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Tips to Help Fight the Flu

Here are helpful tips to try to avoid getting the flu, and what to do if you do get sick this flu season.

Flu Fighting Season: Things you should know

Staving off the flu means not having to miss work or important events because you’re sick. More importantly though, each of us has a role to play in preventing the spread of the virus in our community and to vulnerable populations

Avoiding the Virus

Wash your hands with soap and water, many times throughout the day.

Keep your immune system strong by sleeping well, exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods.

Getting the shot

Getting the flu shot is a good way to protect against the virus.

Get the shot early as it takes your body about two weeks to develop the necessary immune response.

Recognizing the Flu

Severe joint and muscle aches, accompanied by sore throat, could be symptoms of flu. Start drinking plenty of fluids.

Sudden and unusual fatigue could indicate you’ve contracted the flu. In that case, rest is always best.

When the flu hits, a spoonful of honey can soothe an irritated throat, and warm mist helps to ease nasal congestion.

What Else You Can Do

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect surface areas.

If You Do Get Sick

Stay home! You are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after your illness begins, so for the sake of those around you, it’s important to stay home. Rest and plenty of fluids should be all you need, but if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pains, sudden dizziness, severe vomiting or confusion, make sure to visit the doctor.

For most of us, the flu means a bad few days of recovery, but for many, it can be very serious. For everyone’s benefit, it’s important to take the right precautions to stay healthy this flu season.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Did you know that purchasing a cash value life insurance policy is a way you could pay for your child’s education, and other financial goals, you might not have considered?

It’s never too soon to start planning for your child’s post-secondary education. The average annual cost of university for Canadian students living off-campus was $19,498.75 in 2017, and that number is expected to steadily increase every year. Luckily, you have time on your side!

Why Cash Value Life Insurance?

Cash value life insurance — also known as permanent life insurance — can act as an investment vehicle for the life insured, in this case your newborn, for life.

How does it do that? Once your child reaches adulthood, you can transfer the ownership of the policy to them. Then, they can borrow against the policy or withdraw the cash value that’s been accumulating since you bought it.

Life insurance pays benefits to one or more beneficiaries if the person insured passes away, but permanent coverage yields another benefit that can be used to secure your child’s financial future: cash value.

With universal life insurance, for example, only part of your premium (or what you pay for coverage) goes toward purchasing your insurance. The rest is invested to earn interest. And you can choose more conservative or more aggressive investment options based on how much risk you’re comfortable with taking on.

Insurance Can Help Secure Your Baby’s Future Plans

Your newborn may be just a baby, but eventually, they will grow up. And accumulating the cash value of a universal life insurance policy now can be a big help later on with things like:

  • Paying for their post-secondary education
  • Helping them buy their first car
  • Putting together a down payment for their first home
  • Funding a gap year before college or university so they can travel the world
  • Helping them start a business

And if they don’t end up using the cash value in their policy for any of those goals, they can also use it later in life to:

  • Supplement their retirement income
  • Help pay for their health care expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover
  • Cover their policy premiums
  • Help their own children with their financial goals

The Sooner You invest in Your Child’s Future, the Better

You can buy a permanent life insurance policy for your children at any time. But there are two significant advantages to getting coverage when your child is a newborn:

  • Coverage may be less expensive because they are so young
  • Your child has a longer window to accumulate the cash value

Permanent life insurance can be more expensive than term life insurance, which only covers the beneficiary for a set term, but term life doesn’t offer the cash value.

Universal life insurance combines the lower premium costs of term life insurance with the cash value and flexibility. That’s why there may be no better time to get a low rate on universal coverage than when your baby’s just made their debut to the world.

From a saving perspective, time is the most powerful tool your child has. The sooner your child is covered by a permanent life insurance policy, the longer the cash value component has to grow until they’re ready to use it.

So, Is Life Insurance Right for Your Baby?

There are several things to think about if you’re considering buying life insurance for your newborn. Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • What financial goals could life insurance help my child with?
  • How much coverage should I buy for my newborn, and what’s the cost?
  • What are the policy’s investment options?
  • How does life insurance fit into our family’s larger financial plan? For example, if you’re saving for college or university in an RESP, or investing money for your loved ones, would the policy still be as useful?

If you think universal life insurance for your newborn may be a good fit financially, talk to an advisor.

 

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Parking is the least favourite part about shopping or going anywhere. There are so many factors like finding a spot to begin with, maneuvering into your spot, and then leaving safely.

