Health Tips for Travellers
Travelling in Canada
Each year, over one 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. Travel,
whether abroad or in one's own country, is a richly rewarding
experience, but there are always potential health risks.
Visitors who travel to Canada are wise to consider a number of
health tips before embarking on their journey.
The Great Outdoors
For the outdoor enthusiast, Canada is a veritable playground.
Home to countless lakes and forests, Canada is the ideal
destination for adventure seekers. To ensure that illness does
not spoil your vacation, be aware of the environmental factors.
The weather in Canada can vary greatly from province to
province, thereby necessitating that you pack
weather-appropriate clothing. To ensure that you are prepared
for Canada's extremes in climate, be sure to research the area
that you will be visiting. Failing to dress accordingly may
result in your health being compromised. In the summer months,
be sure to protect yourself from a variety of bugs with insect
repellant. Most of them are a mere annoyance, but a bite from an
infected mosquito can have potentially dangerous effects.
Air Quality & Sunshine
Canada's urban centers offer some of the finest cultural events
in North America, and much like all large cities throughout the
world, Canadian cities can be subject to periodic reduced air
quality due to traffic and industry. For those travellers who
are prone to respiratory problems, it is smart to equip yourself
with any necessary medications before leaving home. In addition,
seasonal allergens, such as pollen and ragweed are prevalent in
most Canadian cities and can inhibit your ability to enjoy the
outdoors. During the summertime, Canadian cities offer an
impressive lineup of festivals and other special events, but you
can be easily deprived of their enjoyment if you do not protect
yourself from the sun. The UV index in the summer months can be
very high and travellers can experience the ill effects of
over-exposure to the sun's rays.
Medical Emergencies
Health tips are helpful but they do not guarantee that you will
stay in optimal good health while travelling. The best way to
safeguard yourself from costly medical bills is to have valid
health insurance. If you are a visitor to Canada from another
country, sickness can leave you with a heavy financial burden.
Before leaving your own country, be sure to purchase health
insurance that will cover you in the event of a medical
emergency.
Provincial Coverage?
If you are a resident of Canada and are visiting another
province, be aware that your provincial health plan will not
cover all medical expenses incurred out of province. For
example, citizens of Ontario will find that OHIP does not
provide for ambulance costs and accidental dental expenses
incurred in another province. A little research will inform you
of the omissions in your provincial health coverage. If you do
not feel that your provincial health care is adequate, it may be
wise to purchase supplemental health insurance before your trip.
There is much beauty to explore and experience in Canada, so
make sure that you enjoy your trip to the utmost by safeguarding
your health!