As winter approaches, many homeowners prepare to head south for an extended stay. Whether you're planning a short vacation or escaping the cold for months, it’s important to ensure that your home stays safe and your health is protected while you're away. Taking steps to prepare for being away from home can give you peace of mind on your trip.
Preparing your house for an extended vacation
Before embarking on your getaway, safeguarding your property should be a top priority. Here's what you can do to protect your home while you're away:
Review your home insurance policy
It's crucial to check your insurance policy and consult your broker before leaving. Many homeowners' policies require that someone checks on your home every two or three days to maintain coverage, especially if you're gone for an extended period. Some policies may also have limits on how long your home can remain unoccupied. Failing to meet these requirements could void your coverage in the event of a claim. If you're unsure about the specifics, reach out to your home insurance provider. Depending on the length of your trip, you may even want to consider hiring a house sitter.
Secure your home
Make sure that all windows and doors are locked and your security system, if you have one, is armed. It's also wise to inform both your home insurance provider and security company about your travel plans, including how long you'll be gone and who might be visiting or caring for the house. This ensures you're in the loop if anything happens while you're away.
Make it look lived in
A home that appears vacant is an easy target for theft. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, arrange for snow removal, lawn care and/or or leaf clearing to keep your property looking maintained. You can also stop newspaper deliveries and have your mail forwarded or collected by a trusted neighbor, friend or family member. Setting up timers on indoor lights and motion-activated outdoor lighting can help maintain the illusion that someone is home, even when you're far away.
Address potential home issues
Some practical measures can prevent costly damage. If your home will be empty for a while, set the thermostat to a temperature that keeps the house warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Additionally, if you're worried about pests invading your home, take steps such as cleaning out any potential food sources, sealing entry points and scheduling a pest control check if needed.
Invest in a security system
Modern technology allows you to monitor your home from afar. A good security system, ideally one with remote access via smartphone, can provide peace of mind. Some systems even offer features like real-time alerts, doorbell cameras and motion sensors that will notify you if anything unusual occurs. An added layer of protection can be a monitored system, where a company responds to alerts on your behalf.
Protecting your health while you’re out of the country
Beyond ensuring your home is safe, you can take steps to protect your health while traveling. Whether you're gone for weeks or months, preparing for medical needs while abroad will help you avoid potentially devastating out-of-pocket costs.
Consult with Your health care provider
Before traveling, check in with your health care provider to ensure you're physically ready for extended travel. Update any necessary vaccinations, especially if you're traveling to regions that may have different health risks. If you take prescription medications, make sure you have enough to last your entire trip. Keep these medications, along with other essentials, in your carry-on if you’re flying so that they’re accessible in case your checked luggage is delayed.
Purchase travel insurance
One of the most important steps you can take is securing a travel insurance policy that covers emergency medical care. Emergency medical treatment abroad can cost thousands of dollars if you’re not covered, so having travel insurance can save you from potentially crippling expenses.
If you’re staying abroad for a longer period, consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy. These plans are made for frequent travelers or those staying away for extended periods, ensuring comprehensive coverage wherever you go. Ask your travel insurance provider about the best plan for your situation, including coverage for medical emergencies and travel disruptions.
Check travel advisories
Stay informed by checking for any health or safety advisories related to your destination. The Government of Canada provides information on potential health risks, natural disasters or security issues that could affect your travel plans. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and take any needed precautions before you leave.
Peace of mind on your winter escape
By taking these steps, you’ll protect both your home and your health while you're away, so you can make the most of your time in the sun. Whatever your insurance needs are, NFP is here to help find seamless protection for what matters to you. You can request an online quote for home, auto or travel insurance and more, or give us a call at 1.844.811.1118 to speak to a member of our team.