New immigrants to Canada should bring specific medical
documents to ensure a smooth transition into the Canadian healthcare system.
These documents will help healthcare providers understand your medical history
and provide appropriate care. Below is a comprehensive list of medical
documents to bring:
Essential Medical Documents for New Immigrants to Canada
1. Vaccination/Immunization Records
- Why:
These records are needed for:
- School
enrollment for children.
- Certain
jobs (e.g., healthcare, childcare, public safety).
- Assessing
whether additional vaccinations are required in Canada.
- What
to Include:
- Dates
of vaccinations.
- Names
of vaccines received (e.g., MMR, polio, hepatitis).
- Translator-certified
copies if not in English or French.
2. Medical History Records
- Why:
Helps doctors understand your past and current health conditions.
- What
to Include:
- Chronic
illnesses (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
- Surgeries
or hospitalizations.
- Family
medical history (if available).
- Any
genetic or hereditary conditions.
- Format:
A summary document from your previous doctor, preferably in English or
French.
3. Prescription Medication Records
- Why:
Ensures continuity of care and helps Canadian doctors prescribe equivalent
medications.
- What
to Include:
- List
of current medications (names, dosages, frequency).
- Reasons
for taking these medications.
- Written
prescriptions for any ongoing treatments.
- Tip:
Check whether your medications are available in Canada, as some may not be
permitted or available.
4. Test Results and Diagnostic Reports
- Why:
Prevents the need to repeat costly tests and allows doctors to track
progress.
- What
to Include:
- Blood
test results.
- Imaging
reports (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, CT scans).
- Specialist
evaluations (e.g., cardiology, neurology).
- Format:
Carry both the reports and any relevant images (on USB or CDs if
possible).
5. Dental Records
- Why:
Dental care is not covered under Canada’s public health system, and
records can help dentists continue your care.
- What
to Include:
- Records
of past dental treatments (fillings, root canals, etc.).
- X-rays
and oral hygiene history.
6. Vision Records
- Why:
For individuals with vision issues or corrective lenses.
- What
to Include:
- Most
recent eye exam results.
- Prescription
for glasses or contact lenses.
- Tip:
Bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts in case of delays in obtaining
replacements in Canada.
7. Pregnancy and Maternal Health Records (If Applicable)
- Why:
Vital for pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive soon after
immigrating.
- What
to Include:
- Prenatal
care history.
- Previous
pregnancy records.
- Immunizations
received during pregnancy.
- Tip:
Canadian healthcare provides prenatal and delivery services under public
insurance.
8. Mental Health Records (If Applicable)
- Why:
Important for continuity of mental health care.
- What
to Include:
- Diagnoses
and treatment plans.
- Medication
prescriptions.
- History
of therapy or counseling sessions.
9. Disability or Rehabilitation Records (If Applicable)
- Why:
Helps assess ongoing support needs.
- What
to Include:
- Assistive
devices required (e.g., wheelchair specifications).
- Reports
from specialists (e.g., physiotherapy or occupational therapy).
10. Health Insurance Information
- Why:
Temporary private health insurance is often necessary during the waiting
period for public health coverage.
- What
to Include:
- Proof
of private health insurance.
- Policy
details (coverage start/end dates, benefits, and emergency contacts).
11. Immigration Medical Exam Results (If Available)
- Why:
May provide useful information to your healthcare providers in Canada.
- What
to Include:
- Results
of any tests conducted for immigration purposes.
- Vaccination
certificates submitted as part of the immigration process.
Tips for Organizing Medical Documents
- Keep
Copies: Make digital and physical copies of all documents.
- Certified
Translation: Translate documents into English or French if they are in
another language.
- Organized
Format: Use folders or binders to organize your records by type (e.g.,
vaccinations, prescriptions, diagnostic tests).
- USB
Drive: Store scanned copies of your records on a USB drive for
portability.
