Canada
A high standard of dental care is available in Canada
Medication is available throughout Canada and pharmacists are licensed
Blood supplies are considered as safe, collected from volunteer donors and screened to international standards
Good medical care is widely available. The Canadian health care system is run on a provincial basis (e.g. the province of Ontario has its own hospital insurance plan as does each of the other provinces and territories) and is funded by Canadian taxpayer money. Tourists and temporary visitors do not qualify for this health care plan and should have their own insurance to cover any medical expenses. Health care professionals in the province of Québec might only speak French
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Winnipeg's climate may pose problems for persons seriously afflicted with asthma, sinusitis or Raynaud's Disease (a vascular condition).
Poison ivy and poison oak occur.
Toronto has the highest pollen count of any North American city and hay fever sufferers should avoid it during the six week peak season. Excessively dry winter air can cause skin irritation and rashes and may tend to aggravate nose and throat problems.
Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.
Hepatitis B: If destined for the Northwest Territories or Hudson Bay coastal areas, vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Canada has no special health risks. Standards of community health and sanitation are comparable to those in U.S. cities. The incidence of communicable diseases is such that they are unlikely to prove a hazard for the international traveler greater than that found in his own country. There are, of course, health risks but in general the precautions required are minimal.
Insect-borne illness:
Encephalitis - occurs
Lyme disease - occurs (reported in southern Manitoba and Ontario provinces with a concentration of cases in the Muskoka region and the Long Point wildlife area on Lake Erie; cases have also be reported from the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. Risk appears to be highest during June and July.)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever - occurs
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for any foreigner suspected of being HIV postive (HIV testing is not mandatory for entry). Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Contact Canada's embassy for details.
