Holidays have plenty of health benefits, from reducing our risk of heart disease to boosting our energy and creativity. Make the most of this special time to rest and relax away from the hectic pace of work and daily life by following these best travel practices.

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 travel insurance. A travel medical insurance plan provides emergency health and medical coverage in the event of an accident, injury or sickness beyond your control. If you are part of a group benefits plan, you may have travel insurance through your employer. Check your coverage before you go — don’t assume your plan will protect you. Of course, you can also purchase travel insurance on your own. Travel insurance can offset the high medical costs associated with being ill while travelling outside of your province or country. Review your coverage before you leave, as benefit plans may vary. Travel benefits are subject to certain conditions and limits, so be aware of any exclusions that may apply to your plan.

Bring essential documents. If you’re travelling out of the country, don’t leave home without your 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.

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.

Eat and drink carefully. When it comes to the foods and drinks you consume, don’t take unnecessary risks and spoil your vacation. Depending on where you go, assess your food decisions appropriately. Steaming-hot, well-cooked food is usually safest. Avoid foods from street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked seafood to prevent related illnesses. Peel fruits yourself! Drink water from commercially sealed bottles. Avoid ice and use bottled water when you brush your teeth.

Follow COVID-19 protocols. Just because we want the pandemic to end, doesn’t mean it’s over. No matter where you go, continue to wear a mask to help protect yourself against the virus and take hand wipes or sanitizers. Before you head out on your holiday, familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 rules at your destination.

Check international insurance requirements. Planning to visit a foreign country? If you travel abroad, you may require additional health insurance coverage, over and above what you would normally purchase. This added coverage will help to cover things like hospitalization and additional living expenses while in quarantine. 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. We recommend you carefully review the guidance available on the Government of Canada travel and tourism page if you plan to travel internationally. Regularly check the site for any new or updated information regarding travel requirements. Also, 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.

Get more tips. See more travel tips from Medavie Blue Cross and discover more health benefits of summer vacations at our Living Well Hub.

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