Before Your Visit

Travel & Logistics

Everything you need to know before your visit to the United States

The short answer: you only need to travel for the testing itself.

Your consultation with Dr. Sanei happens virtually, from wherever you are in Canada. Your results review happens virtually too. The only part of this process that requires crossing the border is the testing appointment itself, and in most cases that is a single day.

This page explains exactly what that visit looks like, what to expect at the border, and how to prepare so there are no surprises.

What Requires Travel and What Does Not

Virtual — From Anywhere in Canada

Initial consultation with Dr. Sanei

Test planning and coordination

Results delivery

Follow-up consultation

In-Person — United States

Testing appointment

This is the only step that requires you to be physically present in the United States.

The testing appointment is the only step that requires you to be physically present in the United States. Everything before and after it happens online.

Why Testing Must Happen in the United States

The diagnostic tests featured on this platform are performed by specialized U.S.-based laboratories that have the equipment, regulatory clearance, and clinical protocols required to run them. Many of these tests are not yet available through Canadian laboratories, and some can only be ordered by physicians licensed in the United States.

This is a practical reality of where these technologies currently exist, not a workaround. Dr. Sanei works directly with these providers and coordinates your testing arrangement on your behalf.

What a Typical Testing Visit Looks Like

Most patients complete their testing in a single day trip. Here is what that typically involves:

Before you leave Canada

Your consultation with Dr. Sanei is complete, your test is confirmed, and you have received written instructions covering your appointment location, what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect.

The testing appointment

Most testing appointments take between one and three hours depending on the test. You do not need to stay overnight in most cases. A companion is welcome and many patients choose to bring one.

After testing

You return to Canada the same day in most cases. Results are processed by the laboratory over the following one to three weeks, depending on the test. Dr. Sanei will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.

Timeline: From Consultation to Results

Week 1

Virtual consultation with Dr. Sanei

Week 1 to 2

Test coordination and scheduling

Week 2 to 3

Travel to U.S. for testing

Week 3 to 5

Laboratory processing

Week 4 to 6

Virtual results review with Dr. Sanei

Exact timelines vary depending on the specific test, laboratory processing times, and your scheduling availability. Dr. Sanei will walk you through the expected timeline for your specific situation during the consultation.

Crossing the Border: What to Expect

Traveling to the United States for medical testing is straightforward. Canadians cross the border for medical purposes regularly and there is nothing unusual or complicated about doing so.

What to bring

A valid Canadian passport is required. Bring a copy of your appointment confirmation as well. If you would like documentation from Dr. Sanei's office confirming the nature of your visit, we can provide that on request.

What to bring

At the border

Border officers may ask the purpose of your visit. You can simply state that you are traveling for a medical appointment. This is a common and unremarkable reason for crossing and rarely leads to additional questioning.

At the border

Re-entering Canada

You return to Canada as normal after your appointment. There are no restrictions on bringing medical test documentation or personal health records back into Canada.

Re-entering Canada

You return to Canada as normal after your appointment. There are no restrictions on bringing medical test documentation or personal health records back into Canada.

Costs and Coverage

The tests available through Kanata Health are not covered by Canadian provincial health plans and are self-pay. The cost of each test varies and will be explained clearly during your consultation before any payment is requested. You will never be asked to pay for a test without a full explanation of what it costs and what it involves.

Some extended health benefit plans may cover portions of certain tests. We recommend checking with your insurer directly. Dr. Sanei can provide documentation of the consultation and recommendation if your insurer requires it.

Travel costs, including transportation and any accommodation, are the patient’s responsibility and are not included in the test or consultation fee.

We Coordinate the Details

You do not need to figure out the logistics on your own. Once a test is recommended and you decide to proceed, Kanata Health handles coordination with the U.S.-based provider directly. You receive clear written instructions covering everything you need before travel. If you have questions at any point, our team is available to help.

A Note on What This Trip Actually Feels Like

Many patients tell us they expected the process to feel more complicated than it was. A short drive or flight across the border, a morning at a professional medical facility, and a return home the same day. For patients who have been looking for answers that Canada’s healthcare system has not yet been able to provide, that trip tends to feel less like a burden and more like a turning point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stay overnight in the United States?

In most cases, no. Most testing appointments are completed within a few hours and patients return to Canada the same day. If your specific test requires preparation the evening before or a longer appointment window, Dr. Sanei will let you know during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. Many patients choose to travel with a family member or friend. There are no restrictions on bringing a companion to your testing appointment.

Will I receive my results during my visit?

No. Laboratory results are processed after your appointment and are typically available within one to three weeks. Your results are reviewed with you by Dr. Sanei in a virtual follow-up consultation, not at the testing facility.

Are these tests covered by Canadian health insurance?

Most tests featured on this platform are not covered by provincial health plans. They are self-pay. Some extended health benefit plans may cover a portion of certain tests. The cost of each test is explained in full before you make any payment decision.

What if I have a medical condition that makes travel difficult?

Please raise this during your consultation. Dr. Sanei will take your specific situation into account when discussing whether testing is appropriate and what the logistics would realistically involve for you.

Can Kanata Health help me find accommodation near the testing facility?

We can provide guidance on the general area and typical options near the facility. Booking accommodation is the patient’s responsibility, but we are happy to share practical recommendations based on where your appointment is located.

Ready to talk through what testing would look like for you?

Book a Consultation

No referral needed. Virtual consultation from anywhere in Canada.