Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded that is, the medical expenses are shared by the taxpayers. There are 13 territorial and provincial insurance plans- providing healthcare to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary residents- unofficially called ‘Medicare’. 

Canada Health Act of 1984 provides universal access to publicly funded health services. Under this act, every insured person is entitled to receive insured services without a copayment. Canadian Medicare takes care of the healthcare needs of around 70 percent of the population, and the rest is funded by the private sector.

It is important to know about the healthcare system and insurance in Canada if you are planning to immigrate there. The type of coverage you will get will depend on your immigration status and the province/territory you are moving in. You must have a health insurance card to avail of the free service, till the time you get that you might be required to pay for some services, so prepare your budget accordingly.

In some provinces, new residents can access public healthcare system as soon as they arrive, in other provinces, there is a waiting period of up to 3 months, in that case, it is advised to enquire about private health insurance, which can take care of your needs till you get the public health insurance card.

Eligibility

You can apply for public health insurance if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, that enables you to avail most of the healthcare services free of cost. However, each province/territory has its insurance program, and thus have set the qualification rules as well (this excludes many Canadians from coverage).

For instance, to avail free health-care in Ontario, one must, among other requirements, be physically present in the province for 153 days in any 12 months; and be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after getting the residency in the province.

So, it is advised to go through the rules in advance set by the province or territory you are planning to move in.

Medicare coverage

There is no nationally defined statutory health package. The coverage varies in all the provinces/territories. There are several health services which are not covered by the public insurance- prescription drugs, dental care, optometry, ambulance, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, treatment given by a psychologist or psychotherapist, cosmetic and some elective surgeries, etc.

For these services, Canadians often rely on the insurance coverage provided by their employer, private health insurance, or pay for these from their pocket. You should consider the options for private health insurance and go through various plans, as it will give you and your family more elaborate health coverage.

Getting a health card

You are required to have a Health Card or Care card from the province/territory you live in to get health-services in Canada. You need to show this each time you avail of medical service. Healthcare services include insured primary health care- services of physicians and other health professionals, and care in hospitals. Each province/territory has different public insurance, and you need to apply for a health card as per the regulations of the province/territory you are residing in. For more information regarding registration, application forms, MCP providers, and out of province coverage you can check the website of Government of Canada or the official website of your province/territory.

Provincial Health Insurance Programs

·      Alberta- Alberta Health care Insurance Plan

·      British Columbia- Medical Services Plan of British Columbia

·      Manitoba- Manitoba Health

·      New Brunswick- New Brunswick Health Care

·      Newfoundland and Labrador- Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan

·      Northwest Territories- NWT Health Care Insurance Plan

·      Nova Scotia- Medical Service Insurance

·      Nunavut- Nunavut Health Care Plan

·      Ontario- Ontario Health Insurance Plan

·      Prince Edward Island- Prince Edward Island Hospital and Medical Services Plan

·      Quebec- Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec

·      Saskatchewan- Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Plan

·      Yukon- Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan

Benefits of Canadian Public Health Insurance

·      Every citizen is entitled to get the best care irrespective of his/her socio-economic background.

·      Health insurance is not affected by loss or change of jobs, or unpaid premiums.

·      No lifetime limit or exclusion of pre-existing conditions.

·      Most drug prices are controlled by provincial governments.

·      In Ontario, all medication is free for insured people aged 24 or below.

·      Canada has one of the best healthcare systems in the world in terms of care and quality.

·      There are many educational programs funded by Canadian Government for general public to increase awareness and stay healthy.

Criticisms

·      Waiting time to see a doctor and specialist are longer than the average in other developed countries.

·      Shift from public to private financing of some medical services has affected women as generally they are less financially stable.

·      Limited coverage is provided by the public health insurance. Many important services are excluded such as- dental care, physiotherapy, optometry, etc.

·      Although Canadian Healthcare system aims to provide equal healthcare to all, there are many evidences that minority groups such as LGBT community and refugees receive less than satisfactory care, especially those in poverty.