Healthcare in Canada

Healthcare in Canada is decentralised, full and universal for all citizens and permanent residents. The universal public health insurance gives you low-cost access to doctors and other health practitioners. This insurance system, known as Medicare, allows you to seek treatment at both private and public healthcare facilities, although the overwhelming majority of hospitals, clinics, and practices in Canada are private. The system does not dictate which doctor or service provider you must use.

If you have temporary residency in Canada, you may face different rules depending on the province or territory where you live. In some provinces, such as British Columbia, you may qualify for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) if you meet certain residency requirements, but in others, like Quebec, you might need to wait or have an agreement based on your home country.

Even if you don’t qualify for Medicare and need to take out a more expensive private health insurance plan, you can rest assured that you will receive high-quality treatment administered by well-trained professionals.

Public healthcare in Canada

The healthcare system in Canada is funded publicly by taxes, but doctors and hospitals run their own businesses privately and bill the government for services rendered.

Each province or territory defines the procedures and services covered by its particular health insurance plan. All core health services, such as acute hospital care and most physician services, are covered. This gives you a fair opportunity to receive high-quality treatment.

Waiting times can be a real sticking point. In some provinces like Nova Scotia, waiting times for specialist treatment can stretch up to 57 weeks, while others, such as Quebec, are somewhat shorter but still a challenge. Emergencies are addressed immediately, but you might have to wait weeks for a consultation or even up to six months for important surgeries.

There is a shortage of general practitioners, and many won’t take new patients. To make matters more frustrating, specialists require a referral from a general practitioner before they can provide treatment. This means finding a family doctor when you arrive in Canada is essential, even if it takes time to register.

Find out more about healthcare and health insurance in Canada's major cities:

• Healthcare in Calgary
• Healthcare in Montreal
• Healthcare in Ottawa
• Healthcare in Toronto
• Healthcare in Vancouver
• Healthcare in Waterloo

Useful links

• Government of Canada: Canada Health Care System
• How Health Care is Funded in Canada

Getting a health insurance card in Canada

If you are moving to Canada, you should prioritise applying for a medical card upon arrival. Application forms are available online, and you will need identification, such as a birth certificate or passport, along with proof of permanent residence, to complete the process.

After submitting the required documentation, you may have to wait up to three months to access Medicare, depending on the province. For example, Ontario typically has a three-month waiting period before new residents can access public healthcare services. In Quebec, certain newcomers may be exempted from the waiting period based on social security agreements with their home countries.

Insurance co-pays vary across provinces and territories in line with each location’s policies and wealth distribution, but they are generally affordable. Medical care services offered in one province or territory may differ from those in another, so it is wise to acquire private health insurance when travelling across Canada. It’s also advisable for expats to take out private health insurance while waiting for their health insurance card.

Private health insurance in Canada

Private health insurance in Canada is used by locals and newcomer residents as a supplement to Medicare, and it’s the primary option for temporary residents who don’t qualify for public coverage. There are various packages available, so you will need to research and evaluate your needs to see which plan and service provider is best for you.

When selecting a private health insurance package, make sure you consider the coverage options, premiums, network of healthcare providers, and any exclusions. For instance, some plans may not cover pre-existing conditions or might come with high deductibles.

Premiums can be expensive, especially for full cover, so if you are moving to Canada with a job offer in place, try negotiating private insurance as part of your employment package. Many large multinational companies often include health insurance in their job relocation packages, especially when bringing in international talent. This can significantly reduce your personal costs and provide you with greater peace of mind.

Pharmacies and medication in Canada

You can easily find pharmacies in all major Canadian cities. They are typically located within drug stores, grocery shops, and large department shops, while some are attached to hospitals and medical clinics. Pharmacy costs can vary widely across major cities due to local pricing and overhead costs. Most prescription medicines are available at pharmacies in Canada, although certain medications that are over-the-counter elsewhere might require a prescription here.

Bear in mind that some medications can be pricey, so it’s best to keep the receipt to claim the cost from either Medicare or a private health insurer if eligible. Reimbursement for medications typically involves paying out-of-pocket at the pharmacy, submitting a claim to your insurance provider, and then waiting for repayment based on your plan’s terms.

Useful links

• Health Canada: Health Products and Drugs
• Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy Locator
• London Drugs

Vaccinations for Canada

Vaccinations are an important part of maintaining good health in Canada. If you’re new to the country, it’s a good idea to check which vaccinations are recommended for the local environment. Commonly recommended vaccines include diphtheria, polio, tetanus (DPT), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Certain provinces, like Ontario and New Brunswick, require proof of immunisation for children enrolling in school, although exemptions may be possible for medical or religious reasons. You can access vaccinations through local public health units, family doctors, or walk-in clinics. It’s best to organise your vaccinations soon after arrival to ensure you’re protected.

Useful links

• Government of Canada: Vaccinations for Children

Emergency medical services in Canada

Emergency medical services in Canada are regulated by individual provinces and, by law, must be provided to anyone in need, regardless of their residency status or ability to pay. In a medical emergency, you can request an ambulance by dialling 911.

Ambulance services can vary in cost depending on the province. In some regions, the cost is partially covered by public health insurance, but there may still be an out-of-pocket expense. Some provinces charge a flat fee for ambulance rides, regardless of the distance or service level provided.