It's stressful to fall ill and need a doctor when you're in a foreign country, particularly in places where English isn't widely spoken. Being prepared before you travel can help you find medical care if you experience a health emergency while abroad.

Canadian embassies and consulates can provide a list of appropriate doctors and hospitals in their region. Before you travel, look up the phone numbers for the Canadian government offices in any country you'll be visiting. In countries where there is no Canadian office, a British or Australian consulate or embassy will provide help to Canadians. A list of Canadian offices abroad, by country, can be found at the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website or by calling 1-800-267-8376.

The Canadian government also strongly recommends purchasing travel medical insurance. CAA's Emergency Travel & Medical Insurance* not only covers you for emergency medical expenses (which can be considerable), but can also provide prescription assistance, medical repatriation and translation services when English-speaking health-care providers aren't available. For more information, visit your nearest CAA Store or call 1-800-992-8143.

*Certain exclusions, limitations and conditions apply.

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