Students and young world travellers: your to-do list before leaving

Before you leve: your to-do list

When you’re young, spending a few months studying at a university somewhere in Europe or taking a break between semesters to explore the remotest corners of Asia are life-shaping experiences: “Travel broadens the mind,” as the maxim goes. If you’re about to pack your bags for just such an adventure, here are some essentials you should attend to, to make sure the trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare—either for you or your family members at home.

The big day is coming, and excitement is building… In between making those last-minute purchases and packing your bags, be sure to:

• Have all your documents ready: valid passport, visas, International Driving Permit, travel insurance, prescriptions.
• Renew your prescription medication.
• Complete your tax return and renew your health insurance card and driver’s licence, if the deadlines fall during your travel period.
• Pay your bills ahead of time.
• Leave spare keys with someone you trust.
• Get all the vaccinations you need.
• Equip yourself with useful accessories to ensure safe travels.

Checked off all the items? Then it’s time to go!

Extended stays

Quebec’s public health insurance plan provides limited coverage for medical expenses and health services in a foreign country: if ever something happens, you’ll be reimbursed only part of the cost. Keep in mind that out-of-pocket expenses can be very high, even in developing countries. For more information, see our article on emergency medical care.

It’s also important to remember that, to remain entitled to Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) coverage, your trip must not exceed 183 days (half a year). If you stay outside Quebec for longer than that, you’ll forfeit your coverage until January 1 of the following year, unless you obtain special dispensation from the RAMQ.

Travel insurance: do you need it?

You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to guard against risks and unforeseen events; this way, you’ll avoid the potential serious financial consequences for your and your family members, not to mention all the attendant anxiety. Read this capsule to learn more about trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Shop around for insurance

Every travel insurance policy is different, but they all offer pretty much the same basic coverage: payment of medical bills, hospitalization, repatriation, and transportation of a friend or family member to your bedside. These are the main points to watch out for when taking out a travel insurance policy. To help you make an informed final selection, here are some further questions to consider:

• Is there a deductible to pay?
• Is the insurer’s 24/7 worldwide assistance service available in the language of your choice? Do they provide interpreter services?
• Does the insurer cover expenses onsite, or will you need to pay out of pocket and claim a reimbursement after your return?
• Does the insurance include a benefit payment to cover the cost of transporting a family member to your bedside in case of illness or accident?
• Will the assistance service provide coordination services and relay important messages to and from your family members in the event of a problem?

Read our capsule titled Travel insurance: things all travellers need to check for the full list of questions you should ask.

The key to getting the most out of your stay is to be the kind of traveller who plans ahead!