15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Canada

"We're not permanent residents of Canada, but healthcare is available to us here in BC. We're in our early 60s. My husband works full-time and I'm in school full-time. We purchased a Canadian health insurance policy for $75 per month that covers everything medical. Supplemental dental and vision plans are also easily available. The problem here in BC, and all over Canada, is the lack of doctors. We don't have our own and none of the doctors in town are taking new patients. We have to go to the clinic to receive care, which involves arriving early, getting on the list and then coming back at the appointed time. It's a bit of a hassle but the care is available. For emergencies, we would go to the new hospital. Health care in Canada is not what people think it is. There are long wait times for tests, sometimes several months. The system isn't working well for serious health issues and those with private insurance feel that they are entitled to queue jump for faster testing. That's prohibited. As a result, there is a law suit headed to the Supreme Court. The federal government and BC argue that if the privately insured can get faster testing, the wealthy will have an advantage over the rest of Canadians. Those with private insurance argue that denying them faster testing violates their Constitutional right to life and liberty. It's a complicated situation. But for small medical problems like strep throat or a broken bone, the system is manageable. Not great, but same-day service here on Vancouver Island," remarked one expat in Canada.

"You cannot get any health care without having permanent residency card which takes over 4 years and retired people are not even considered if you register online, as everyone is told to do. You can pay exorbitant out of pocket fees though. Over $500. Just to have your eye pressure taken by an ophthalmologist. The only health insurance you can get is travel insurance and emergency insurance at high prices. A small bottle of aspirin that costs less than $2. In the US, costs over $10. In Canada including 15 per cent tax. Although you can buy prescription medication while in the US cheaper in Canada through the mail, if you are living in Canada, it is difficult to even find a lot of medications because they say there is a big shortage here," remarked one expat living in Halifax.

"In Canada, medical services are generally of a high quality and are accessible to all citizens. The country has a publicly funded healthcare system, which provides basic medical services to all citizens free of charge. Canada also has a wide range of private medical services, such as specialist care, which are available to those who can afford them. Canada also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, which provide a range of medical services, from primary care to specialized care," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Canada can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, Canadians pay for their healthcare through taxes, which are used to fund public health insurance plans. Private health insurance plans are also available, but they tend to be more expensive and may not cover all of the services that are available through public plans. Additionally, some services may not be covered by either public or private plans, and these services may need to be paid for out-of-pocket," wrote one expat.

"About 10 minutes by car. I do not know about the services because I never had to use them, but since I do not have a health care I do not know what the cost would be. Everything is public, but I hear a lot of complaints from natives that they have to wait to be assigned to a doctor because there is big shortage here," remarked one expat living in Halifax.

"In Canada, emergency services are available to help people in need of urgent medical attention or assistance. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone, or call your local emergency services number. Emergency services personnel are trained to respond quickly and provide medical assistance as needed. They will also provide transportation to the nearest hospital or medical facility," said one expat living in Canada.

"Canada's largest cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal typically have the most extensive selection of medical specialists. Other areas of Canada, including provinces like British Columbia and Alberta, have medical centres with good selection of medical specialists. Furthermore, there are many large universities and teaching hospitals across Canada which boast top-level medical specialists in a variety of fields," wrote an expat living in Canada.

"Would not have to travel. Since Halifax is the center of this province, everyone else would have to come here for the best care available," said an expat in Halifax.

"Again, if you do not have a health card, everything is out of pocket and very expensive. There is no maintenance type of insurance you can buy. Only travel and emergency in other words, if you are retired, Canada does not want you. Only marriage to a Canadian would make things easier, but for the majority of retires, this is not an option," remarked one expat living in Halifax.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Canada. These medications are typically dispensed by a pharmacist and require a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Common prescription medications include antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. In addition, many over-the-counter medications are also available in Canada," said one expat living in Canada.

" Health Care in Canada is a publicly funded health care system that is organized through the provinces and territories of Canada. Quebec's provincial health care authority is the Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec or (RAMQ). ," wrote one expat.

"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Canada are excellent. Canadians have access to world-class medical facilities, quality medical professionals and care, and access to the latest treatments and technologies used to diagnose and treat illnesses. Furthermore, people living in Canada are offered a wide range of health care services from a variety of health care practitioners, ranging from family doctors to specialists. This ensures that Canadians have access to the medical care they need to stay healthy and support their quality of life," commented one expat who moved to Canada.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Canada, you will have access to public healthcare. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, which means that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for free healthcare services. The healthcare system in Canada is comprehensive and covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. The quality of care is generally high, and the wait times for medical services are usually reasonable," said one expat living in Canada.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Canadian healthcare system. Many healthcare providers have had to adjust their practices to accommodate the new safety protocols and guidelines. In addition, the demand for healthcare services has increased significantly, leading to longer wait times and delays in care. Despite these challenges, healthcare providers have worked hard to ensure that Canadians have access to the care they need. Telehealth services have become increasingly popular, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their own homes. In addition, many healthcare providers have implemented virtual care options, such as video visits, to help reduce the spread of the virus," said an expat in Canada.

"On going diabetes, HP, arthritis and three trips to very satisfyingly equipped emergency rooms," commented one expat living in Salt Spring Island, Canada.