get in touch with family members or travel companions to return their vehicle. If no one is available, we may pay reasonable and customary costs up to the policy limit to hire a commercial agency to return your vehicle back to your home as soon as possible. In the case of a rental vehicle, we would pay reasonable and customary costs to ensure the return of the rental car to the nearest rental agency. 

This benefit is good to have if you’re travelling alone, or if your travel companion is unable to drive your car back for you. The latter is often the case if you’re travelling with a child or an elderly family member who doesn’t have their license. 

Tips for a Smooth Vehicle Return

• Make a list: Keep an inventory of items packed in your car. Customs will require it at the border crossing from the professional driver. 
• Keep Car Insurance Handy: Keep and store a copy of your car insurance papers in your vehicle; the driver will need this too.   
• Pack Your Car Smart: Avoid leaving prohibited items like firearms, tobacco and alcohol, etc. Read this blog more information on what you can bring across the border. 

Whether it’s ensuring your pet’s safe return or arranging for your vehicle to get back home, these benefits let you focus on what matters most—recovering and finding peace of mind. Have questions? Let us know in the comments below! 

Safe travels,
Monique