Canada Travel Health Insurance - Country Review
Learn more about Canada travel health with an overview from both CDC and the US State Department. We cover vaccines, medicines, and insurance. At AARDY we look at a variety of different information sources in order to get a better view of a country and its health systems.
Canada Travel Health – CDC
Vaccines and Medicines
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Canada. So, talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
Hepatitis B You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products. So, CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Canada, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals, and researchers).
Canada Travel Health – US State Department
**US Medicare does not pay medical bills. **Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides cover overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See the State Department web page for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (State Department web page) to cover medical evacuation.
Carry prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Healthcare in Canada: The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Canada’s medical care is of a high standard but is government-controlled. Quick and easy access to ongoing medical care is difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of each province’s government-run health care plans. Many physicians will not take new patients. Access to a specialist is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Emergency room waits can be very long. Some health care professionals in the province of Québec may speak only French.
**Vaccinations: **Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance, and Medical Evacuation Insurance | AARDY
Safe travels.
Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews
I Panicked When I Discovered I panicked when I discovered the Travel Insurance I had through Expedia had expired when I changed my flight reservation. When I went to renew I was told I couldn't. I discovered AARDY on my AARP site and I was excited I could purchase an even better travel plan with cover starting with my trip departure, at a cost I could afford. I was confused with the initial site and Mr. Breeze reached out to me for clarification. He explained the policy more thoroughly and addressed all my concerns, can't get any better than that! Thank You AARDY and thank you Jonathan for your assistance. I can go on my trip now knowing I'll be covered for medical emergencies and then some. _ _Barbara
Good Choices, Well Explained I liked the way insurance was explained. I had read an article your company had written explaining Expedia trip cover versus other choices. I used this advice to make the best choice for me and my traveling companions. That choice was to take a policy that provided much better medical and evacuation primary care. Your site allowed comparisons, and I think I got the best value for my money. I don't like constant follow up emails, though. You could back off a bit!! Louise
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