Travel Health in Canada: What You Need Before Your Trip

Travelling internationally from Canada often requires health preparation beyond packing your bags. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends consulting a healthcare provider at least 6 weeks before departure. Pre-travel health considerations include travel vaccinations (not all are covered by provincial insurance - costs range from $20 to $200+ per vaccine), malaria prophylaxis (if travelling to endemic regions), traveller\'s diarrhea prevention and treatment kit, travel health insurance (provincial health plans provide limited or no coverage abroad), and reviewing current health advisories for your destination. Common travel vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. Requirements vary by destination. Travel health insurance is essential. OHIP and other provincial plans cover very little outside Canada. Even emergency care in the United States can cost thousands of dollars without coverage. Most travel insurance policies are affordable ($1 to $5 per day) and can be purchased online. Some medications commonly carried while travelling - such as codeine or ADHD medications - may be controlled substances in other countries. Check the laws of your destination before travelling with prescription medications. A telehealth travel consultation can help you plan vaccinations, discuss prophylactic medications, and review destination-specific health risks. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.