It is vital to have travel insurance against potential medical expenses. Canada has an excellent health service, but it costs nonresidents anything between $50 and $1000 a day to use. There is no free treatment to nonresidents, and in some provinces doctors and hospitals add a surcharge to treatment meted out to foreigners. If you have an accident, medical services will get to you quickly and charge you later.

Doctors can be found listed in the Yellow Pages , and ambulance services are usually displayed on the inside cover. In emergencies call 911. If you are bringing medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring a copy of the prescription ; first, to avoid problems at customs and immigration and, second, for renewing medication with Canadian doctors. Pharmacies are often well equipped to advise on minor ailments and to distinguish between unfamiliar brand names. Most larger towns and cities should have one open 24 hours, and many chemists stay open late as a matter of course.