Your travel health: top tips for travellers

Follow hygiene measures at your destination 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from COVID-19, it’s the importance of hygiene. In the months and perhaps years to come, you’d be well advised to:  

• Bring disinfectant gel in your carry-on (make sure you follow the rules on liquids in carry-on baggage) 
• Wear a mask where required (masks may be compulsory in some places or in certain circumstances, like when using public transit) 
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in hotels, restaurants, airplanes, etc. 
• Follow distancing guidelines—which are unlikely to go away anytime soon 

Check conditions of entry for your destination country  

Before choosing a destination, always check the travel advice and advisories published by the Canadian government. Keep in mind that insurers use these travel advisories to decide whether they will cover care for certain diseases (such as COVID-19). 

Advisories are issued according to four levels of risk ranging from “take normal precautions while travelling—vaccination, hand washing, etc.” to  “avoid all travel.” Remember that a disease unlikely to have any serious consequences in Canada can be problematic when you’re abroad due to other factors: 

• Hygiene standards at your destination 
• Access to clean food and water 
• Climatic or environmental conditions 

Make sure you have the vaccinations you need for your trip 

Many diseases can be avoided with vaccines. Check with a travel health clinic or a drugstore offering a vaccination service to find out which vaccines are required or recommended. A specialist will determine what you need based on your vaccination history, age, health status, what kind of trip you’re planning, and—of course—your destination. To get an overview of the vaccines you’ll be offered, check the Canadian government’s list of vaccinations for each country you plan to visit. 

Ideally, it’s best to do this at least six to eight weeks before you leave. The sooner the better, in fact, since required vaccines are not always in stock and booster shots are often needed for full protection. That said, some vaccines can be given in a single dose as late as the day before you leave, so it’s a good idea to check with a specialist in the case of a last-minute departure. 

Are you sixty or over? Avoid health problems when travelling abroad by taking additional vaccination precautions. 

Bring your medications with you 

Make sure you have enough medication for your stay plus an extra week’s supply. That way you won’t need to buy medications if your trip is extended. In the West, drugs are similar from country to country, but they’re not entirely the same. In Asia, deaths have occurred due to counterfeit drugs.. Don't take any chances—bring yours with you. 

Keep your medications in their original container with the original label for your prescription. If need be, you’ll be able to prove to customs officers that your medication is necessary. 

Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid problems if your checked bags are lost or arrive late.  

Lastly, always keep a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and the natural health products you take with you. Your pharmacist can provide this list.  

Inquire about the effects of jet lag on your medication

Ask your health care professional (physician or pharmacist) if jet lag can affect your medication (side effects, decreased effectiveness, etc.). Should a dose be delayed, or is it better to anticipate it? 

Keep required medical certificates handy  

If you need to use syringes for your treatments, ask for a medical certificate stating that they’re for medical and personal use: you’ll need to provide this at customs. For security reasons, it’s highly likely that the airline will not allow you to bring your syringes with you in your carry-on. Check beforehand. Make sure you have enough syringes, because it’ll be difficult for you to get more while on your trip.

Also make sure you have a medical certificate if your medications contain narcotics.

Bring a first-aid kit

Prepare a complete first-aid kit. A well-stocked kit should include the following:

• Bandages
• Compresses
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors
• Sling
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antihistamine
• Oral rehydration solution

Warning: objects such as scissors and nail files are forbidden in the plane cabin. Make sure you follow the rules regarding liquids in your carry-on luggage.

Purchase travel insurance

Purchase travel insurance suited to your situation. There’s a range of flexible coverage options to suit every type of travel and traveller. A travel or insurance counsellor can determine your needs and guide you accordingly.

Get coverage despite an existing illness

It’s often possible to obtain travel insurance coverage despite an existing illness. Many insurers offer to have your doctor complete a medical questionnaire or to conduct a telephone assessment. In some cases, when the disease is under control, it can be covered. It’s worth looking into!

For example, see the possible solutions with a cancer diagnosis.

Know how to reach your travel assistance service 

Always have your travel insurance assistance card with you. Give a copy of this card to your travel companions as well as to a trusted friend or relative back home. You and your entourage should always have quick access to the telephone number to contact in case of a problem.

Contact the assistance service  team as soon as a problem arises. The agents will be able to recommend a hospital, explain the procedure to follow and even take steps with the hospital before you arrive.

Be careful what you eat

Travellers’ diarrhea, typhoid and hepatitis A are contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water. Staying in a major hotel doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be at risk. A few cautionary measures should be taken:

• Drink water from well-sealed containers and ice-free beverages.
• Wash your hands before meals.
• Rinse fruit with bottled or treated water and peel it yourself.
• Make sure foods are cooked thoroughly and consume them hot.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, ice cream, raw vegetables, salads and foods sold by street vendors.
• Brush your teeth with bottled or treated water.

Watch for signs of fatigue 

Are you particularly affected by jet lag? Rest whenever you need to—a lack of sleep can affect your immune system and leave you in a more vulnerable state. Helpful tip: you’ll adjust more quickly to your new time zone by eating and sleeping at the local time. 

Keep your distance from animals

Watch out for rabies! The rabies virus is transmitted by the bite or scratch of animals carrying the disease, such as dogs, cats, bats, or monkeys. It’s therefore a good idea to avoid feeding or touching animals. 

What to do in case of a bite or scratch?

1. Clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes.
2. Apply a disinfectant.
3. Then go to a medical clinic as soon as possible.

Protect yourself against mosquitos

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Zika (pregnant women, beware!) and yellow fever.

Some tips if you’re travelling in an at-risk country:

• Protect yourself with 30% DEET insect repellent that lasts about four to six hours, or 20% icaridin that lasts nine to 10 hours. Apply this mosquito protection 20 minutes after sunscreen.
• Wear long, lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
• If you’ve opted for an open-air accommodation that could expose you to a potential mosquito attack, sleep in a bed covered with a mosquito net sprayed with an insect repellent and tuck the edges under the mattress.

Be careful where you swim

In some countries and continents, such as South America, Africa and India, freshwater can be infested with parasite larvae. These can penetrate the skin and cause serious diseases. Avoid swimming and walking in lakes, rivers or stagnant waterways, even if the water is clear and you see locals taking a dip. On the other hand, swimming in the ocean or in a chlorinated pool is safe.

Safety: official, up-to-date information

Is your next destination safe? Are certain behaviours to be avoided in the area you’re visiting? To find out, consult the Travel Advice and Advisories published by the Canadian government.

CAA Travel Assistance is provided by Global Excel. Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance availability may vary depending on geographical locations and current emergency medical condition. In-Province virtual assistance is limited to four (4) calls per insured per policy term.

CAA‑Quebec Travel Insurance products are provided by Orion Travel Insurance Company and distributed to Quebec residents exclusively by CAA‑Quebec Travel and Cabinet en assurance de personnes CAA‑Québec.