Health Care in Vancouver
Whether you’re on vacation or not, there’s always the possibility that you could fall suddenly ill or have an accident and need emergency medical care. It’s not a nice thought, and although you think it could never happen to you, it just might. That’s why you need to make sure you are properly prepared for the worst.
The Canadian Healthcare System
Canada has a very good healthcare system in place for residents, and the different health care schemes vary across the country. In British Columbia, for example, all residents must pay a monthly fee for healthcare, regardless of whether or not you use any medical services. Whilst this saves residents having to fork out large sums of money when they need treatment, it doesn’t cover visitors who are in Vancouver on tourist visas.
Why Should You Buy Travel Health Insurance?
Because the Canadian healthcare systems are primarily in place for residents, non-residents requiring treatment must pay for the services they receive. These medical services are not cheap and fees can easily add up to thousands of dollars as you are charged for every little thing.
Like all insurance covers it’s a gamble – do you pay out and find everything is fine, or do you risk not paying out, only to find you then have a bill for thousands of dollars?! We recommend you bite the bullet and arrange health insurance at the time of booking your vacation.
Clinics in Vancouver
There are a number of walk-in clinics which you can use in Vancouver for non-emergency treatment.
Care Point Medical Centre
The Care Point Medical Centre has a total of 12 walk-in clinics in the city and the suburbs. Clinics in the downtown area include:
- Care Point Medical Centre
- 1175 Denman Street
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-681-5338
- Care Point Medical Centre
- 1123 Davie Street
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-915-9517
- Care Point Medical Centre
- 711 West Pender
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-687-4858
Visit the Care Point Medical Centre website.
Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centre
The Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centre is good for people who are traveling around and need vaccinations for onward travel. You should make an appointment in advance by phoning 1-888-288-8682 or 604-681-5656. Visit the Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centre Website.
Vancouver Airport Dental Centre
The Vancouver Airport Dental Centre, is for visitors to Vancouver who require dental treatment (Telephone 604-276-2121) which is situated within the Domestic Terminal on level 1, though this isn’t convenient if you’re already in the city.
Alternatively phone the College of Dental Surgeons (on 604-736-3621) and they can give you a referral for a dentist who is more local to you.
Emergency Rooms in Vancouver
For emergencies and life-threatening illnesses, you should visit an emergency room. If you don’t have your own transport or the situation is major, phone 911 for an ambulance.
Three emergency rooms in Vancouver can be found at:
- BC Children’s Hospital
- BC Children's Hospital is located in the West Side, at 4480 Oak Street.
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-875-2134
- St Paul’s Hospital
- St Paul's Hospital is located in the West End, at 1081 Burrard Street.
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-806-8686
- Vancouver General Hospital
- The Vancouver General Hospital is located in the West Side, at 855 W 12th Avenue.
- Vancouver, B.C.
- 604-875-4995
Related Articles about Facts for Vancouver visitors
Facts about Vancouver
Where is Vancouver? Vancouver is situated in South Western Canada in the province of British Columbia and lies… Read more »
When to Go to Vancouver
Vancouver has the benefit of a mild climate all year round, so in a sense you can visit this city any time of… Read more »
Documents you will need when visiting Vancouver
Passports and Visas Obviously if you are coming to Vancouver from another country you will need a valid passport… Read more »
Customs and what can you bring to Vancouver
When coming to Vancouver from another country you are restricted as to what you can bring, including alcohol,… Read more »
Post and communications in Vancouver
Post Canada Post handles all of the regular mail, and parcels up to a certain size, in Canada. Whilst their services… Read more »
Other Vancouver websites
Whilst we’ve tried to make this website about Vancouver as comprehensive as possible, we appreciate that… Read more »
Newspapers and magazines in Vancouver
As with most major cities, Vancouver has a number of both magazines and newspapers which are focused on Vancouver… Read more »
Radio and television in Vancouver
Admittedly, many visitors coming to Vancouver will not be wanting to sit in a hotel watching the TV or listening… Read more »
Time in Vancouver
Time Zone Vancouver is located within the Pacific Standard Time Zone (PST). PST is 8 hours behind Greenwich… Read more »
Electricity in Vancouver
Vancouver and the rest of Canada uses the same electricity voltage as in the United States, which is 110V. There… Read more »
Orientation and Areas of Vancouver
Vancouver is a large city, but not large enough that you should ever get lost here! Having said this, if you’re… Read more »
Money in Vancouver
It’s a well known fact that Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in North America in many respects… Read more »