As a new immigrant to Canada, understanding the healthcare system is vital for ensuring you and your family receive the care you need. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system known as Medicare, which provides universal health coverage for all citizens and permanent residents. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Provincial and Territorial Healthcare
Canada’s healthcare system is administered at the provincial and territorial levels, meaning that each province or territory is responsible for the delivery of healthcare services within its jurisdiction. Although healthcare is generally similar across the country, there are some variations between provinces and territories regarding coverage and services.
2. Eligibility for Healthcare
As a new permanent resident or citizen, you are eligible for healthcare coverage under your province or territory’s public health insurance plan. However, there may be a waiting period (usually 3 months) before you can access services, depending on where you live. During this waiting period, it’s important to have private insurance to cover any health-related costs.
If you’re a temporary resident (e.g., on a work or study permit), you might not be automatically eligible for provincial healthcare coverage, and you may need to buy private health insurance until you become eligible.
3. Health Insurance Plans
Each province and territory has its own health insurance plan, which covers a wide range of essential health services, including:
- Visits to your family doctor or general practitioner (GP)
- Hospital stays
- Emergency medical services
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests)
- Medical treatments (such as surgeries or cancer treatments)
Some services, such as dental care, eye care, and prescription medications, may not be fully covered under public healthcare and may require additional private insurance or out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Registering for Health Insurance
After arriving in Canada, you’ll need to register for health insurance with your province or territory’s health plan. You can do this by visiting a local health office, or in some areas, registration may be done online. You will need to provide identification (e.g., passport or immigration documents) and proof of residence.
Be sure to apply for your health card as soon as you arrive so that you can receive coverage as quickly as possible once your waiting period ends.
5. Finding a Doctor
In many areas of Canada, family doctors (also called general practitioners) are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical care. You can get a referral to specialists or other healthcare services through your family doctor.
Tips for finding a doctor:
- Contact your province’s health services or search their website for a doctor directory.
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or community groups.
- Some provinces offer walk-in clinics or virtual care, where you can see a healthcare professional without an appointment.
6. Emergency Services
In case of an emergency, call 911 for immediate medical help. Emergency services, such as ambulances and hospital visits for urgent care, are covered under the public health insurance system. However, you may need to pay for ambulance services in some provinces, so it’s advisable to have private insurance if you are uncertain.
7. Prescription Medications
While hospital visits and doctor’s fees are generally covered by provincial health insurance, prescription medications are usually not fully covered under public health plans. Some provinces have public drug plans for low-income individuals, seniors, or those with specific health needs. Alternatively, you may need to purchase private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications.
8. Dental and Vision Care
Dental and vision care are typically not included in public healthcare plans, except in certain cases (such as for children under 18 or low-income individuals). Many immigrants opt for private health insurance to cover these additional services, or they may pay out-of-pocket. Some employers also offer dental and vision coverage as part of their benefits packages.
9. Maternity and Childcare
Canada provides comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, including prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care. Children in Canada receive free healthcare coverage through their provincial health plans for most services. Immigrant parents can access these services once they are registered in the provincial health insurance system.
10. Mental Health Services
Mental health services, including therapy and counseling, are available through the public healthcare system in most provinces. However, long wait times can be an issue, and some individuals may choose to seek private mental health care if needed. Some provinces also offer mental health coverage through their drug plans.
11. Healthcare for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, you may be eligible for Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary health coverage until you can access provincial health insurance. The IFHP covers medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, dental care, and medications.
12. Private Health Insurance
While provincial healthcare covers a lot of essential services, there may still be gaps, particularly for services like dental care, vision, and prescription medications. As a newcomer, it’s advisable to consider private health insurance, especially during the waiting period before your provincial health plan kicks in.
13. Understanding Healthcare Costs
In general, Canada’s healthcare system is funded by taxes, so most services (like doctor visits and hospital stays) are free at the point of use for residents. However, some services and medications might require co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses. Private insurance is often used to cover these costs.
14. Healthcare Access for Non-Residents
If you’re a visitor, international student, or temporary worker, you may not be eligible for provincial healthcare coverage. In this case, it’s highly recommended to purchase travel or private health insurance to cover any medical expenses.