Healthcare in Canada

Written by Lais Cattassini Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Lais Cattassini

Lais is a Brazilian journalist and copywriter with over 17 years of experience, writing about things she knows really well (travelling, cinema, social media trends) and things she loves learning about.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Interesting facts:

• Canada enjoys high health outcomes, with a life expectancy of around 82 years and low infant mortality rates.
• Healthcare is a major political issue in Canada, with debates about funding, wait times, and expanding the range of covered services being central to elections and policy discussions.
• Canada is recognised globally for its highly advanced organ transplant system.

Overview of the Canadian healthcare system

Healthcare in Canada is funded through general taxation. Each province and territory has its own healthcare plan, which is funded by a combination of federal and provincial/territorial tax revenues.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without direct charges at the point of care. This means that healthcare services are funded by the government rather than by individual payments.

Core services covered include hospital stays, physician visits, and surgeries. There are no charges for these services when provided within the publicly funded system. Coverage for prescription drugs varies by province and territory. Some have universal drug coverage, while others offer drug benefits through specific programs or insurance plans.

Services such as dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs are not universally covered, and residents often have private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for these.

How to access the healthcare system in Canada as an expat

If you have permanent residency status in Canada, you are eligible for healthcare coverage. If you are on a work permit, study permit, or other temporary status, you may need to check specific provincial or territorial regulations for healthcare coverage.

Healthcare is managed provincially/territorially, so you will need to apply for health coverage in the province or territory where you plan to live. Each has its own system for registering residents:

• Alberta: Apply to Alberta Health Services. Registration can often be done online or at local healthcare insurance offices.
• British Columbia: Register with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) through the Health Insurance BC (HIBC) website or by mail.
• Manitoba: Apply to Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living.
• New Brunswick: Contact the New Brunswick Medicare program.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Register with the Medical Care Plan (MCP).
• Nova Scotia: Apply to Nova Scotia Health.
• Ontario: Register with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) through ServiceOntario.
• Prince Edward Island: Apply through the PEI Health and Wellness office.
• Quebec: Register with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
• Saskatchewan: Apply to Saskatchewan Health.
• Yukon: Contact Yukon Health and Social Services.
• Northwest Territories: Register with Health and Social Services.
• Nunavut: Apply through the Nunavut Department of Health.

After the province processes your application, you will receive a health card that provides access to medical services. Some provinces have a waiting period for new residents (e.g., up to three months), during which you may need private health insurance.

The card will provide you with access to medical coverage according to the provincial or territorial plan.

Types of health insurance in Canada

Public Health Insurance (Medicare)

Canada's healthcare system, often referred to as "Medicare", is financed through federal and provincial tax revenues. Each province and territory has its own healthcare plan, which may differ slightly in terms of covered services.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance in Canada typically covers services that are not included in the public healthcare system, such as prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and various supplementary health services. Plans are often provided through employers or can be purchased individually.

Some of the top private healthcare insurers in Canada are Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, GMS, and Greenshield.

Health Spending Accounts (HSAs)

Some employers offer Health Spending Accounts, which allow employees to allocate a set amount of money each year for medical expenses, including those not covered by the public or employer-sponsored plans.

HSAs are tax-advantaged, allowing employees to claim certain medical expenses.

How much does health insurance in Canada cost?

In most provinces and territories, there are no direct premiums for public healthcare, as the system is funded through general taxation. British Columbia has a nominal health fee under its MSP system, but it is paid by employers rather than individuals.

Private Health Insurance

The cost of private health insurance in Canada depends on several factors, including the level of coverage, your age, health status, and whether you get insurance through an employer or purchase it individually. Private insurance typically covers services not included in public insurance, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.

Monthly premiums typically range from C$50 to C$200.

Additional Healthcare Costs

While basic healthcare is publicly funded, many Canadians incur out-of-pocket expenses for services not covered by public insurance, such as prescription medications, dental care, and vision care.

Expat health insurance in Canada

Expats can usually qualify for public healthcare in Canada, but eligibility and coverage details depend on the province or territory where they settle. Most provinces have a waiting period of up to 3 months before newcomers become eligible for public health insurance.

During this period, expats are required to arrange for private health insurance to cover any medical needs before public insurance becomes available.

Many companies offer short-term health insurance for expats, covering the initial months until public coverage kicks in. These plans may range between C$50 and C$200+ per month, depending on the coverage.

What to do in an emergency?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, such as a severe injury, heart attack, stroke, fire, or violent crime, you should call 911. This number is available across Canada for emergency services.

If it's not necessary to call 911, but you still need immediate medical attention, you can go to a hospital emergency room (ER). Most hospitals in Canada have ERs open 24/7. In emergency situations, public healthcare (if you are covered) will generally cover these services. If you are not yet covered by public health insurance or are a visitor to Canada, you may need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for medical services.

Emergency room visits can cost from $500 to $1,000+, depending on the care required. In some provinces, like Ontario, an ambulance ride may cost C$45 to C$240 if it is not covered by your insurance.