How to Handle a Parking Lot Accident

While parking lot accidents are usually of the fender-bender variety, the first rule is the same: stay calm and check everyone in your vehicle for injuries. If you need medical help for yourself, a passenger or the other driver, call 911 immediately and consider the following:

  • Don’t assume or place blame. Even a simple “I’m sorry” could be taken as an admission of fault in a car accident, and finger-pointing usually only makes things worse. 
  • Assess the damage to both vehicles. Take pictures of the damage and the positions of all cars involved. Take note of the road conditions and get the name and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. 
  • If your cars are blocking a roadway, move them out of the way if it’s safe to do so. Don’t do this until after you’ve taken pictures of the accident.
  • If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated or did something illegal to cause the accident alert the police. Keep in mind that police may not respond to an accident that takes place on private property unless there’s damage to the property, someone is injured, or the accident involves drugs and alcohol or an unlicensed/uninsured driver. 
  • Exchange insurance information with the other driver, including your name, driver’s license number, phone number, your insurer’s name and phone number and your policy number. 
  • Consider whether you should file a police report if there are no injuries. In Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, a report is required when the combined damage to both vehicles exceeds $2,000. Most provinces don’t require a report to be filed when damages are less than $1,000. 
  • If you hit a parked car, take photos of the damage to both vehicles, then try to find the driver or wait for them to return to exchange information. Be aware that leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense under Canada’s Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment. Some provinces also impose steep fines or jail time for leaving the scene. If no one arrives, leave a note with your name, phone number, driver’s license number and license plate so that the driver of the other vehicle can contact you should there be any issues. 
  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and explain what happened. They can help you determine if you need to file a claim for an accident. Review your policy so you know exactly what you’re covered against. 
  • If you feel any pain or suspect you might have an accident-related injury after the fact, see your doctor as soon as possible. Document any and all doctor visits, the nature of any diagnosed injuries and any treatments or medications your doctor prescribes.

Avoiding a Parking Lot Car Accident

While you may not be able to accident-proof yourself completely when shopping, there are some things you can do to reduce the odds of being involved in a parking lot crash:

  • Time your visit to stores and venues when parking lots may be less crowded. Consider shopping in the morning or later in the evening. 
  • Don’t drive distracted. That includes when you’re cruising the aisles looking for a spot, pulling into a spot or backing out of one. Stay alert for cars and pedestrians at all times. 
  • Don’t box yourself in between larger vehicles. That could make it harder to navigate your way in or out of a spot, potentially increasing the chances of dinging another vehicle. 
  • Reverse into a parking spot so that it’s easier to see to your surroundings when it’s time to leave. 
  • Turn on your running lights or headlights when parking in a garage. Do the same in parking lots if rain, sleet, snow or fog make it harder to see. Having your lights on can make you more visible to other drivers. 
  • Use your mirrors and back-up camera to check for pedestrians and other cars behind. If your car doesn’t come with a back-up camera, there are loads of aftermarket ones available.  
  • If you want to avoid your car being involved in a parking lot accident altogether, consider taking a taxi, ride-share or public transit to busy venues.

A parking lot collision — even a minor one —can really throw a wrench in your day. Be prepared by following these tips and always take your time when driving.

To ensure that you have the right car insurance coverage, call 1-877-749-7224 to speak with a RBC licensed insurance advisor.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Whether you’re self-employed or employed by an existing company, if you’re unable to perform your job, your position nor your paycheque is guaranteed. While we all would hope to live a healthy, incident-free life, realistically – and statistically – things go wrong. And during those times, it pays to be protected – especially when bills start piling up. So what can you do to protect your paycheque, and your savings when this happens?

Notable Life and RBC Insurance partnered up for a weekend of wellness, learning and fun up in Sundridge Ontario at The Northridge Inn. The guest list included freelance writers, photographers, nutritionists, trainers, entrepreneurs and more. In addition to the guests, RBC Insurance advisors were on site to answer the dozens of questions we all had on insurance and particularly income protection. In my mind, the only way to protect your paycheque was in a piggy bank. But to think that you can protect what you’ve worked to save and your future paychecks in case something happens? Now that, I needed to know about.

1. Disability insurance ensures that you can still cover the bills, even if you’re unable to work.

Income protection a.k.a. disability insurance helps to ensure that you’re still maintaining that salary you were once making at the job you’re no longer able to perform. If you’re unable to work due to a serious injury or illness, disability insurance ensures you’ll be able to cover your bills despite your inability to work.

