Medicine in Canada: general overview

Healthcare is an important part of Canadian society, especially for immigrants. Newcomers to this country often find it difficult to understand where and how they or their loved ones can receive medical care. In this overview, we've compiled brief answers to the most common questions about healthcare in Canada, using up-to-date information for 2024.

Is healthcare free in Canada? Who is eligible?

In Canada, all permanent residents have access to the public healthcare system, funded through taxes. This means Canadian citizens and permanent residents are entitled to free medical care. Additionally, temporary residents such as refugees and foreign workers may also access free healthcare, depending on their immigration status and provincial legislation. For example, Ukrainians who moved under the CUAET program can receive free treatment in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador.

However, tourists and students with study visas are usually not eligible for public health insurance and must purchase private insurance to cover medical expenses. This is an important aspect to consider when planning a trip to Canada.

What is a family doctor and why do you need one?

A family doctor is a key figure in the Canadian healthcare system, serving as a general practitioner for the entire family. This doctor treats people regardless of age or gender, refers patients for tests and to specialists, and prescribes medications that can't be purchased over the counter, such as antibiotics or strong painkillers.

Typically, a family doctor follows a patient for many years, providing medical care in various situations. However, if you're unhappy with your doctor, you can change by contacting other medical facilities or using government resources to find a new specialist.

How to find a family doctor in 2024?

The shortage of family doctors in Canada remains a serious issue. In 2024, finding a family doctor has become even more challenging, especially in large cities and remote areas. However, there are several ways to search:

• Provincial websites. Many provinces provide a list of available doctors on their web resources.
• Recommendations from acquaintances. Ask friends, colleagues, or relatives if they can recommend their family doctor.
• Online resources. Use services such as Doctor Search.
• Medical clinics. Call local clinics and ask if they're accepting new patients. If not, they may offer other options.

It's important to be persistent in your search, as the process can take time, but having a family doctor plays a key role in regular medical care.

What are the alternatives to a family doctor?

If you don't have a family doctor or need urgent care, you can use walk-in clinics. These facilities accept patients without appointments for conditions such as colds, flu, minor injuries, and insect bites. They can be both public and private, with many offering free services to Canadian citizens and residents.

Additionally, telemedicine has become widespread since 2020. Online consultations with doctors allow quick and safe medical care without visiting a clinic. Telemedicine is especially convenient for residents of remote areas where access to medical facilities may be limited.

What does public insurance cover in Canada?

The Canadian healthcare system, called Canadian Medicare, covers most basic medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, tests, and necessary medical procedures such as surgeries, radiology, and chemotherapy. This means you don't have to sell your house to treat serious illnesses in Canada — the government provides necessary treatment.

However, public insurance doesn't cover some services like dental care, optometry, prescription drugs, and paramedical services such as massage or physiotherapy. These services may be covered by private insurance, which many Canadians get through their employer or purchase independently.

How much do dental services cost?

The cost of dental services can vary depending on the region. On average:

• A regular dental check-up costs from $150 to $300 CAD.
• Teeth cleaning will cost $100-$300 CAD.
• More complex procedures, such as dental implants, can cost several thousand dollars.

Many Canadians get private insurance to cover dental expenses. Also, starting in 2024, Canada has launched a new national dental care program aimed at making dental treatment more accessible for those who can't afford it. The program primarily targets children, seniors, and low-income families.

Is ambulance service free?

No, calling an ambulance in Canada is not free and can cost from $50 to $500 CAD depending on the province. Therefore, it's recommended to call an ambulance only in life-threatening emergencies.

In 2024, the cost of calling an ambulance varies:

• In Ontario, the fee is about $45 CAD per call if hospitalization is deemed necessary, but can increase to $240 CAD if the doctor considers the call unjustified.
• In Manitoba, an ambulance ride can cost up to $530 CAD.
• In Saskatchewan, the fee is $245–325 CAD per call, plus a charge for each kilometer.

If the situation is not critical, it's better to use a taxi or visit a walk-in clinic.

Pregnancy care in Canada

For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, pregnancy care, including doctor visits, tests, and ultrasounds, is funded by the government. However, some services, such as additional genetic tests, may require extra costs. In some provinces, partial payment for medical expenses related to pregnancy complications may be required.

In 2024, it's recommended to have a reserve of funds for unexpected medical expenses related to pregnancy, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 CAD.

Medical equipment and its availability

By 2024, the situation with medical equipment in Canada has significantly improved. Government investments and private initiatives have helped upgrade equipment in major cities and even in some remote areas. However, resource shortages may still be observed in remote and sparsely populated regions of the country.