An excerpt from the free ebook: "The Expert Guide to Travel Insurance", available at http://www.canadaquote.net.

1. Get the travel insurance before you go.

• You cannot get it after you leave your province.
• If there is a claim, the company will verify that the trip began after the travel insurance was purchased.

2. Tell your travel companions about your travel insurance, so that they know what to do if something happens to you, and you are unable to phone in your claim.

• It will expedite your treatment, and make it easier to file your claim.
• It will reduce your stress from having to explain the situation while you are in pain.

3. Do not throw away receipts from your trip.

• Travel insurance often covers extra expenses for meals, hotel, phone calls and taxi related to your relocation or delayed return home due to a medical emergency.

4. Keep one copy of the travel insurance in your wallet or purse, and one in your luggage.

• If your wallet or purse is stolen, you still have your luggage copy.
• If your luggage is missing, you still have your wallet or purse copy.

5. E-mail yourself a copy of the proof of travel insurance so that you can access it if you lose it or get separated from your luggage.

• Ensure you use a web-based email account that you can access away from home.

PS: your travel insurance may cover to have a loved one transported to your hospital bedside – do not be afraid to inquire about it.