Your to-do list before going to Canada

Checkup and prescriptions

If you have a prescription for an ongoing condition and will travel with medications, ask your doctor to give you the name of equivalent drugs to have your prescription filled in Canada. Remember to follow the Government of Canada’s rules, however, and do not bring more than a 90-day supply of medication with you.

You also need a current, valid prescription to buy contact lenses. If you don’t have a prescription, you’ll need to take a vision test (and fees apply!). Visits to the optometrist or other eye care providers aren’t covered by your travel insurance because vision care is a “pre-existing condition.” Note that IEC travel health insurance plans don’t always cover pre-existing conditions.

It’s a good idea to have a dental checkup before leaving, as dental care in Canada is expensive and generally not fully covered by travel insurance policies. Basically, make an appointment with every health provider you see regularly at home to cover your bases before your trip abroad!

Recommended vaccines

No specific vaccine is required or recommended for Canada. However, you may want to make sure you’ve had your tetanus and diphtheria booster shots (usually every ten years for adults). If you plan to travel outside Canada, check if you need specific vaccines.

Learn more in Getting a health checkup and vaccines.