Health & Insurance
Canada has an excellent healthcare system — but only for residents. For tourists, doctor visits and hospital stays are extremely expensive.
Travel Health Insurance — MANDATORY!
A travel health insurance is absolutely essential for Canada. A hospital stay can quickly cost 5,000–10,000 CAD per day. A repatriation to Germany costs 50,000–80,000 €. Good insurance for Canada: HanseMerkur, ADAC, Allianz, DKV — from 10–15 € for a single trip, from 20–40 €/year for an annual policy.
Important Notes
- Pharmacies: Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall are everywhere. Over-the-counter medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen) are cheaply available.
- Emergency Number: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Drinking Water: Tap water is drinkable everywhere — Canada has some of the best water quality in the world.
- Insects: Mosquitoes and blackflies can be extremely annoying in the wilderness in summer (especially June/July in Ontario and Québec). Bring DEET spray!
Achtung
Traveling to Canada without travel health insurance is reckless. A broken arm can cost 3,000–5,000 CAD, a hospital stay 10,000+ CAD per day. Insurance costs 10–15 € — get it!
