Tips for Trips

Proper preparation is the key to a terrific trip. Here are some important tips you should know to make your trip as safe as possible.

• Check for travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada.
• Bring local currency with you when you travel. Make sure to order it early in case there is a waiting period prior to its arrival.
• Visit a travel clinic prior to your trip to verify that your vaccination record is up-to-date, and to consider the recommended vaccinations for where you plan to travel and what you plan to do.
• Make sure your prescriptions have been refilled and that you have more than enough for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget to pack it in your carry-on luggage to keep it easily accessible at all times.
• Bring a small collapsible umbrella. You’ll thank us later.
• Make backup copies of important documents. Scan them and email yourself a copy.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. A little goes a long way. Especially “Where is the…?”
• Make sure you’ve got the right travel medical insurance coverage to fit your needs and carefully review your policy, including any limitations and exclusions.
• Check your passport’s expiry date and find out about any visa or entry requirements specific to your destination.
• If you’re bringing your kids, make sure you have the right paperwork, including a passport for each, a letter of consent if only one parent is traveling, and documentation for adopted children.
• Attend to your household needs. Put a hold on any newspaper subscriptions or mail delivery, and prepay your bills.
• Register with the Government of Canada to ensure you’ll be notified in the case of an emergency in your travel region.

• Take a business card from the front desk of your hotel when you arrive. It always helps to have on hand the name and address of your lodgings in the local language!
• Be mindful of the local culture of the country that you’re travelling in. Depending on your destination, cultural tolerances will vary.
• Make sure you’ve disabled international data roaming while travelling to avoid a hefty cell phone bill upon your return.
• Though they may look adorable, try not to pet any stray animals you encounter.

Great sources of information before and during your trip

Local emergency medical contacts

With more than 260 points of service in 150 countries worldwide, Canadian consular services can provide local medical contacts of all kinds.

Government travel advisories

See if the Canadian Government has any travel advisories or recommendations for your destination.

Canadians Abroad Registrations

Register yourself when you go abroad so your whereabouts are known.

Border Services wait times

Check the wait times for trips to the US. 

Travel Medical Insurance is underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company. Some applications are subject to underwriting. Medical and claims assistance, claims payment and administrative services under the Policy are provided by our Administrator. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions, including a pre-existing condition exclusion, that are fully described in the Certificate of Insurance which is issued if accepted for enrollment. Travel Medical Insurance can be purchased by calling 1-800-293-4941, or visit www.td.com.