If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

On this page

• If you become sick while travelling
• If you have a medical emergency outside Canada
• If you become sick after returning to Canada

Medical emergencies

Many Canadians become ill and require medical assistance when they’re outside of Canada.

If you become sick when you’re travelling, here’s how to find help:

• Most major tourist hotels have in-house doctors who can provide medical care.
  • Hotels can also arrange appointments with local physicians.
• If you have travel insurance, contact the local number you may have been given or the assistance centre in Canada to ask for a referral.
• If you need urgent care, the best option is often the nearest hospital.
  • In some countries, ambulances may be uncommon: use whatever form of transportation is available to take you to a hospital.

If you have a medical emergency outside Canada

If you have a medical emergency while abroad, officials at the nearest Canadian government office can:

• provide a list of physicians, clinics and hospitals
• contact your next of kin or person designated with the power of attorney to make decisions in case of your incapacity
• assist you in contacting your insurance company
• with your permission, contact your medical doctor in Canada and assist them in discussing your medical file with the local treating physician
• assist with a medical evacuation and safe transfer, including liaising with service providers

Note that the Government of Canada does not:

• pay hospital or medical bills
• pay for a medical evacuation, an air ambulance or other similar commercial services
• make decisions pertaining to your medical care
• interfere in your medical care
• provide medical or legal advice

If you become sick after returning to Canada

If you become sick (e.g. fever, shortness of breath) or if symptoms of an existing medical condition worsen while travelling and you are still sick when you return to Canada, tell a flight attendant or cruise staff, or a border services officer when you arrive. They will decide whether you need further medical assessment by a quarantine officer.

If you become sick after you return to Canada or if you were sick while you were away, see a health care provider. Tell them the countries you visited and whether you received medical care (for example, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery).

Describe your symptoms to the health care provider before you make the appointment. Some illnesses, such as measles, are highly contagious, so they might arrange to see you without exposing others.