2. Critical illness payouts can seriously help when hit with a serious illness.

Devastating health problems like cancer, kidney failure or heart attacks can be stressful enough on the body – let alone the mind. Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payment that can be used for whatever you want – from bills to therapy or treatment, so that you can focus on getting better and not your finances.

3. Disability insurance covers mental health and stress leave

One in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental health issues1. The last thing you want to do if you can’t get out of bed is worry about how you’re going to pay the bills. It’s always better to be protected than put yourself under more emotional and financial stress.

4. Critical illness and disability insurance help with rehabilitation.

All you should worry about is getting better when you’ve suffered a physical or mental blow. In addition to financial support, critical illness and disability insurance policies through RBC Insurance both provide a number of assistance services that can help you with rehabilitation and help you better cope with the emotional stress and challenges of a disability or critical illness.

5. Disability insurance isn’t one size-fits-all.

Some of us are more prone to injury or have certain illnesses in our family history. Some of us are climbing the ladder faster and thus our income moves up more each year. Essentially, everyone’s income is different, everyone’s risk for illness or injury is different and your needs change as your income changes – so your coverage needs are likely unique to your life. The best approach to getting the right coverage is to sit down with a licensed insurance advisor who can understand your situation and recommend the best coverage plan for your needs.

RBC Insurance is committed to helping consumers feel more confident in their insurance decisions. They want to make sure that their clients are informed and knowledgeable about the different types of insurance and what will work for them and their families.

Interested in learning more about disability and critical illness insurance?

Speak with an RBC Insurance advisor to chat about options that best suit your needs or call us at 1-866-262-7920.

1) Source: Mental Health Commission of Canada

 

RBC Disability Insurance

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Use this short checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the driving safety bases this winter.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Your vehicle should be fully outfitted for anything winter weather may throw your way. As you go down your list, here are some things to pay attention to:

  • Invest in winter tires if you haven’t already. If you have, check your tire pressure and the treads to make sure they’re in good shape.
  • Replace your battery if needed, and make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working properly.
  • Check your windshield wipers for damage or wear, and swap out your windshield wiper fluid for a winter mix with a de-icing agent.
  • Get an oil change and top off key fluids, such antifreeze and brake fluid.
  • Stow an emergency kit in the trunk that includes water, non-perishable foods, road flares, blankets, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a small shovel or ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow rope, and salt, sand or kitty litter (for gaining traction on slick roads).

Before You Leave Home

Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long one, keep these simple safety tips in mind:

  • Consider investing in a block heater. These small, portable heaters can warm up your engine block to help make your car easier to start in extremely low temperatures.
  • Check the weather reports for your route. Download a weather app or follow your local weather station on social media to stay updated when you’re travelling.
  • Review your auto insurance to see what coverage you have in the event of an accident. Keep a copy of your insurance card and vehicle registration in your car or wallet.
  • Fully charge your phone, and pack a car charger just in case.
  • Bring warm clothes – an extra jacket, or even a blanket, in case your car stalls or you get in an accident and have to get out of your car in cold weather.

Staying Safe On The Road

If you’re confident your vehicle’s ready for winter weather and you’ve double-checked your insurance, it’s time to get going. Just remember to practice these safe driving habits:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to travel, and don’t tailgate, especially in bad weather.
  • Defrost your windshield and mirrors regularly to keep your vision clear.
  • Drive with your headlights or running lamps on to make sure your car is visible in sleet, icy rain and snow.
  • Be alert to other drivers, and practice defensive driving.
  • Skip cruise control in icy or snowy weather; this may make it harder to slow down if you get stuck in a skid or spin.
  • Stick to main roads, which are more likely to be plowed and salted.
  • Don’t speed and always wear your seat belt.

Finally, if you’re ever in doubt, consider postponing or delaying your trip. After all, it’s better to be safe (not to mention comfy and cozy at home) than sorry! Speak to an RBC Insurance Advisor about your car insurance needs or call to get a quote at 1-877-749-7224. 1-877-749-7224.

Get Your Free Car Insurance Quote

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Are you an Ontario resident who travels outside of Canada? If so, you might have questions about the planned changes to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

As of October 1, 2019, OHIP will no longer cover Ontario travellers facing emergency medical expenses outside of Canada.

