If you are a permanent resident in Canada, you are entitled to the public health insurance offered to all citizens. This covers the majority of your medical expenses. Funds collected from taxes are used to pay for the universal healthcare system in Canada. You need to present your health insurance card whenever you want to use public healthcare services from a medical facility.
Every province has an independent health insurance policy. As such, you should familiarize yourself with the scope of your plan. Even without a government-issued health card, you can receive emergency medical services free of charge in all Canadian provinces. There could be some limitations based on your immigration status.
What If I Am a New Canadian Resident?
If you are new to Canada, you can still get public healthcare insurance in your territory of residence. You could also get a private health insurance cover for the services not included in the provincial insurance. Insurance may cover various types of paramedical care, prescriptions, optical services, and dental services.
Most employers offer this form of insurance coverage as merit in your employment. The plan may only be valid after you are done with your probationary employment period.
When Will I Get My Public Health Insurance?
In a few Canadian territories, you need to wait for nearly three months before getting government-issued health insurance. You can enquire from your provincial ministry of health on how long it would take to get your coverage. During the waiting period, it is best to use private health insurance.
Health Care Outside your Territory of Residence
Medical insurance in any territory will offer you access to basic health services throughout all Canadian provinces. For instance, if you have provincial coverage for Ontario, you can still get emergency medical services when in Manitoba. Nevertheless, you should know the restrictions that come with this arrangement. You may need to pay for some services like the cost of prescription drugs, urgent dental services, and ambulance transportation.
Additional Health Insurance Cover
Public health insurance coverage offers you access to fundamental healthcare services. Your private insurance can pay for things not fully covered in the public plan. The extended medical plans include dental care, prescription medication, ambulance services, physiotherapy, and prescription eyeglasses. Some organizations are also willing to cover their employees.
Bottom Line
Canadian health care is funded by the public, which means medical costs are shared by the taxpayers. With a single-payer network, eligible users normally can receive free medical care from Canadian hospitals.
