Like many Canadians, I have always taken government-funded medical care for granted. So when a bunch of us decided to go to Spring Break in Tampa a few years ago, my only concern was to buy sunscreen and condoms. Overlooking medical travel insurance was a mistake.

Several alcohol fueled days later, I awoke in a hospital room. I thought that I was in agony when I woke up. I had a cast on my left leg, hurt everywhere and discovered when I tried to sit up that several of my ribs had been broken. From what I have managed to piece together from my friends, I had a pretty bad parasailing accident and had had to be rushed to emergency. I was bummed out about my trip being ruined, but when I got home things got much worse. I took my hospital bill from America into a government office and tried to get them to pay. No, we’re sorry, but since you received out-of-county care we are not responsible for these costs. What! Where was I, a starving college kid going to come up with $15, 000?

The first thing you need to know if you are planning a trip abroad (including to the US) is that Medicare stops at the border. It is imperative, therefore, that you take better care of yourself than I did. No one wants to have their vacation ruined by illness or injury, but imagine going tens of thousands of dollars into debt on top of that.

It’s not even like travel insurance is all that expensive. You can acquire a cheap plan for under $40. Just be sure that the plan is tailored to your specific needs.

Before you buy insurance, you should look at what you will be doing while you are away: are you planning of to channel the spirit of Steve Irwin while wrestling ‘gators or other risky behaviors. It is important to be forthright with your broker to ensure that you are fully covered. You may want to submit some of the questions that embarrass you most over the phone or through email correspondence. Chances are that if you can think of it, they’ve already heard it.

When you get your insurance package, take your time and read through the fine print. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into signing. Circle any articles you need clarified and make sure you understand what it means BEFORE you sign. Once you’ve signed, you have agreed and it’s too late.

You should make sure that your policy also covers loss/theft of items and cash. If your backpack is lost in a hostel, will your insurance pay to replace your PSP and fancy digital camera? Here again, residing before you leave is crucial.

I sincerely wish that no one goes through the nightmare I did, but if it does happen to you be as prepared as you can be. Remember, that it is better to have protection and not need it than to need it and not have it.