As a newcomer to Canada, navigating the healthcare system may initially seem daunting. But with some guidance, you’ll be able to get the medical services like doctor visits and medical prescriptions you need.
Overview Of The Canadian Healthcare System
In Canada, hospital treatment, doctor visits, and emergency services are all free for citizens under the publicly financed universal healthcare programme. Within federal limits, each province and territory is in charge of managing its healthcare system.
To be eligible for provincial healthcare coverage, you must be a citizen, permanent resident, refugee or protected person. Enrollment and coverage specifics should be confirmed with the Ministry of Health in your province of residence. You may wait to qualify as a newcomer, so having temporary private health insurance for newcomers to Canada is a good idea when first arriving.
Getting A Family Doctor
Your main point of contact for non-emergency healthcare needs in Canada is a family doctor. Contact your provincial health authority to find a family doctor, as provinces maintain lists of those accepting new patients. Ask people in your community as well. Wait times to get assigned vary across provinces. Using walk-in clinics is a good stopgap until you find a family doctor.
Using Walk-In Clinics
Walk-in clinics provide care without an appointment for minor illnesses and injuries. They’re useful when you need more time to see your regular doctor. Walk-in clinics are also an option for those without a family doctor. Remember that wait times can be long, given their first-come, first-served system.
Accessing Emergency Care
Go to the closest hospital emergency department or dial 911 in a medical emergency. Even if uninsured, emergency hospital visits are reimbursed by provincial healthcare. Bring your health card and any drugs you are presently taking.
Paying For Prescription Drugs
Provincial health plans only cover prescription drugs in a hospital. You need a Canadian doctor to fill a medical prescription—they can’t fill foreign prescriptions. To lower costs, check if you qualify for provincial drug coverage based on age, illness or income level. Private insurance may also help cover prescription costs.
Using Healthcare Outside Your Province
Out-of-province coverage varies by province, so it is important to contact your provincial health insurance plan before seeking any out-of-province care to determine what is covered and how to get reimbursed. Some provinces will cover certain types of out-of-province care, such as medically necessary care that is unavailable in your home province or if you have pre-authorization. Even if your province covers out-of-province care, you may still have to pay out-of-pocket upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Finding Healthcare As A Temporary Resident
Temporary residents, such as foreign workers and international students, may not be eligible for provincial health insurance, or they may be subject to a waiting period. Thus, it would help if you got private health insurance. When choosing insurance, ensure medical prescription and dental care are included, as they aren’t publicly covered. Your school or employer may provide coverage, so check with them first.
Tips For Health Insurance For Newcomers To Canada
- Enrol for provincial coverage as soon as you become eligible, as there can be waiting periods.
- Register for supplementary health insurance from your province if you qualify based on income.
- Find out if your medications from home require a medical prescription in
- Ask your community for family doctor recommendations to avoid long waits.
- Know where the nearest walk-in clinics and emergency rooms are located.
- When out, carry emergency contact details and any medical info (allergies, prescriptions, etc.).
- Save receipts for medical expenses paid out-of-pocket if you can get reimbursed later.
Navigating healthcare systems in a new country can be confusing, but this guide by Moving2Canada provides a good overview of Canada’s system. It includes everything you need to get health insurance for newcomers to Canada.
