Travel With Memories. Return With Every Document.

Why paperwork matters

A Receipt Can Prove the Cost. A Medical Report Can Explain What Happened.

A boarding pass can place you on the journey. Claims are assessed under the exact insurance contract and the facts of the event.

No single checklist can guarantee payment — but complete, consistent records can help an insurer verify eligibility, timing, diagnosis, treatment, expenses and travel.

Before you leave Canada

Prepare Two Small Safety Nets

Coverage you understand, and information someone can find.

01

Read the Policy — Not Just the Wallet Card

Confirm destinations, dates, maximum trip length, exclusions, pre-existing-condition rules, stability periods, activities, alcohol or drug provisions, and emergency-assistance requirements.

Ask for unclear answers in writing.

02

Create a Travel Document Folder

Keep secure paper and digital copies of passports, visas, policy and assistance numbers, prescriptions, itinerary, e-ticket, accommodations and emergency contacts. Leave a copy with someone trusted in Canada.

03

Make Yourself Reachable

Share your itinerary and register with the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service so the Government of Canada can contact you during an emergency.

Register your trip →

Your travel-safe folder

What to Carry — and What to Leave Securely at Home

Protect sensitive information. Use password-protected storage, share only with trusted people, and do not keep every original in the same bag.

Identity and Journey

Passport identification page and visa
Flight itinerary and e-ticket receipt
Boarding passes and baggage tags
Hotel, tour and transportation confirmations
Entry or exit records when available

Insurance and Assistance

Policy wording and certificate number
24/7 emergency-assistance number
Provincial health-card information
Employer, credit-card or group coverage details
Agent or broker contact information

Health Information

Medication list and generic drug names
Allergies, conditions and treating physicians
Relevant prescriptions or medical letters
Emergency contact and substitute decision-maker
Blood type, if reliably known

Family Instructions

Who should speak for the family
Location of Will and legal documents
Life and travel insurance contacts
Funeral or repatriation preferences
A secure list of key Canadian contacts

If a medical emergency occurs

Call First. Document as You Go.

1

Get urgent care

In an emergency, seek help immediately. Contact the insurer's assistance centre as soon as reasonably possible and follow its directions.

2

Open a case

Record the case number, representative's name, date, time and every instruction or authorization.

3

Ask before leaving

Obtain the attending physician's report, diagnosis, clinical or discharge summary, itemized invoice, prescriptions and proof of payment while you are still in the country.

4

Keep originals and copies

Government of Canada guidance says to submit original receipts for medical services or prescriptions and keep copies for your own file.

Document checklist

For an Illness, Interruption or Death-Abroad Claim

A

Proof of the Trip

Booking confirmation and complete itinerary
E-ticket and proof of payment
Boarding passes for every flight segment
Baggage tags and airline correspondence
Accommodation and tour confirmations
Cancellation, delay or interruption notices

B

Medical and Expense Records

Attending physician statement or detailed report
Hospital admission and discharge records
Diagnosis, treatment notes and test results
Itemized invoices — not credit-card slips alone
Original receipts and proof of payment
Prescription and pharmacy receipts
Medical transport or ambulance records
Insurer case number and authorization notes

C

If a Traveller Dies Abroad

Official local death certificate — request several copies
Certified English or French translation if required
Hospital and attending-physician records
Police, autopsy or toxicology report if applicable
Cancelled passport and identity documents
Cremation or embalming certificate
Permit to transfer and funeral-home documents
Funeral contract, itemized invoices and receipts
Funeral notice, program or service schedule
Airline or cargo documents for repatriation

Policy requirements vary

These records are commonly useful or requested, but your insurer may require different forms, originals, translations, authentication or permission before costs are incurred. Notify the assistance provider promptly and follow its instructions.

The hardest time to search for a missing document is when a family is already in shock.

Why InsuranceVilla created this guide

Claims involving a death in another country can be among the most difficult cases a family faces. Distance, language, local law and grief arrive at the same time. Many people understandably do not realize that travel records, medical reports, funeral documents and original receipts may later become essential evidence.

Preparation cannot prevent every tragedy. It can, however, give a family clearer contacts, stronger records and fewer unanswered questions when they most need help.

Travel safely. Keep the paperwork. Make sure someone at home knows where it is.

Clear answers

What Families Should Know

Should I call the insurer before getting treatment?

In an emergency, obtain urgent care first. Contact the policy's assistance centre as soon as reasonably possible. Some contracts require early notice, coordination or approval for certain services, transfers or arrangements.

Are photographs of receipts enough?

They are an excellent backup, but they may not replace originals. Government of Canada travel guidance says to submit original receipts for medical services or prescriptions and keep copies. Follow the insurer's claim instructions.

Will the Canadian government pay to return remains to Canada?

No. Global Affairs Canada says costs related to death abroad and repatriation are the responsibility of the family or estate. Insurance may cover some costs directly or reimburse them, depending on the policy and circumstances.

What can Canadian consular officials do?

They can help explain local processes, connect families with authorities and suitable local funeral providers, and assist with certain documentation. They do not pay for repatriation, translate documents, provide legal advice or investigate the death.

Should the family schedule the Canadian funeral immediately?

Global Affairs Canada recommends not confirming the Canadian funeral date until the remains or ashes have returned and cleared customs because foreign procedures, investigations, documents and transportation can cause delays.

Current Government of Canada resources

Trip interruption and travel health insurance
Death outside Canada
Death Abroad Factsheet
Emergency assistance abroad

Review before the suitcase closes

Request a Travel-Safe Review

InsuranceVilla can help you understand the insurance questions to ask before travel and organize the policy information your family should be able to find.

Request a Travel-Safe Review

General information for Canadian travellers only. This page is not legal, medical, tax, travel, consular or insurance advice and does not guarantee that any claim will be accepted. Coverage, exclusions, notice requirements, required evidence, assistance services and benefits are governed solely by the specific policy and the facts of the claim. Contact the insurer or assistance provider promptly and follow its instructions. Government procedures and foreign laws vary and may change. Protect personal and medical information when storing or sharing documents.