One of my closest family members passed away from a heart attack while spending the winter in Arizona.
Once the initial shock had worn off, the remaining family then had to deal with all the realities of a death in the family but compounded by the fact that the death had occurred outside of Canada. His wife not only had to get his body home and start the process of selling their Arizona vacation property, but she also had to face the very real possibility that their travel medical insurance would not cover all of the ambulance, hospital and cremation expenses.
On the one hand, we baby boomers are now in a position to enjoy the fruits of our labours, and we want to be able to travel and avoid the rigors of the Canadian winter. But on the other hand, we have all reached an age where we could suddenly find ourselves hospitalized or under a doctor's care for a serious health problem.
Even the healthiest person can be stricken with an unexpected health crisis after the age of 60. So how can you indulge your passion for travel while providing for unexpected medical emergencies without having to pay through the nose?
What you need to do before you leave
1. Find it if there are required innoculations for your destination.
Talk to your health care provider at least a couple of months before you leave to find out what vaccinations are recommended for your intended destination. Remember that some vaccinations need to be administered well ahead of departure time. Your doctor may also consider it advisable for you to have a flu shot, COVID booster or pneumonia shot before you travel. Keep a copy of your immunization record with your medical documents.
2. Check for travel advisories.
Keep up to date on any new health notifications for your destination. Check the World Health Organization and the Government of Canada websites for timely travel health notices.
3. See your doctor.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure you are in good health. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your doctor may need to clear you for travel. Failure to get this clearance could invalidate your travel medical insurance policy!
4. Obtain sufficient travel medical insurance.
Your provincial health care will not cover all the costs if you should require emergency care or hospitalization. I once had an abscessed tooth on Maui. The final bill was $4,000 and my provincial health care covered exactly $100 of that amount. Here are some tips for ensuring your coverage is sufficient.
- Look for the most inclusive coverage available, that will cover not only hospital expenses but visits to doctors and practitioners, prescription drugs and treatments such as physiotherapy, and medical evacuation back home, if necessary.
- Answer all health questions fully, completely and truthfully. Disclose any pre-existing conditions you have and any medication you take, no matter how trivial it may seem.
- Read your policy carefully and talk to your broker about any questions or concerns you have.
- BE ABSOLUTELY SURE OF WHAT YOUR COVERAGE LIMITS ARE. Do not make assumptions. Having worked at an insurance brokerage, I can tell you that insurance companies will look for any and every reason to deny your claim.
- Make a list of the insurance company's emergency contact numbers in the country/countries you are traveling in. Bookmark the claims page of their website.
5. Purchase trip cancellation insurance.
This is just as important as travel medical insurance. If you should become ill before you leave (even if it's "just a cold"), your doctor may recommend you postpone traveling until you're feeling better. Remember: Airlines have the right to refuse to allow you onto the plane if you're visibly unwell.
6. Provide for pre-existing medical conditions.
If your pre-existing medical condition will require treatment, medication or therapy while you're abroad, make arrangements for this before you leave. This will ensure that the treatment you need is available, and you will also have an idea of the costs beforehand.
What to do upon departure
7. If you take prescription medication, keep it in the original packaging with all the details on it.
Take a copy of the prescription from your doctor with you to avoid problems with Border Security. You are allowed to carry your precription meds in your carry-on but you will need to prove that you actually have been prescribed the medication you're carrying. If you are carrying prescription pain meds (i.e. opioids), get a letter from your doctor detailing why you need this medication.
8. Over-the-counter medications
Remember that some over-the-counter medications and supplements are restricted or prohibited in other countries. Make sure these are allowed before you try to take them across an international border.
9. Keep the medical details handy.
Keep a list on your phone with your travel documents that contains details of all your medications and dosage, your doctor's contact information, your blood type, any pre-existing medical conditions and any allergies you have. If you do have a pre-existing condition, carry a copy of your medical record with you as well.
10. Find out what medical services and facilities are available.
Contact the Canadian Embassy when you arrive to get information about medical services and facilities in the area. They will also be able to help you if an emergency occurs and you or a family member need to be evacuated for medical reasons.
11. If you have a condition that may require special attention - including allergies - wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
This is especially important if you should require emergency medical assistance. The paramedics and front-line workers who are treating you need to be aware if you have diabetes, heart disease, potentially fatal allergies, or other conditions that could be exacerbated by certain medications or other treatments.
12. Don't expect to just get up and go.
Once you arrive at your destination, allow some time for your body to recover from jet lag and to acclimatize to the temperature, humidity, altitude, and other environmental conditions of your destination.
13. Be aware of the risks.
If you are a "medical tourist" traveling specifically for lower priced medical treatments in another country, understand that there may be additional risks due to language issues, highly resistant bacteria, poor quality medication, unqualified practitioners and lower standards of hygiene. If your treatment includes surgery, you will also be at higher risk for blood clots during your flight home.
