Before going on a trip, should I consult my doctor or dentist?
Yes, both. It is ill-advised to risk illness when traveling. You could end up spending several days in bed and have to pay expensive fees for medical care in certain countries. Take the time to have a medical checkup before leaving home.
Are the vaccines that I took as a child enough to protect me in any country in the world?
No. Since vaccination is not mandatory in Canada, vaccines recommended by Canadian authorities only cover illnesses constituting a risk for Canadians while in Canada. So, when you travel, you may be exposed to certain illnesses against which you haven't been vaccinated!
Can a foreign country require a Canadian visitor to have particular vaccinations?
Yes, especially the yellow fever vaccine. Any country can require foreign visitors to have a yellow fever vaccine. It is always a good idea to be vaccinated against this virus. You should also get information on the vaccines that are recommended or required by each country that you will be visiting. Authorities from one country may deny you access if your vaccination status does not meet their requirements. To demonstrate that you comply with the requirements, ask the doctor administering your vaccination to give you an International Certificate of Vaccination.
How long before departure should I be vaccinated?
Between six and eight weeks. Certain vaccines must be administered a specific number of days before departure to be effective.
What types of things should a traveler's first aid kit include?
The following items should be included in a first aid kit:
- Any medications prescribed by your physician
- Adhesive bandages, compresses, gauze dressing, and strips of elastic fabric
- Pain medication
- Laxatives
- Disinfectants (alcohol, iodine tincture, or mercurochrome)
- Sun screen
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Safety Pins
- 5-10 ml single-use syringes
- Water purification tablets
- Condoms, etc.
I am about to leave on a trip and I want to bring my medications with me. Could the customs agents in the country I will be visiting consider my medications illegal drugs?
Yes. But, you can avoid this type of situation by taking certain precautions. Leave your medications in their original containers. Only bring as much as you will need for the trip. And make sure you have your doctor's prescription with you, preferably in English. If, despite these precautions, you still have problems, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
What can I do to avoid contracting serious diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever?
We recommend that you avoid:
- Drinking tap water
- Having ice in your beverages
- Unpasteurized milk products
- Raw or rare meats
- Raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit
- Food from street vendors
Is it possible to have an exact idea of the sociopolitical climate of the country that I am visiting?
Yes. Contact your town's Passport Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa (see useful links below) to ensure safe traveling.
If I become ill while abroad, is the Canadian embassy responsible for paying for my health care?
No. If you have an accident or become ill while abroad, Canadian authorities will only provide you with administrative support. The medical fees that you incur are your responsibility. However, for a small fee, you can protect yourself against this financial risk by adding health insurance coverage to your travel insurance before your departure.
Does my province's health insurance plan reimburse me for emergency treatment costs incurred in another Canadian province or abroad?
Yes, in part. Health insurance plans in all Canadian provinces reimburse you for emergency treatment costs incurred outside of your province of residence, up to a maximum amount that varies by province. Consult the Public healthcare coverage section.