Traveller's Checklist For Canadians

As the cost of travelling by air continues to sky-rocket, Canadians are taking to the open roads and enjoying cross-border vacations by car or RV more than ever before. So what do you need to know before you jump in and drive into the sunset?

#1 RULE - Always consider travel insurance as a Canadian travelling outside of Canada (even to the USA)

Below are a few points to consider while planning to travel abroad...
(courtesy of Canadian Snowbirds Association)

Health Care Preparation

Medical Checkups:

  • Many health care professionals recommend an annual flu shot, whether you travel or not. This remains very much a personal decision, though.
  • Visit your dentist for your routine checkup at least 90 days prior to travelling.
  • Visit your doctor for your routine checkup at least 90 days prior to travelling.
  • Visit your optometrist and, if you wear eyewear, ensure your prescription is current.

Medical Precautions:

  • Obtain a MedicAlert™ bracelet if you have allergies or other medical conditions. The MedicAlert™ bracelet is recognized worldwide by medical practitioners as a reliable source that indicates pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Renew your provincial or territorial health card if it is due to expire while you are away.

Medications & Prescriptions:

  • Carry a copy of your eyewear prescription (if applicable) in the event your eyewear is lost or damaged and you need to purchase a replacement while away.
  • Carry a doctor's note outlining your daily prescription and over-the-counter medication to provide to border officials, if requested.
  • Never consolidate multiple bottles of prescription medication into one large container to save space. It is important that proper pharmacy labels are affixed to all prescription medication containers.
  • Travel with sufficient quantities of your usual medication and prescriptions - they may not be readily available at your destination. NOTE: Remember that U.S. Customs limits transportation of over-the-counter medications that contain controlled substances, such as codeine, to 50 dosage units.
  • Write a list of your medications, their amount, and their schedule to carry with you in case of emergency.
  • Write a list of your significant medical conditions and/or allergies to carry with you in case of emergency.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance:

  1. Notify your insurance company if your health, medication, or dosage changes - you MUST notify your insurance company prior to travelling to ensure your coverage is still valid.
  2. Notify your travel insurance provider of your travel dates when your plans are finalized, and ensure your policy is paid in full before you leave.
  3. Purchase travel medical insurance before you leave your home province or territory - provincial government health plans provide minimal coverage when travelling outside Canada and there are several benefit restrictions, even when travelling within Canada.
  4. Read your entire insurance policy and pay special attention to any limitations of coverage or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions - if you do not understand something, ask!

Travel Medical Insurance Tips:

  • Departing prior to your birthday can result in savings - you may be placed in a lower price category, because travel insurance rates are based on your age at departure.
  • Purchasing your insurance from insurance companies that have early bird offers - usually during the months of July and early August - can result in substantial savings.

Make sure to check out Emergency Medical Insurance Coverage through your local insurance agent, or take a look at various travel insurance offerings from different companies online at a site like Kanetix.ca.

Health Care and Your Pet

Immunization & Checkups:

  • Visit your veterinarian for a checkup of your pet.
  • Immunize your pet for the duration of your vacation.
  • Carry proof of immunization if travelling with your pet.
  • Discuss microchip identification of your pet with your veterinarian prior to leaving.

Travel & Pets:

  • Carry proof of licensing (if applicable) and immunization.
  • Check the entry regulations of all countries you intend to visit and ensure that your pet will meet these regulations. Many countries, especially outside North America, have onerous restrictions on admitting pets and some will quarantine your pet for extended periods of time.
  • Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle.
  • Take sufficient food, water and any medication required for your pet, but be aware of any restrictions when crossing borders. In 2004, a general ban existed on Canadian beef products, which included Canadian manufactured pet food that contained beef or beef by-products.

Consider Your Vehicle Insurance

If you're insured in Canada and you're driving your own car, your existing car insurance will continue to cover you anywhere in U.S. Not so in Mexico.

If you're heading to the U.S., you may want to review your current car insurance coverage to consider:

  • Increasing your Liability Limit. If you're in an auto accident and someone is injured or killed, this is the amount of money available to compensate them (or their family). It's also used if you damage a person's property. It's always a good idea to check with your insurer to see if they think increasing your limit is advisable.
  • Reassessing your need for Collision if this is not already a part of your coverage. Will you have the funds available to repair your car in the U.S. if you don't have Collision coverage?
  • Adding Loss of Use to your coverage. This coverage will pay for a rental car or alternate transportation if your car requires repairs due to an accident.

Finally, make sure you know your insurance company's international toll-free phone number so you can call if you're in an accident (usually, there's a number on your insurance card). Don't wait until your holidays are over - call immediately. Not only will you get assistance and advice from your insurance supplier, but it also means you are less likely to run into difficulties with your claim.

If you're crossing the border into Mexico:

Car insurance issued outside of Mexico is not valid within Mexico. You must have car insurance issued by a Mexican company and you can get this at the border before entering the country. Foreign Affairs and Internation Trade Canada recommends getting full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance. Also at the Mexican border, you will be required to get a vehicle permit for a fee and provide the following vehicle and driver information:

  • proof of legal ownership of the vehicle
  • proof of Canadian registration
  • an affidavit from any lien holders authorizing temporary importation
  • a valid Canadian driver's licence
  • proof of citizenship

Travel Tips and Links

The following tips and links may help you prepare for your travels and avoid unpleasant surprises.

  • Before leaving, have a certified mechanic look over your RV and top-up all fluids. Make sure all propane and plumbing fixtures are functioning properly.
  • Carry proof of your Canadian citizenship. The best way is with a Canadian passport because it proves your citizenship and your right to return to Canada. Effective June 1st, 2009 all Canadians will require a passport to enter the U.S., whether by land, air or sea. Contact your local passport office for information on how to get a passport.
  • Where ever you go, know where the closest Canadian Government office can be found - they'll be able to help you if you're ever in a bind.

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