Travel health: Precautions to take

Before departure: Health prevention and preparation

Health risks and entry requirements by country

A mild illness in Canada can become problematic abroad due to:

• Hygiene standards in the destination country
• Access to safe drinking water
• Climate and environmental conditions
• Healthcare infrastructure

Before choosing a destination, always consult official travel advisories and warnings. Risk levels vary by country, region, and health context.

Vaccines and medical preparation before travel

Many diseases can be prevented through vaccination. Consult a travel health clinic or pharmacy to find out which vaccines are mandatory or recommended for your destination.

A travel health specialist will assess your needs based on several factors: vaccination history, age, health status, type of trip, and destination.

Good to know: Ideally, you should start this process at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Booster shots are often required to achieve full protection.

Medications

Pack enough medication for the entire duration of your trip, plus one extra week. Drug equivalencies vary from country to country, and products are not subject to the same quality control standards. To avoid errors, inappropriate substitutions, or quality issues (which can be dangerous!), it is strongly recommended that you travel with your own prescription medications.

• Find out how time zone changes may affect your medications.
• Keep medications in their original containers with the original prescription label.
• Carry your medications in your carry-on luggage.
• Keep a written list of your medications on you at all times.

Medical certificates

If your treatment requires syringes or controlled medications, a medical certificate is recommended to confirm personal use. Transport rules vary by airline. Check carry-on and checked baggage conditions for syringes in advance, and bring enough supply for the entire trip.

CPAP machines (for sleep apnea) are generally allowed in the cabin. Simply ensure you can obtain distilled water at your destination.

First-aid kit

Prepare a comprehensive first-aid kit for travel. A well-stocked kit should include:

• Bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, and a sling
• Antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, and antihistamine
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Scissors and tweezers
• Oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte)

Good to know: Items such as scissors and nail files are not permitted in the aircraft cabin.

On the ground: hygiene and safe behaviours

Food safety and drinking water

Traveller’s diarrhea, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A are contracted through contaminated food or water. To reduce the risk of infectious disease while travelling:

• Drink only sealed bottled water
• Avoid ice cubes
• Wash your hands before meals
• Eat only thoroughly cooked foods
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
• Use treated or bottled water for washing fruit and brushing teeth

Good to know: Staying in a five-star hotel does not necessarily protect you from foodborne illness.

Mosquitoes and tropical diseases

Mosquitoes can transmit several serious diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, Zika virus (particularly dangerous for pregnant women), yellow fever, and West Nile virus.

A few tips if you are travelling to a high-risk country:

• Protect yourself with an insect repellent containing 30% DEET or 20% icaridin. Apply insect repellent 20 minutes after your sunscreen.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured long-sleeved clothing.
• Outdoors, sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net tucked under your mattress.

Swimming safety while travelling

In certain regions such as South America, Africa, and India, freshwater sources may contain parasitic larvae.

• Avoid lakes, rivers, and stagnant water.
• Opt for oceans and chlorinated swimming pools.

Travel insurance

Choose travel insurance that fits your personal profile. Emergency medical travel insurance typically covers:

• emergency medical care and unexpected illness-related expenses;
• hospitalization and medical transport;
• repatriation; and
• 24-hour assistance.

You can also add coverage for baggage loss or trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Good to know: It is often possible to obtain travel insurance coverage despite a pre-existing condition. For example, solutions may be available even with a cancer diagnosis. A travel or insurance advisor can help identify your needs and guide you toward the right coverage.

Protect your health and peace of mind while travelling

Being well prepared, adopting the right habits, and choosing the right travel insurance allows you to travel with peace of mind. Prevention, informed decision-making, and financial protection are the keys to safe travel, even in complex health environments.

FAQ – Travel health

Q: Can you travel while pregnant?

Yes, depending on the destination, trimester, and health risks involved. Read our guide on pregnancy and travel insurance to learn more.

Q: What should you do in case of a medical emergency abroad?

Contact your insurer’s travel assistance line immediately—always keep your insurance card on you. Agents can recommend a hospital, walk you through the steps to take, and even coordinate with the hospital before your arrival.

Q: How do you manage jet lag?

Stay hydrated, gradually adjust your sleep schedule, and speak with your doctor about timing adjustments for your medications.

Q: Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, under certain medical and stability conditions. However, some pre-existing conditions may be uninsurable, including terminal illness, cancer with metastases, and renal failure.