Canada

Language

English and French

Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.

Health system overview

Residents are covered by publicly funded provincial and territorial health insurance. There are no special arrangements for visitors and treatment can be very expensive; in an emergency go to a hospital emergency room or a walk-in clinic.

Local foods

• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaTourtiere (Quebec meat pie)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaQuebec pea soupWell-cooked hot dish
• With care: in a safer versionCanadaPoutineWith care: in a safer version
• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaCedar-plank salmonWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaButter tartsWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaBannock (pan bread)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishCanadaPate chinois (Quebec cottage pie)Well-cooked hot dish

Canada: food database →

Food-safety habits

Wherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.

Hospital daily life

In these countries daily care is usually provided by nurses, meals come from the hospital kitchen and visiting hours are set. If you want to bring food from home, ask the ward first. An interpreter can often be booked in advance.

Travel during treatment

• Talk to your care team before planning a trip — timing, blood counts and vaccines.
• Carry a doctor’s letter with your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list (including in English).
• Pack medicines in original packaging, in hand luggage, with extra; some medicines have import rules.
• Get travel insurance that covers your existing condition and read the terms.
• Find the nearest haematology centre and the emergency number at your destination in advance.
• Live vaccines can be unsafe during treatment — ask your team before any vaccination.
• Ask your team about clot risk on long flights and move around when you can.

Related topics

• Leukemia care in different countries: an overview
• Food safety
• Fever: when to seek urgent care
• Visitors and public places
• Work, study and finances
• Step-by-step guide: from diagnosis to follow-up

Sources

1. GOV.UK — Canada
2. GOV.UK — health: Canada
3. GOV.UK — foreign travel advice (emergency numbers and health)
4. European Commission — European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)