The universal healthcare system in Canada is a point of pride for many Canadians. This system means that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents can access the healthcare system free of charge, as it is paid for by taxes. Newcomers Canada knows your health and the wellbeing of your loved ones is a priority for you, which is why we have developed this blog containing some important tips for healthcare in Canada.
How to Apply
Healthcare in Canada falls under provincial or territorial jurisdiction, meaning that you will need to apply to your regional government for a healthcare card. Depending on where you are settling, you may be required to wait up to three months before you will be given government health insurance. You can learn more about the specific details of applying for health insurance in your region by clicking on your region below:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec (in French only)
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Not Everything is Covered by Government Health Insurance
While Canada does offer all citizens and permanent residents access to public healthcare, you should be aware that not everything is covered by this. Items including dental care, the cost of prescription medications, emergency or ambulance services, prescription eyeglasses, and physiotherapy will not be covered by the government. If you are likely to incur these types of charges on a regular basis it is recommended that you pay for additional health insurance coverage. There are countless private health insurance providers, but some of the largest companies in Canada are Manulife, Sunlife, Canada Life, Blue Cross, and State Farm.
It is common for Canadian employers to offer their employees additional health and wellness insurance, or benefits as part of their compensation package, so be sure to explore this with your employer before investing on your own.