Essential Guide to the Health System in Canada

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that provides universal access to medically necessary hospital and physician services. The public healthcare system is called the Canada Health Act and it covers all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are not allowed to use the public healthcare system in Canada, but they can purchase private health insurance to cover their medical expenses.

Canada's Public Healthcare System

Canada's public healthcare system is funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It covers medically necessary hospital and physician services, as well as some other services such as home care, mental health services, and prescription drugs. The cost of public healthcare is covered by taxes, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary services. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Public hospitals in Canada are typically clean and well-maintained, and provide quality care.

Canada's Private Healthcare System

Canada also has a private healthcare system, which is funded by private health insurance companies. Private health insurance covers services that are not covered by the public healthcare system, such as dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs. Private health insurance can also cover services that are covered by the public healthcare system, such as hospital and physician services. Private health insurance is typically more expensive than public healthcare, and expats and digital nomads typically use private health insurance to cover their medical expenses. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Private hospitals in Canada are typically clean and well-maintained, and provide quality care.

Canada's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Canada include:

• St. Michael's Hospital (public) in Toronto, Ontario, which specializes in trauma, cardiac care, and neurosurgery.
• Montreal General Hospital (public) in Montreal, Quebec, which specializes in trauma, cardiac care, and neurosurgery.
• Vancouver General Hospital (public) in Vancouver, British Columbia, which specializes in trauma, cardiac care, and neurosurgery.
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (public) in Toronto, Ontario, which specializes in trauma, cardiac care, and neurosurgery.
• The Ottawa Hospital (public) in Ottawa, Ontario, which specializes in trauma, cardiac care, and neurosurgery.
• St. Paul's Hospital (private) in Vancouver, British Columbia, which specializes in cancer care.
• The Jewish General Hospital (public) in Montreal, Quebec, which specializes in cancer care.
• The Hospital for Sick Children (public) in Toronto, Ontario, which specializes in pediatric care.

Health Insurance Companies in Canada

The most popular private health insurers in Canada are Manulife, Sun Life, Great-West Life, and Green Shield Canada. These companies offer a variety of health insurance plans, including plans for expats and digital nomads. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers to cover their medical expenses.

Insider Tips from Expats in Canada: How to Navigate the Health System

"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," commented one member living 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," commented one expat living in Halifax, 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," mentioned one expat living in Canada.

"Healthcare services in Canada are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments and is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, physician services, diagnostic services, and prescription drugs. The quality of public healthcare in Canada is generally considered to be high, with access to a wide range of services and treatments. Foreign residents may also have access to the public healthcare system, depending on their immigration status. Expats in Canada may be eligible for public healthcare coverage if they are permanent residents, have a valid work permit, or are a refugee claimant. In some cases, expats may also be able to purchase private health insurance to supplement their public coverage," said an expat in Canada.