Travel in canada

Each year, more than a million visitors come to Canada to explore this vast land. From cosmopolitan cities to majestic mountain ranges, Canada’s landscape is as diverse as its people. Traveling, whether abroad or in your own country, is a very rewarding experience, but there are always potential health risks. Visitors traveling to Canada should consider a number of health tips before setting out on their trip.

Outdoors

For outdoor enthusiasts, Canada is a true playground. Canada, home to countless lakes and forests, is the ideal destination for adventure seekers. To make sure illness doesn’t ruin your vacation, consider environmental factors. The weather in Canada can vary greatly from province to province, so you need to pack appropriate clothing for the weather. To make sure you’re prepared for Canada’s climatic extremes, be sure to research the area you’ll be visiting. Not dressing accordingly can compromise your health. In the summer months, be sure to protect yourself from a variety of insects with bug spray. Most of them are a simple annoyance, but the bite of an infected mosquito can have potentially dangerous effects.

Sun and air quality

Canada’s urban centers offer some of the best cultural events in North America and, like all major cities in the world, Canadian cities can be subject to periodic reduction in air quality due to traffic and industry. For those travelers who are prone to respiratory problems, it is wise to equip yourself with the necessary medications before leaving home. Additionally, seasonal allergens such as pollen and ragweed are prevalent in most Canadian cities and can inhibit your ability to enjoy the great outdoors. During the summer, Canadian cities offer an impressive list of festivals and other special events, but you can easily be deprived of their enjoyment if you don’t protect yourself from the sun. The UV index in the summer months can be very high and travelers can experience the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun’s rays.

Medical emergencies

Health tips are helpful, but they do not guarantee that you will maintain optimal health while traveling. The best way to protect yourself from expensive medical bills is to have valid health insurance. If you are a visitor to Canada from another country, the illness can leave you with a heavy financial burden. Before leaving your own country, be sure to purchase health insurance to cover you in the event of a medical emergency.

Provincial coverage?

If you are a Canadian resident visiting another province, please note that your provincial health plan will not cover all medical expenses incurred outside of the province. For example, citizens of Ontario will find that OHIP does not cover ambulance costs and accidental dental expenses incurred in another province. A little research will inform you of the omissions in your province’s health coverage. If you feel that your provincial medical care is not adequate, it may be wise to purchase supplemental medical insurance before your trip.

There is a lot of beauty to explore and experience in Canada, so be sure to enjoy your trip to the fullest while protecting your health!