Canada Travel Tips – Medical
Before you leave, please check whether your insurance already covers overseas travel. If not, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance before leaving for Canada. When traveling, please carry your insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you.
1. Canadian Hospitals and Medical Services
Canadian hospitals and medical services provide you with quality services. Most hospitals in Canada are managed by the government, and service fees are set by provinces or hospital management agencies. Medical services for non-Canadian citizens are charged at a daily price or based on the medical condition and the length of treatment. Medical costs vary from place to place, but on average are between $1,000 and $2,000 per day.
Hospital emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day. Most cities have community clinics where non-emergency patients can go for medical treatment or consultation without an appointment. The cost of each clinic varies. Please check the “Medical, Clinics” column in the Yellow Pages for the telephone number of each clinic.
2. Prescriptions and Pharmacies
Please carry with you all the prescription drugs you will need during your trip, as well as copies of your prescriptions in case you need them. Pharmacies can be found everywhere in Canada. Most large cities have at least one 24-hour pharmacy, and many grocery stores also have drug counters in the store. All prescription drugs should be kept in their original packaging, with the type of drug and the prescription being used labeled on it. If you do not have the original packaging, please bring a copy of the prescription or a certificate from your doctor. You may also want to bring spare glasses or contact lenses, or a prescription from your eye doctor, in case you need new glasses or contact lenses.
3. Emergency Services
Most cities in Canada offer 911 emergency services. In an emergency, you can dial 911 from any phone to call the police, fire, or ambulance. If you are temporarily unable to reach 911 service, dial “0” and ask the operator to call the police, fire, or ambulance. You can make emergency calls for free from any pay phone.