One of the major reasons why many immigrants move to Canada is because of the standard healthcare system. A lot of people from different backgrounds have benefited from the program and there is still room for more.
The Canadian healthcare system if publicly funded. This has contributed to the high-income tax in Canada compared to other countries.
Can immigrants have access to free healthcare in Canada?
The number one condition for getting free healthcare in Canada is that you must either be a permanent resident or citizen of the country. Such individuals must have been residing in the country for a minimum of three months.
It will eliminate the need to pay for most healthcare services. The healthcare system in Canada is made up of provincial and territorial plans instead of a national plan. You are required to present a provincial healthcare card whenever you want to get treatment in a clinic or hospital.
In short, fresh immigrants can’t enjoy universal healthcare in the country. The best thing is to get a private health insurance program which is costly.
What does Canada healthcare cover?
Provincial health insurance often covers regular visits to hospitals, primary care doctors, and diagnostic services. On the other hand, the Canada healthcare plan won’t cover the following:
- Dental care
- Ambulances
- Long-term care facilities
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Vision care.
The Canadian government offers a tax credit to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for these services. Alternatively, you can leverage private health insurance to cover the services that your provincial health insurance fails to cover. Ask whether your employer provides this type of option.
There is nothing wrong with obtaining private health insurance alongside the public healthcare plan.
Applying for public health insurance as a Canadian immigrant
Your best bet is to apply for a health insurance card once you arrive in Canada. Application forms are readily available at your province’s ministry of health office or on their official website.
You will need to prepare documents like your confirmation of permanent resident status and ID card before you can be eligible.
Find out whether each member of your family will be issued a health card or children will have to rely on their parents’ cards. Make sure that you take your health insurance card along each time you leave your home. It will come in handy during emergencies.
What can I do during the waiting period?
It’s very expensive to handle medical emergencies in Canada without a health insurance plan. Every new immigrant is required to wait for around three months before the approval of their health coverage.
In case you have children, senior(s) or an underlying health condition, try to get private health insurance coverage in the meantime.
Another option is to take advantage of community health centers. These facilities offer affordable healthcare services for individuals who lack provincial health coverage. You and your family will be able to enjoy basic medical care.
The major downside of this option is that you may not get immediate medical attention.
You can also visit walk-in clinics if you can’t visit your physician due to one reason or the other. You don’t need to schedule an appointment and they have experienced doctors.
It advisable to note these important points:
- Every temporary resident with a valid work permit is eligible for a provincial/territorial health plan. However, such individuals can only have access to the plan that’s available in the province s/he is residing or working. More so, they won’t be able to access the health insurance coverage once their work permit expires.
- Immigrants with working holiday visa must provide a copy of their employment contract and work permit to the ministry of health.
- Some provinces/territories don’t offer health care insurance to study permit holders unless they meet certain conditions. Research if your school often get a group health plan for ineligible students.
