Six Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare in Canada

Admin
March 2, 2023

The healthcare system in Canada is one of the key reasons why people decide to immigrate here. Once they become permanent residents in Canada, they have several questions about healthcare in Canada. Don’t worry; this blog has got you covered. Read on to clarify all your doubts regarding the Canadian healthcare system.

Is healthcare in Canada free?

All Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay their taxes every year. These taxes fund healthcare in Canada. It is mostly free for all Canadians though medications are an exception. You have to pay for prescription drugs and certain treatments.

When can I be eligible for public health care?

You need a health card to gain access to the benefits of public health care after becoming a permanent resident in Canada. It also provides you with certain financial coverage for specific emergency health services.

You may not be able to enjoy the benefits of public healthcare in Canada immediately after getting permanent resident status. Some provinces may take three months to process the healthcare benefits of newly landed permanent residents in Canada.

Province-wise waiting time for public health insurance coverage:

British Columbia- Two months
Ontario- No waiting period
Alberta- Three months
Nunavut- Three months
Manitoba- Up to three months
Nova Scotia- Three months
Prince Edward Island- Three months
Northwest Territories- Three months
Saskatchewan – Three months
Quebec- Up to three months
New Brunswick- Three months
Yukon- Three months
Newfoundland and Labrador- No waiting period

How to get the Health Card? When does it arrive?

The health card lets the medical professional know that you are registered with public healthcare in Canada. The application process for a health card varies from province to province.

For instance, let’s say you are a permanent resident of Edmonton. That means you have to follow the rules specific to Edmonton while applying for the health card.

Talk to our certified immigration consultants to learn the application processing rules of Edmonton and Alberta.

We will guide you through the entire application process efficiently.

Do I need both public and private health insurance?

The benefits of private health insurance are:

The waiting period is almost negligible if you apply for private health insurance.

Also, private health insurance provides coverage even during the waiting period.

Private health insurance provides coverage for needs that are not usually handled by public insurance. The needs may include dental checkups or visit to a medical specialist.

What if I need to visit a hospital or doctor for an emergency? What documents do I need if I just walk in?

You should visit the nearest hospital in case of a medical emergency. Bring your personal ID and health cards to the hospital. Also, an employee at the clinic will further guide you after assessing the severity of your condition.

How do I find a family doctor?

Family doctors are also known as family physicians or general practitioners. Several Canadians visit them because of appointment flexibility and patient-centric care. You can, however, visit the nearest hospital as well in case of emergencies.

You don’t have to wait in long queues to consult with a family doctor. Also, they provide advanced and consistent care experience to all patients.

Family doctors often decide on their own who they want to accept as patients. So, finding a reliable family doctor can be tedious. You can get recommendations from friends and family to find a reliable one easily.

You can try looking for family doctors online. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, you can search for “family doctors near Edmonton”. You can then call the clinic and book your appointment accordingly.

Here are some links that can help you find a family doctor:

Clear all Confusions About Healthcare in Canada

Healthcare systems vary from province to province in Canada. Why don’t you give us a call and learn everything you need to know about healthcare in Canada? Our professional immigration consultants not only help you attain your permanent residence but also equip you with everything about healthcare in Canada.