With the pandemic slowing winding down in much of the world, a lot of people are looking at returning to travel. This is especially the case when it comes to borders opening up and travel getting more attainable for most people, of course except for the airplane fairs and general disruption and delays at borders and airports.
Tips for a healthy travel abroad:
You may have a summer trip around the corner, but we wanted to share with your some easy tips to enjoy a healthy and happy travel abroad:
- Remember your vacation essentials. Remember to pack and renew prescriptions (in bottle they are prescribed in), pack essential medications, purchase a mobile roaming plan or get a plan abroad, and don’t forget the hand sanitizer!
- Make sure you check your health status. If you have underlying health conditions, make sure you ask your doctor if should travel abroad. Note that most travel medical insurance plans will not cover pre-existing conditions, only cover them partially or cover them depending on the stability period of the condition.
- Check the health and safety status of your destination countries. Most governments will provide their citizen’s free advice and travel warnings for almost all countries around the globe that you may be traveling to. Here is a great resource for Canadians traveling abroad, but can be used for most nationalities: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
- Keep an eye on travel entry requirements – especially for Covid. Many countries require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry. Be sure to look up the current requirements for the country you are visiting.
- Buy travel insurance coverage. Getting international travel medical coverage is really easy and in most cases is quite affordable. If your employer has coverage, make sure you confirm any limitations, restrictions, or gaps in existing travel insurance coverage and consider purchasing one of our comprehensive travel insurance options if needed.
- Be up to date on your travel vaccinations. We recommend that people traveling abroad check the vaccination requirements for entry, but also recommended vaccinations given the local healthcare and disease profiles. That vax might save you from getting a particular disease and ruin your vacation abroad.
- Prepare for your return. If you are a Canadian, make sure you Download the mandatory ArriveCAN app before leaving. Until this requirement is removed by the Trudeau government, you must use the app to provide mandatory travel information when travelling internationally.
- Protect yourself from the unexpected. Yes, travel is fun, but things do happen that you didn’t plan for. Do you have pre-paid, non-refundable expenses for an upcoming trip? Vacation Protection coverage can help recover these costs if an unforeseen circumstance leads to cancellation, interruption, or delay in your travels.
If you are going abroad as an expatriate, make sure you get a global health insurance plan as travel medical insurance plans are for short trips abroad and will not cover you back in your country of citizenship in most cases.