Q1. What does OHIP currently cover for out of country travel?

A. Ontarians covered by OHIP currently qualify for limited medical benefits while travelling outside of Canada. If you are travelling before October 1, 2019 your coverage includes in-patient and out-patient services for emergency medical situations that arise while you are out of the country.

Existing OHIP out-of-country in-patient services include:

  • Up to $400 per day for high levels of care such as admission and treatment in an Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, or operating room services.
  • Up to $200 per day for any other level of care.

Existing OHIP out-of-country out-patient services include:

  • Up to $50 per day for out-patient services such as an emergency room visit, MRI or CT scan.
  • Up to $25 per day for a doctor’s visit.

Q2. How much would OHIP have helped in an emergency situation outside of Canada?

A. The average emergency room visit in the U.S. costs $2,506 CAD per day, according to the Health Care Cost Institute.

According to a recent CBC news report, U.S. hospitals charge 10 to 15 times the amounts currently covered by OHIP Out of Country Services. The cost of treatments will differ depending on the type of emergency.

Q3. Will the OHIP change have a large effect on snowbirds?

A. Possibly. Snowbirds with private health insurance should check to see what coverage is included in their policy when they are outside Canada.

If you’re 65 or older and need out-of-country medical coverage, look for insurers that offer a streamlined process to simplify your out-of-country medical insurance application.

Q4. Does the travel insurance on my credit card cover me?

A. Some credit cards offer out-of-country medical insurance. But there are often restrictions. Your credit card’s emergency medical insurance might only be valid for a certain number of days within a specified period. This may leave you without coverage if you take an extended trip. Be sure to review the term and conditions of your insurance policy or speak to your credit card company to confirm coverage.

Q5. Will my employer benefits cover me when I travel?

A. Many Canadians have some out-of-country coverage through their employer benefits. However, this might include restrictions such as limitations on days, number of family members covered and the total coverage amount. Check your benefits plan or contact your plan administrator to find out exactly how much travel insurance you have.

Q6. How do I make sure I’m covered when I travel?

A. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care advises all residents to get out-of-country medical travel insurance. This may protect you from potentially devastating medical costs.

As part of your trip planning, arrange travel insurance best suited to your needs from RBC Insurance. Start with a travel insurance quote online.

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If you need help during your trip for a medical or other travel emergency, help is available 24/7.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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We’ve put together a list of smart ways to make winter upkeep a little easier while saving your back and reducing your risk of injury.

Get Ahead of the Weather

As fall turns to winter, it’s time to do some cold-weather prep both inside the house and out. It’s worth taking the time to quickly check that your furnace and roof are in good shape and that your pipes are properly insulated. Consider doing a little early outdoor work as well, so you won’t be scrambling around an icy front yard putting tarps over cedar shrubs and draining hose lines. Pick a warm fall day to start tackling your list and get ahead of whatever weather is headed your way.

Get Warm

While it’s always smart to warm up before working out in the gym, the same rules apply when working around the home: stretch first, ramp up your effort slowly, and be aware of over-exerting yourself. If you feel faint or short of breath at any point, be sure to stop and recover before continuing.

Upgrade to Modern Equipment

Snow shovel design has improved considerably over the past few years, and newer versions now come with ergonomically shaped handles and better blades. These new shovels are built to push the snow away, as opposed to stooping over and lifting it up. This could reduce the overall effort required to clear paths, which should help to prevent injuries. If clearing snow and ice is becoming a hassle you’d rather avoid, consider upgrading to a snow blower, installing heat mats, or hiring a snow removal service.

Be Bright About Seasonal Lighting

While creating the most impressive holiday lighting display on your block is a noble goal, thousands of emergency room visits occur every year as a result of light-stringing accidents.

Put safety first, and don’t let yourself or a loved one suffer a serious fall because a ladder seemed ‘safe enough.’ Always think safety first and avoid a holiday hospital visit.

Consider Outsourcing With Neighbours

Small neighbourhood maintenance providers or landscapers can be more affordable than larger companies. They’re well worth investigating as an option for managing worry-free home snow removal, emergency roof repairs, even to clean fireplaces. Consider enlisting a number of interested neighbourhood families and asking for a group discount.

Your home is one of the most important assets you own. Make sure it’s protected with insurance. Speak to an RBC insurance advisor about home insurance; call 1-877-749-7224.

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Get a free online quote* for coverage to protect you, your property, and your belongings from the unexpected.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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