Canada Travel Health – Do You Need Any Immunizations?

Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and cholera. Typhoid vaccinations are not required for international travel, but are recommended for areas where there is risk of exposure. Smallpox vaccinations are no longer given.

Check your health care records to ensure that your measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunizations are up-to-date. Medication to deter malaria and other preventative measures are advisable for certain areas, the Dominican Republic has been one in the news lately.

Canada Travel Health advisories can assist you in determining what is required for the country that you are visiting

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against a disease to which you will not be exposed, and few countries refuse to admit you if you arrive without the necessary vaccinations. Find out from travel health clinics across Canada.

Canada Travel Health and General Travel Health

Many people worry about Gastrointestinal Illness while travelling otherwise, known as Montazumas revenge. There are steps you can take to prevent it. The key principles to remember are:

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go always wash your hands before eating.and after using washrooms

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go purchase bottled water from a reliable source. Some street vendors sell bottles of water, which have been refilled from the tap

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go eat only thoroughly cooked food. Avoid partially cooked seafood including shellfish.

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go avoid drinks prepared by ice of unknown origin.

Canada Travel Health - What You Need to Know Before You Go do not take chances with street-side unlicensed food hawkers.

Learn more about travel health risks and how to protect yourself while travelling internationally with the Travel Health Fact Sheets

Canada Travel Health Insurance

Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care can be expensive for travellers who are injured or who become seriously ill outside of Canada.

The provincial Health programs, such as OHIP, do not provide coverage for hospital or medical services outside Canada, some things are not even covered when travelling outside your home province.

In addition to travel health insurance, many policies include trip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel accident insurance packages. Your vacation can take a year to save for, only a second to ruin. Purchase Travel insurance through AIG Travel Guard. Starting at $30.

Whichever health insurance coverage you choose for travel overseas, remember to carry with you both your health insurance policy identity card and claim forms.

Canada Travel Health and Prescription Drugs

Carry them with you on the plane and not in checked luggage to reduce the risk of losing them. Always carry medications in the original containers.

Canadian regulations and laws do not apply outside Canada. When you travel outside Canada with prescribed medication, you should carry proof of need. It is recommended that a medical certificate of explanation be carried, should a physician advise that a supply of sterile syringes and needles be carried for use by qualified health personnel in an emergency situation. This will help ensure that you are always considered in legal possession of your required medicine.

If you require medication for existing medical conditions, take a sufficient supply for all your needs during travel. These must be in clearly labelled containers and a copy of the doctor’s medical prescription should be carried. Essential medication should be divided and stored in two different pieces of luggage, so that if one piece of luggage is delayed, lost or stolen, an alternate supply is available.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique medical problems, you may consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a similar warning. These bracelets are recognized internationally and may speak for you if you are unable or if the language presents a barrier.