How to get Access to Healthcare when Abroad this Summer

Canadians like to travel. We explore and experience cultures, food, and scenery at home and abroad. According to Stats Canada, Canadians took over 653,100 return trips overseas in 2023. But all that travelling can come with some challenges. At the top of the list for many Canadians is healthcare access while abroad. 

When your main vacation goal is to relax, it’s nice to know your healthcare is taken care of. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan for healthcare access while you’re abroad. 

Understanding healthcare options while abroad

Healthcare services differ from country to country and navigating them ahead of time–or during a health concern–can be a difficult experience if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, there are several ways to get ahead of any potential health concerns you may encounter before your vacation starts.

Before you take off, dedicate some time to researching the available options and services that are popular in the destination you’re travelling to. Start by researching the local clinics, hospitals, telehealth services, and virtual care platforms to start. For in-person care options, always take note of the general hours of operation, the distance from your place of stay, what transportation options are available,  and whether they handle emergency services. 

If you’re staying in a hotel or a vacation rental, you can always contact your hotel concierge or host ahead of time, and they can share this information with you before your vacation starts or have it handy upon arrival. 

In some cases, you may need to reach out to the Canadian government office nearest your destination for a list of clinics and physicians and details on how best to attain local medical services.

It’s important to know that some insurance plans may reimburse you for medical expenses you incur while abroad, but you’ll be responsible for the upfront cost. Giving your insurance provider a call a few weeks before your trip will help you understand any out-of-country benefits you have in your coverage details. 

You should also consider traveller’s insurance, which may provide peace of mind from a variety of events–from common to emergency health concerns, airfare for cancelled flights, and more. When shopping for traveller’s insurance, you can even ask the broker or agent if they’re able to provide local information about accessing both in-person and virtual healthcare services in the destination you’re going to. 

Create a healthcare plan 

A healthcare plan can help you and your travelling companions prepare for anticipated and unexpected medical issues. 

Include essential medical information for each person, including:

• Food or medicine allergies
• Pre-existing or chronic medical conditions
• Prescription medications, including dosages
• Medical insurance information
• Vaccine records
• Emergency contact information

As part of your preparation, familiarize yourself with common illnesses in your destination, including animal and insect bites. There may be vaccines that can help prevent the likelihood of an illness taking hold.

Consider virtual care while travelling abroad and within Canada

More and more Canadians are using virtual care platforms to bridge the healthcare gap while travelling abroad. For people travelling within Canada, Maple can connect you with primary care providers such as doctors and nurse practitioners to assess and treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Symptoms of viral and bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections
• Conditions monitored with home devices such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Skin problems, including rashes and minor skin infections
• Mental health issues 
• Sexual health care and hormonal contraception

Even though primary care providers on Maple are based in Canada, you can still rely on Maple when you’re travelling abroad — giving you peace of mind if you’re looking for medical advice in an unfamiliar place and care is hard to find. 

When travelling within Canada, you can get a medical diagnosis and prescriptions at a provider’s discretion, which can then be sent to your closest pharmacy; if you’re abroad, you can have your prescriptions ready to pick up when you return home. 

Emergency medical preparedness while abroad

Unanticipated medical events happen. In addition to your healthcare plan, it’s always wise to pack a basic first aid kit. Drugstores and pharmacies often sell appropriately-stocked first-aid kits that you can build on if needed. If you’re looking to make a first-aid kit or to check whether a first-aid kit you have your eye on has everything you may need, consider that a good first-aid kit could include:

• Over-the-counter oral pain, allergy, and diarrhea medications
• Epi-pen, if any travellers have anaphylaxis risks
• Antibacterial hand wipes
• Antibiotic and anti-itch ointments (such as Bacitracin and calamine lotion)
• Antiseptic wipes, bandages, and sterile gauze pads for wound care
• A thermometer
• Tweezers, scissors, and adhesive tape
• Tensor or adhesive bandage
• Disposable gloves, face mask, and face shield
• Aloe gel for sunburns
• Instant ice packs
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Feminine hygiene products 

Choose travel-size options wherever possible to save on valuable luggage space. Check the supplies each year and replace any expired products.

Managing chronic conditions while abroad

If you or the individuals you’re travelling with have chronic conditions, you know that they require frequent management when you’re at home. When travelling is in the equation, there’s an added level of challenge to make sure chronic conditions are managed successfully, especially if your destination has less-developed healthcare services. 

Ahead of your trip, you can reach out to t your primary care provider and create a plan to manage your chronic condition while out of the country and coordinate with your healthcare team for ongoing support. If you don’t have access to a primary care provider such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, Maple’s network of experienced providers is always available and ready to see you within minutes. 

For some chronic conditions, it’s wise to pack an ample supply of prescriptions and medical supplies (like diabetes testing supplies) and discuss exercise and activity options that match your location without making your condition worse. For example, patients with some heart conditions, poorly controlled asthma, or epilepsy shouldn’t scuba dive. 

If scuba diving or another higher-risk activity is on your list of travel adventures, consider scheduling a medical consultation to assess your fitness for the activity before your trip.

You may also want to discuss a diet plan with a registered dietician that considers foods local to your destination considering your condition. They may even help you review the hotel menu and suggest accommodations for your dietary needs. If you’re staying at a private residence, you can also research nearby grocery and specialty stores to familiarize yourself with local staples. If your diet will be a concern on your vacation, you’ll feel great knowing you’ve done the research to make good decisions for yourself.

Tips for maintaining overall health while abroad

Vacations are for rejuvenation, relaxation, and exploration, and these tips can help you maintain your overall health while traveling abroad.

Know the dangers

From critters to cuisine, familiarize yourself with the dangers of the area. For example, scorpions and snakes are widespread throughout the world, but not all scorpions are poisonous. Contaminated food and drink can lead to travelers’ diarrhea and other unpleasant conditions and diseases.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands well and often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unclean hands, and try not to touch surfaces in highly public areas. Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to prevent illness by removing the germs with soap and water or hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.  

Practice safe sunning

Fun in the sun can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion in yourself and your travel companion, and know how to treat excess sun exposure.

Wear protection

Whenever you’re heading out for a day in the sun, check the UV index for your area — a high index increases the associated dangers. Tropical destinations bring stronger UV indexes and are often accompanied by less clothing for protection. While snowy winter vacations surprisingly increase risk with reflection off the snow nearly doubling the UV index. Take appropriate precautions to protect yourself wherever your travels take you from sunburns and overexposure: 

• Wear full-coverage, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics and a wide-brimmed hat to cover your head and ears and shade your face.
• Avoid spending time in the direct sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Use a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply frequently, particularly after swimming. 
• Be aware of any medications you may be taking that might increase your sensitivity to sun exposure.

Prevent dehydration

Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially when you’re touring hot and humid climates. Always travel with a bottle of fresh, clean water. Use an electrolyte replacement drink as needed. Limit alcohol consumption. Keep children well hydrated and avoid sugary drinks. Consider an oral rehydration solution for children as needed. 

Play safe

Use caution when you head out on your travel adventures. Avoid touring waterside and wilderness locations alone. Wear safety gear, including a helmet or personal floatation device (PFD) when appropriate. Never swim alone or unsupervised. Remember to download the Maple app on your phone ahead of time so you can speak to a primary care provider from wherever you are. 

Take the healthcare worry out of your next vacation. Familiarize yourself with the options, take the necessary precautions, and maintain a proactive approach to your well-being. Join Maple before you go, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for anything.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.