Overview

Every citizen and permanent resident in Canada is protected by a local Government insurance plan of the province they live in and as such all Canadians have free access to health care.

The Federal and Provincial Governments gather taxes from all Canadian residents via their income taxes to pay for medical services and health insurance. Canadian’s do not have to pay for most needed medical services; however for some extra services there will be extra charges. You should note that each province has its own healthcare system.

It is very important that you apply for your Health Insurance card as soon as you arrive in Canada.  You need to make your application to your provincial health department which obviously varies depending on where you settle. You will need to fill out an application form which you can get at your local doctors office, any hospital or pharmacy. You will also need to show some identification like an ID card, passport or permanent residency card. Every member of your family will also need there own insurance card. Always remember to have your card with you every time you go and see a doctor or go to the hospital.

Health-care services covered by Medicare include:

- Examinations and treatment by family doctors;
- Most types of surgery;
- Most treatments made by specialists;
- Hospital care;
- X-rays;
- Many laboratory tests; and
- Most immunisations.

Health-care services not covered by Medicare and for which you will have to pay include:

- Ambulance services;
- Prescription drugs;
- Dental care; and
- Prescription glasses and contact lenses.

These services are sometimes covered by workplace benefit packages though.  In some provinces there are waiting lists of up to 3 months and in that time you will be strongly advised to apply for temporary private health insurance coverage.

Both you and your dependants must pass a medical examination before leaving for Canada as a permanent residence. If you have any inactive infectious diseases, you may be required to have a follow-up medical examination after you come to Canada which is known by the term “medical surveillance”.  You will subsequently have 30 days on entering Canada to report by telephone to the health authority of the province or territory where you are living.

In an Emergency

If there is an emergency and you need to seek emergency medical help you can go top the nearest hospital or dial 911.