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© 2016 Dwellworks
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Discovering Canada
Health
Medical Systems Overview
When Canadians need medical care, in most instances they go to their family practitioner or
local clinic and present the health insurance card issued to all eligible residents of their
province/territory. Contrary to popular belief, health care in Canada is financed primarily through
taxation, in the form of provincial and federal personal and corporate income taxes, rather than
co-pay or private insurance companies. The federal government “transfers” funds to each
province, which is responsible for the management and funding of health care services in each
province. Prescription drugs, dental, and eyeglasses are not covered in the provincial program.
“Extended” health plans are typically provided by larger employers. Under most provincial laws,
private insurers are restricted from offering coverage which duplicates that of the governmental
programs, but they can compete in the supplementary benefits market. In most provinces
individuals do not pay any premiums for doctor visits, examinations, hospital emergency
department visits or for non-elective surgery.
In Alberta and British Columbia, there is a single or family nominal premium that each resident
pays. However, in most provinces there is no personal premium to pay in order to receive health
care benefits. There are no deductibles, co-payments or dollar limits on coverage for Provincial
insured services.
Insurance
In most provinces there is a three month waiting period required post arrival before you can
apply for Provincial Health Coverage. For this reason, it is advisable to maintain your private
insurance or obtain private insurance before you move to Canada.
To apply for a provincial Health Card, you must provide the following: proof of residency in the
province (residential lease or utility bill), work permit (authorised for at least six months), photo
ID (driver’s license, passport), and please remember to bring all passports and supporting
documents for all family members.