Expat Health Insurance Partners
Aetna International
Aetna is an award-winning insurance business that provides health benefits to more than 650,000 members worldwide. Their high quality health insurance plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of expats living and working abroad.
Cigna Global
With 86 million customer relationships in over 200 countries, Cigna Global has unrivalled experience in dealing with varied and unique medical situations and delivering high standards of service wherever you live in the world.
You are right in that you would need to first secure a job with an employer in Canada, and thereafter apply for the relevant work permit and visa. You can find more info on our Work Permits for Canada page. However, as you say, it's a pretty complicated process - for example, the employer would have to prove that a Canadian citizen would be unable to do the job you'd be doing.
There are a number of different types of visas, though, and you may find that you are eligible. We have a list of the most common on our Visas for Canada page.
Best of luck!
M