Travel Insurance FAQs

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Travel Insurance – With Equipment

  • Travel must be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
  • Requests generally take 1–5 business days for underwriting approval.
  • Sanctioned countries are not permitted.  Check before you plan….

Within Canada or the USA

If you are travelling with equipment within Canada or the USA, our TMU insurance representatives should be notified for approval. Please send Lesley Salvadori a list of the following:

  • Name of production
  • Name of group participants
  • List of equipment – ask the equipment distribution centre to print out a report that lists the equipment with serial numbers.
  • Dates
  • Location
  • Brief summary of the shoot details

Outside of Canada and the USA

If you are traveling internationally, outside of Canada and the USA and taking equipment with you, you will need to fill out an International Travel Application use policy #3511755 with the specified amount of gear that is being taken with you.  The equipment distribution centres can provide you with equipment models and serial numbers on your checkout allocation.

This will allow us to apply the international insurance coverage to that specific amount of gear for you when it is taken out.  Equipment will not be insured if this form is not completed and submitted.

What should I do if I run into issues traveling while completing TMU work?

Please contact Lesley Salvadori to notify about the issues so the University is aware of them.

Option 1: The “DIY” Alternative (CBSA Form Y38)

If you are a Canadian resident/organization exporting equipment temporarily and returning only to Canada, you can use Form Y38: Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation.

How it works: It is a free wallet-sized card or sheet where you list your equipment and serial numbers. A CBSA officer inspects the gear before you leave Canada and stamps the form.

The Process: 

  1. Fill out the form or create an itemized list with descriptions, makes, and serial numbers.
  2. Take the gear and the list to a CBSA office (usually at the airport or border crossing) before you check your bags or depart.
  3. The officer verifies the serial numbers and stamps the form.
  4. Keep this stamped form with your gear. When you re-enter Canada, show it to customs to avoid paying taxes.

The Catch: The Y38 only satisfies Canadian Customs. It does not guarantee that the foreign country you are visiting won’t try to charge you import duties when you arrive there.

Option 2: The Official ATA Carnet (The “Passport for Cargo”)

If you are travelling to countries that are very strict about commercial imports (such as European countries, the UK, or the US with high-value gear), you should get an official ATA Carnet.

How it works: It acts as a temporary passport for your equipment, accepted by over 80 countries. It guarantees foreign customs that you will not sell the gear in their country.

The Process: In Canada, Carnets are issued exclusively by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) via their online portal (Boomerang Carnets).

The Cost: It is not free. You must pay an application fee (usually a few hundred dollars depending on the value) and provide a security deposit/bond (usually 40% of the total value of the equipment) to ensure you bring the gear back.

Summary Recommendation:

  • Use Form Y38 if: You are travelling with standard professional gear (like a few laptops/cameras), the total value isn’t astronomical, and you are going to a country like the US where customs rarely stops travellers for personal/professional electronics. Just show up early at the Canadian airport to get it stamped.
  • Use an ATA Carnet if: You are travelling with freight/crates of gear, high-value commercial assets, or visiting countries known for strict customs enforcement (e.g., strict EU borders).

Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Leave

Regardless of which route you choose, you should compile an Equipment Manifest (spreadsheet) containing:

  1. Item Description (e.g., Sony FX3 Camera Body)
  2. Manufacturer/Make & Model
  3. Serial Number (This is crucial; if it doesn’t have a serial number, customs may not clear it)
  4. Value (Replacement cost in CAD)
  5. Country of Origin (Where it was manufactured)

Travel Insurance – Personal for Students

Toronto Metropolitan Students Union (TMSU) offers insurance for all students. Undergraduate students who have not opted out of TMSU Insurance are automatically covered by TMSU Insurance for travel-related emergencies. Detailed information about TMSU Travel Medical Emergency Insurance can be found in the booklet. We strongly recommend that students verify their coverage with the TMSU Health and Dental Plan Administrator ( 416-979-5255 ext. 2311, email health@yourtmsu.ca ).

It is the responsibility of every student to review TMSU’s Travel Insurance coverage and confirm if it suits their individual needs.

Please note: If you are traveling to your home country or country of permanent residency, you will not be eligible for TMSU’s travel coverage.

Students are not obligated to choose TMSU Insurance. The University accepts any insurance provider, provided that the policy coverage aligns with the minimum requirements outlined on the Safety Abroad webpage.

For those planning international travel, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these requirements.

Lishanthi Caldera, Safety Abroad Advisor

Go Abroad Global Learning

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