15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Canada
Last updated on Jun 13, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Canada is generally considered to be on par with the United States. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, which means that all citizens have access to basic medical services at no cost. Emergency services in Canada are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 for an ambulance.
How are healthcare services Canada?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Canada, they replied:
"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," said one expat living in Halifax.
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What are medical services in Canada like?
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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a Quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. Plus, get 10% Off Expat Health Insurance for Life through December 30, 2023.

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a Quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. Plus, get 10% Off Expat Health Insurance for Life through December 30, 2023.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Canada Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Canada
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Canada
- Best Places to Live in Canada
- Guide to Real Estate in Canada
- Pros & Cons of Living in Canada
- Cost of Living in Canada
- How to Rent a Home in Canada
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Canada
- How to Get a Driver's License in Canada
- Essential Guide to the Health System in Canada
- 2023 Guide to Living in Canada
- Pros and Cons of Living in Canada 2023