How does healthcare work in Canada, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Canada?

• Canada is known for its universal healthcare system, which means that basic healthcare is funded by the government through tax money. This system is called the Medicare system and offers free or very affordable access to many medical services for residents and permanent residents. The system is organized provincially, so there are variations per province and territory.
• In Canada, healthcare is guaranteed for every resident and is cheaper than in the US. For example, medical consultations are free for Canadians and the patient does not need a referral from a GP to see a specialist.
• Although medication in the hospital is free, medication from a pharmacy is not. For this you often have to pay for it yourself, or arrange your own insurance.
• The healthcare system is known as Medicare, just like in the US.
• About 25 percent of the population opts for private healthcare. The most common diseases are those of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and cancer.
• In Canada, medical students already have a degree before they start medical school. Many of the students even have a PhD. For this reason, the first preclinical years are very clinically oriented. Instead of three clinical years, as in the Netherlands, Canadian students only have two. They are immediately given their own patients to care for. Taking out professional liability (malpractice) insurance is therefore vital for students who are going to work in Canada.
• Call 911 for emergency medical services.

How does the public healthcare system work in Canada?

• Everyone who legally resides in Canada and is registered in a province has access to Medicare. Expats with a work permit of at least 6 months can usually also apply, depending on the province. For the first three months of waiting, you can take out international insurance yourself. Students and tourists are often not covered and must also arrange international insurance themselves. Public health care covers basic services such as visits to general practitioners and specialists, emergency hospital care, and surgeries and diagnostic tests.
• Because the system is regulated by province/territory, the exact coverage and conditions depend on where you live. In British Columbia, for example, the system is called Health BC, in Ontario it is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and RAMQ in Quebec.
• RAMQ also has agreements with several countries, which may be of particular interest to students and people with certain work visas.
• For other medical services and costs, such as dental care, physiotherapy, glasses, you can take out supplementary or private insurance.
• Problems in public health care include long wait times for non-urgent surgeries or specialist care, a lack of general practitioners in some areas and limited coverage for dental care, physiotherapy, medicines and optometry.
• Depending on where you arrive in Canada, there are information desks that can connect you with organizations that help with immigration: CUIAS at Toronto Airport and SUCCESS at Vancouver Airport.

How does the private healthcare system work in Canada?

• Although most healthcare is covered by Medicare, there are also private options, especially for services not covered by the public system. This is useful for expats, newcomers, or those who want additional coverage.
• When to choose private care? For faster access to specialist care; if you need coverage for services such as dental care, physiotherapy, optometry, and alternative therapies (such as acupuncture); for medications, as Medicare usually only covers medications in hospitals.
• Private care and medications can be quite expensive.
• Many employers offer additional insurance as part of their employment conditions. For expatriates, international insurance can be a good alternative, especially during the first few months.
• Some tips:
  • Get temporary international health insurance, at least for the first three months if you are not yet eligible for Medicare.
  • Check with your employer to see if they offer additional insurance.
  • Find a family doctor as soon as you arrive in Canada; this can take time in areas with doctor shortages.
  • Expect additional costs for medications and dental care. Choose a province with a good balance between wait times and access to care (e.g. Ontario or British Columbia).

How is the GP arranged in Canada?

• Family doctors are the gatekeepers of the system. You usually need a referral to see a specialist.
• It is not always easy to visit a family doctor, for example in the North of Canada it is more difficult. Many Canadians go to the emergency room of the hospital for basic care, even if you have the flu. This can cause waiting times to be very long.
• Waiting times for a visit to the family doctor can be shorter in large cities than in rural areas.

How is the dentist arranged in Canada?

• Dental care is largely private, and the costs can be high. So check which dental care is covered by your insurance.
• A standard check-up can cost between 75 and 150 CAD.
• For extensive treatments such as a root canal, the costs can quickly rise to 1000 CAD or more.
• Many expats choose to have dental care abroad (for example the US or Mexico) because it can be a lot cheaper.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Canada?

• Pregnancy care is covered by Medicare and is completely free for residents and those with a valid health card.
• Pregnancy care includes prenatal checkups, hospital deliveries, and choices of obstetricians or gynecologists for guidance.
• Breastfeeding in public is completely accepted in Canada. There are even laws to protect women from discrimination.
• Home births are possible with a midwife (depending on the province).
• In some provinces, such as British Columbia, midwives have a lot of autonomy and you can give birth with them without a doctor.
• Maternity leave is generous: parents can take up to 18 months of leave, partially paid through a government program.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Canada?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Canada?

• Canada is known as one of the safest countries in the world, but there are a few things to consider.
• Crime is low, but incidents such as theft or burglary do occasionally occur in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Don’t leave valuables in your car and avoid remote areas at night.
• In rural areas and national parks, you may encounter bears, moose, and coyotes. Follow wildlife regulations: store food and garbage in sealed containers, wear bear spray when hiking in bear country, and avoid contact with animals, even if they seem tame.
• Canada has strict driving laws and enforces them rigorously.
• Snowstorms and icy conditions can be dangerous in the winter; wear snow tires and follow weather reports.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Canada?

• Summer heat waves can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion.
• Lyme disease is prevalent in forested areas; wear long clothing and check for ticks after hiking.
• Respiratory conditions can be aggravated in the winter due to dry air and cold temperatures.
• Tap water in Canada is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated in remote areas. Some expats prefer filtered water for its taste.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Canada?

• The roads are generally of good quality, but can be dangerous in winter due to snow and ice.
• In rural areas, gravel roads and remote roads are common; take a 4x4 if you are going to drive a lot here.
• Canada has strict traffic laws, such as a speed limit and mandatory use of child seats.
• Avoid driving during snowstorms and be careful in areas where there is a lot of wildlife crossing the road.
• Public transport in large cities is reliable, but in rural areas cars are essential.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Canada?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Canada if you are going to live there for a while?

• Most people with a long-term visa are entitled to access the Medicare system after a waiting period of 3 (but often 4) months. Especially for this period, but also for the period afterwards, it is wise to take out your own international insurance.
• As an alternative to many basic Western health insurances, an international emigration or expat insurance is a frequently used replacement. Such insurance offers a number of advantages compared to local coverage: international coverage, reimbursements and conditions often according to Western standards, focused on coverage that a "foreigner" needs, and flexibility when moving to Canada. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.