Health Insurance in Canada, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Ottawa
Total area: 9,970,610 km2
Population: 33,294,100 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +1 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Canada

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Canada has a universal public healthcare system that is administered on a provincial/territorial level. It provides universal coverage for medically necessary services.

·      Healthcare falls under the guiding principles of the Canada Health Act, which sets standards for public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility of services.

·      All provinces and territories provide coverage of hospital services, physician services and necessary medical services with no fees for patients.

·      The system is funded through taxes, not health insurance premiums. Around 70% of healthcare funding comes from provincial/territorial budgets.

·      Canadians can also purchase private health insurance for services not covered publicl, such as dental, vision, drugs, travel health insurance and faster access to some procedures.

·      Primary care is delivered through family doctors, nurses and other health professionals in private practice or community clinics.

·      Hospitals, medical services and end-of-life care are also provided publicly. Wait times can vary by province/specialty.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Provincial health insurance - Most expats need private health insurance as they aren't covered by the public plans. Coverage varies by plan/province.

·      Prescriptions - While doctors' visits may be covered, prescription drugs often require private insurance or out-of-pocket costs.

·      Dental, vision, other services - Routine dental cleaning, prescription glasses/contacts, chiropractic care etc. may not be publicly covered.

·      Medical evacuation coverage - For extended travel or if living rurally, consider insurance including repatriation if necessary.

·      Vaccination status - Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date, especially if visiting/living in remote areas.

·      Health navigator - Learn which medical services are publicly covered versus privately in the province of residence.

·      Wait times - Accept that non-urgent procedures like knee replacements may involve lengthy queues without private insurance.

·      ID documentation - Carry identification, insurance cards, past medical records from home country if needed for care access.