Inside Costco // COSTCO SERVICES
© TATYANA / STOCK.ADOBE.COM / COURTESY OF PETS PLUS US / © GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF INOVA
Think ahead
These insurance providers offer Costco members special savings
by SHARON CHISVIN
Life can be unpredictable, but having the right insurance coverage can help mitigate that unpredictability. That is why Costco works with companies such as Manulife, Inova and Pets Plus Us to offer members access to specialized insurance. Here’s a look at what each has to offer.
Manulife
“Manulife offers comprehensive term life, health and dental, and travel insurance plans that are exclusive to Costco members,” says Costco member Tania Monaco, who is Manulife’s marketing manager.
Comprehensive plans provide special rates for members, and even greater savings for Executive Members on most plans.
Term life insurance offers five- and 10-year plans to provide financial security to Costco members’ families in the event of a death, while health and dental plans help cover costs such as prescriptions and fillings. Travel insurance offsets the costs of unforeseen medical emergencies that occur away from home. For more information visit Manulife.ca/connection.
Inova
Home insurance is vitally important, which along with car insurance,* is the primary focus of Inova Insurance Brokers. Inova, which services Costco members exclusively, also offers insurance for second homes and recreational vehicles.
“As a broker we shop the market for the best insurance value that combines coverage, service and price,” says Louisa Bello, Inova’s director of marketing and communications.
Inova’s commitment to ease of use is evident from its website (inovainc.ca), where members can access quotes, complete the purchasing process and easily navigate a self-serve, 24/7 accessible portal called myInova.
Pets Plus Us
Pets Plus Us offers Costco members a user-friendly website (petsplusus.com/costco), a call centre, reduced rates of 10% to 15% and the choice of two insurance options for their pets.
The most comprehensive of these options is the accident and illness plan, explains Katie Harris, the business relationship manager for Pets Plus Us who is also a Costco member. That plan lets the insured determine their level of coverage, their deductible and how much of each bill they wish to have covered.
“With Pets Plus Us, all coverage is underwritten at the start of your policy,” Harris adds. “That means that you know exactly what your pet is covered for and what exclusions apply.”
Sharon Chisvin is a Winnipeg-based writer.
*Car insurance is not available in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Costco Connection: For more information about these services and others, visit Costco.ca and click on “Services.”