Know before you go. Whether you’re planning a staycation or a trip overseas, be sure to do your research and plan ahead to stay healthy and safe. Read up on your destination and prepare and pack accordingly. If, for example, you’re spending your holiday at a tropical resort, don’t forget your sun hat and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you’re travelling far from home, check your cell phone coverage and plan to make sure you don’t incur roaming charges. A little bit of homework could save you a lot of trouble when you travel.

Make sure you have Blue Cross travel insurance. A travel insurance plan provides emergency health and medical coverage in the event of an accident, injury or sickness beyond your control. Check your coverage before you go — don’t assume your plan will protect you. You can purchase Blue Cross travel insurance on your own. Travel insurance offsets the high medical costs associated with being ill for travel outside of your province or country. Review your coverage before you leave to make sure it provides everything you need.

Bring essential documents. If you travel out of the country, don’t leave home without your Blue Cross insurance ID card, valid passport, photocopies of important documents, important phone numbers and addresses, vaccination files and medical information bracelet, if applicable.

If your plan has travel coverage, the Medavie Blue Cross card includes a toll-free travel assistance number you can call for help.

Create a first aid kit. Always make room in your suitcase or carry-on for a small medical first aid kit. Ideally, the kit should include adhesive bandages, medicine for diarrhea, upset stomach and motion sickness, pain, and antibiotic ointment. If visiting a country with an increased risk of mosquito-borne disease, use insect repellents that contain DEET or similar active ingredients.

Take extra medication. Keep any medications you require in their original packaging and bring a copy of your prescriptions with you. Rules around your treatment can vary from country to country, so always bring more than you’ll need. This way, you won’t be without your medication should your return trip home be unexpectedly delayed.

Follow COVID-19 protocols. Yet, we are still living with COVID-19. Before you head out on your holiday, familiarize yourself with any COVID-19 rules at your destination.

Check international insurance requirements. Planning to visit a foreign country? If you travel abroad, you may require additional Blue Cross health insurance coverage, over and above what you would normally purchase. This added coverage will help to cover things like additional living expenses and repatriation. Review your current travel coverage before travelling and confirm whether you need to increase your coverage or purchase specific coverage, depending on your travel destination.

Make informed decisions. Check the Government of Canada’s latest travel advisories for your destination so you can make informed decisions and travel safely to your vacation spot.

Register your trip. Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. Register online to receive important information while you travel out of the country.

Travel confidently. Learn more about the coverage you need for holidaying with comfort and security from Blue Cross Travel Insurance.