Medical Services

Skagway has clinic with two physician's assistants on a daily basis. Doctors, public health nurse, dentist, optometrist and mental health counselor each visit on a regular basis.

Emergency problems are transported by air to Juneau if possible or by road to Whitehorse. The transport to Juneau is not by air ambulance - but by a local air service's Cessna. In winter if the pass to Whitehorse is closed - you might not go anywhere. It is something to think about.

If you have health insurance, check to see if it is "good" in Canada. Even if your insurance is good in Canada - the hospital and doctors in Whitehorse require you to pay them first. The local clinic also requires you to pay them directly. Neither Whitehorse nor the clinic will "Bill the insurance company". Note to fellow senior citizens: Your Medicare coverage doesn't extend to Canada, but your "medigap" insurance might. Check first!

There is no drugstore in Skagway. The Clinic can fill some prescriptions that they issue. Before coming to Skagway - setup a mail-order/web process for any prescriptions that you normally have filled.

Eyeglasses and Dentists. There is a circuit rider - type dentist that makes periodic appearances. Most people seem to go to Whitehorse to see a dentist or get glasses. (The trusty Skagway Hardware Store sells "reading glasses" if you happen to sit on yours.)

And, since pets are people too ... note that we don't have a veterinarian in town either. From time to time a traveling vet comes to town, but most pets go to Whitehorse.