One of the biggest questions newcomers to Canada have is about seeking healthcare. Here, our immigration physicians in Ottawa and Orleans answer some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare coverage, including whether it is free for immigrants.
Healthcare Coverage in Canada
Canada has a universal health care system that is paid for through taxes. Any Canadian citizen or permanent resident can apply for public health insurance.
Each province and territory has its own health plan that covers different services and products. It is important to understand what each plan includes.
After your province or territory registers you in their health system, you will receive a health card. Show this card at hospitals or medical clinics to access non-emergency services.
In general, with public health insurance, you won’t have to pay for:
- Most healthcare services
- Emergency medical services are available without a health card, but restrictions may apply based on immigration status.
Regardless of whether you have public or private health insurance, all doctors in Canada provide health services confidentially. This means your doctor cannot share your health information with anyone else without your consent.
Is healthcare free in Canada for immigrants?
Public health insurance eligibility includes all Canadians, both citizens and newcomers. However, some provinces do not provide healthcare coverage to newcomers immediately upon their arrival in Canada.
What do you need to get free healthcare in Canada?
Every Canadian is required to have a health card to access healthcare services across the country. This essential document confirms that the holder is registered with their provincial or territorial healthcare system.
The application process for obtaining a health card is distinct for each region, with no standardized method used across Canada. For example, applicants in Ontario must visit a Service Ontario location in person, while Alberta offers the flexibility to apply either in person or by mail. It's important to note that processing times for health cards can also vary significantly between provinces and territories.
How long do you have to live in Canada to get free healthcare?
In Canada, a health card grants the holder access to public health insurance in their province of residence, offering financial coverage for eligible health services. This typically includes basic and emergency care services, such as hospital treatment. However, some provinces and territories require applicants for public health insurance to wait up to three months before their benefits become effective.
Where can I find medical services in my area?
Each province and territory in Canada has a government website to help you find nearby healthcare providers, including family doctors, hospitals, and specialists. You can also perform a Google search for the medical service you need, along with your postal code, to get a list of accessible services in your area.
How to get a family doctor in Canada
Family doctors, or general practitioners, are the primary healthcare providers that many Canadians choose for medical care. While walk-in clinics and hospitals offer urgent care, family doctors are preferred for their ability to schedule appointments and provide continuity of care, as patients see the same doctor each time.
Finding a family doctor in Canada can take time since doctors decide whether to accept new patients. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations or seeking help from settlement services providers.
You can also perform an online search using your postal code to find local family doctors. Check clinic websites to see if doctors are accepting new patients, and consider calling the clinic to ask about availability and arrange a visit. This approach can assist new Canadian permanent residents in finding a family doctor.
The following resources can help new Canadian permanent residents find a family doctor in their province or territory:
- Alberta: Alberta Health Services
- British Columbia: BC College of Family Physicians
- Manitoba: Government of Manitoba
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick Medical Society
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Find A Doctor NL
- Northwest Territories: List on RateMDs.com
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Health
- Nunavut: Government of Nunavut
- Ontario: Government of Ontario
- Prince Edward Island: Government of PEI
- Quebec: Government of Quebec
- Saskatchewan: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
- Yukon: Government of Yukon
Contacting clinics directly to ask about a family doctor could also be an effective approach if online searches yield no results.
How do I get immediate medical attention in Canada?
In the event of a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, it is essential for individuals to go to the nearest hospital's emergency department. Patients should remember to bring their health cards and personal identification. Upon arrival at the hospital, an employee will guide the patient based on the severity of their condition. Eventually, the patient will be seen by a doctor.
Does Canadian health insurance cover prescription drugs?
Prescription medications are provided at no cost to patients in Canadian hospitals during treatment, as outlined by the Canada Health Act. However, general coverage for prescription medications varies by province, as each has its own public drug plan with specific eligibility criteria. For example, while Ontario, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories offer some drug cost coverage, the conditions differ based on factors such as age, prescription location, and individual needs.
Is mental health included in healthcare in Canada?
We need to prioritize our mental health just like we do our physical health. This includes addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and the effects of violence or mental illness.
Newcomers to Canada have access to various mental health resources, including a guide from the Canadian government. Doctors, hospitals, crisis hotlines, and local organizations can help you manage your mental well-being.
Settlement service providers are especially useful for newcomers, offering information about the community, connecting you with local support, providing non-clinical mental health assistance, and referring you to additional health services.
Here is a list of some mental health organizations across Canada:
- Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre (MMHRC)
- eMentalHealth.ca
Can you get private healthcare in Canada?
Newcomers can benefit from private health insurance in addition to their provincial coverage for several reasons.
Firstly, it covers healthcare needs during the waiting period for public benefits. Secondly, it includes services not typically covered by public insurance, such as dental care, prescription medications, and visits to specialists like podiatrist.
