There are no specific vaccines required for entry into Canada, but all your routine vaccinations should be up to date. These include varicella, polio, MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus), and influenza vaccine.

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for those who will have contact with the local population, and a rabies vaccination is recommended for people who may come into contact with animals.

There is a national health plan, administered by the provinces, but non-residents are not covered. Those who plan to establish residency should register with the health plan of their province to receive a personal health card, which is presented for emergency treatment and to register with a doctor throughout Canada.

Hospitals and clinics provide excellent care and are available throughout Canada. They are well established and their credentials are widely available. Information about these facilities is available from doctors and hospitals in the UK, the US, and other countries. The largest and best-known hospitals are in the major cities.

Emergency medical personnel are well trained. Dial 911 to call the police or to summon an ambulance. In more rural areas, it may be necessary to instead dial ‘0’ for the operator, who will then connect you with the proper authorities.

• Information courtesy of Living Abroad, www.livingabroad.com