Health Insurance for Foreigners in Canada

Understanding Medicare and Private Coverage Options

Canada is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, world-class hockey, and rich cultural heritage. It is also known for its publicly funded healthcare system, Medicare, which provides basic medical services at no direct cost to citizens and eligible long-term residents.

However, healthcare coverage is not automatic for foreigners in Canada, and most medical services have high out-of-pocket costs unless the individual is enrolled in a provincial or territorial health plan.

As a result, having international health insurance in Canada is essential for avoiding unexpected medical expenses and ensuring proper care. In this article, we’ll explain how private health insurance works in Canada, explore your coverage options, and help you find the right protection for yourself and your family.

Healthcare Coverage in Canada

Canada’s healthcare system is a hybrid model that blends public and private services. The government provides universal coverage for essential medical services through a publicly funded system. This ensures that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents can access necessary care without direct charges.

In addition to public coverage, many Canadians rely on private insurance plans to cover services not included in the public plan, such as dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs. Their employers often provide this.

However, accessing Medicare can be challenging for foreigners. Eligibility for a provincial health card depends on various factors, including immigration status. For this reason, many opt to carry private international health insurance to ensure access to care.

Even after gaining access to Medicare, additional coverage may be necessary to avoid high out-of-pocket costs for services not covered by the public system.

Canada’s Public Healthcare System (Medicare)

The federal government subsidizes Canada’s Medicare system, but each province and territory manages its own healthcare plan.

These public plans ensure that all Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary residents have access to essential medical services, including hospital care, doctor visits, and other necessary treatments.

While the government covers the cost of public healthcare, services are provided through both public and private facilities. Having Medicare coverage does not restrict individuals to public hospitals or clinics.

However, there is little distinction between public and private care when it comes to essential services. By law, any medical service covered by Medicare must meet the same standards, ensuring consistency in the quality of care nationwide.

Private Health Insurance in Canada

Private health insurance in Canada is essential for those seeking broader coverage or faster access to care beyond what the public system offers.

This is especially important for individuals and families who need additional services such as prescription drugs, dental and vision care, mental healthcare, and complementary therapies like chiropractic care, which are often not fully covered by Medicare.

Around 60% of Canadian residents carry private plans to supplement their public coverage. For those without the right visa status to access Medicare or those who must wait for provincial coverage, private health insurance is crucial to ensure access to necessary healthcare.

Even for those eligible for Medicare, private plans offer several benefits, including coverage for services not included in the public system, faster access to care, and reduced wait times.

Moreover, if you frequently travel between Canada and other countries, global health insurance ensures that your medical coverage remains consistent, high-quality, and affordable, regardless of your location. This peace of mind allows you to focus on your health needs both within Canada and abroad.

How to Get Private Health Insurance in Canada

If you’re an expat living in Canada, securing private health insurance is relatively easy. However, understanding your options and following the necessary steps will help you select the best plan for your needs.

You can obtain coverage through your employer, directly from private insurance providers, or through insurance marketplaces. Your eligibility for provincial healthcare (such as Medicare) will also influence the level of coverage you need.

To help guide you through this process, here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining health insurance as an expat in Canada.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Provincial Healthcare

Before purchasing private health insurance, it’s essential to determine whether you’re eligible for Canada’s public healthcare system, known as Medicare.

As a permanent resident, work permit holder, or spouse of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for provincial or territorial healthcare coverage.

Since eligibility criteria can vary by province, it’s essential to check with the relevant provincial health authority to determine if you’re eligible for coverage and when it will take effect.

Step 2: Decide What Coverage You Need

Your need for private coverage depends on whether you have access to Medicare. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you’ll primarily need private insurance to cover services that aren’t included, such as prescription drugs, dental, and vision care.

If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you’ll need a more comprehensive private plan to cover all your healthcare needs. It’s a good idea to purchase your private policy before moving to Canada to ensure you won’t experience any gaps in coverage.

Step 3: Check With Your Employer

If you’re in Canada for work, your employer may provide health coverage in addition to your Medicare benefits. If you’re working for a division of a company based in your home country, they may offer group insurance tailored for international employees.

Check with your employer to understand the health benefits you’ll have before moving to Canada. It’s essential to verify the details of the coverage, including any waiting periods, exclusions, and whether the plan covers services not typically included in Medicare, such as dental, vision, or prescription drugs.

Step 4: Research Canadian Providers

If your employer doesn’t provide insurance or you need additional coverage, you can purchase private insurance directly from Canadian providers.

Canadian health insurance providers typically offer supplementary plans to cover services such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and specialized care not included in Medicare.

However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, especially if you plan to travel or require more flexible international protection, a global health insurance plan may be a better option.

Step 5: Consider International Insurance

If Medicare does not cover you, or if you need a health plan that covers you both in Canada and internationally, consider an international health insurance plan.

These plans provide comprehensive coverage, including emergency care, hospitalization, outpatient services, and preventive care, regardless of your location.

International insurance plans can also be tailored to your specific needs, whether you travel frequently, live in Canada long-term, or seek coverage for family members.

They also offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, with access to a broader network of doctors and hospitals worldwide.

How To Choose an Insurance Provider

Choosing the right health insurance provider is crucial for ensuring you have the necessary coverage as an expat.

Several factors should be considered to ensure you find the best plan for your needs.

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs

Begin by determining the type of coverage you require. If you are eligible for Medicare, you’ll likely only need private insurance to cover services not included in the public healthcare system, such as dental, vision, and prescription drugs.

If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you’ll require a more comprehensive health insurance plan to cover all your medical needs.

This supplemental coverage typically helps with services such as prescription drugs, dental care, and physiotherapy that are not covered by provincial healthcare.

However, since you won’t have full provincial coverage, you’ll still need global health insurance to cover essential medical expenses, particularly for emergencies or services not included in the private plan.

If you’re the spouse or common-law partner of someone working in Canada on a valid work permit, but you’re only visiting (not working or studying yourself), you typically won’t qualify for a provincial health card.

However, if your partner is covered by provincial healthcare and has private insurance through their employer, ask whether you can be added as a dependent to their plan. This can help you access medical services and avoid high out-of-pocket expenses during your stay.

Consider Your Specific Healthcare Requirements

Think about your personal healthcare needs and the services you require. For example, if you have chronic conditions or require specialized treatments, ensure your chosen plan covers these.

If you travel frequently, look for a policy that provides coverage both in Canada and abroad. If you have dependents, consider whether the plan includes family coverage and what services are provided.

Compare Premium Costs

Insurance premiums can vary widely depending on the provider and the level of coverage. While affordability is important, be sure to check what’s included in the premium.

Lower-cost plans may have higher out-of-pocket expenses or limited coverage, which could ultimately prove more expensive in the long run. The key is to strike a balance between affordability and the coverage you truly need.

Check Reputation and Customer Service

Before choosing a provider, research the company’s reputation. Look for providers with a strong history of customer satisfaction, easy claim processes, and responsive customer service.

A good insurance company will make it easy to contact them and handle claims efficiently.

Work With an Insurance Broker

Navigating the Canadian insurance market can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the various plans and providers.

An insurance broker can simplify the process by helping you compare options and ensuring you get the coverage best suited to your needs.

Brokers can explain policy details, highlight exclusions, and help you make informed choices that are most cost-effective.

Our licensed brokers can help you find an international policy tailored to your needs, making the entire process easier and ensuring you get the proper coverage.

How Much is Private Health Insurance in Canada?

Private health insurance in Canada is typically affordable, as the public healthcare system (Medicare) covers most essential healthcare services.

However, private insurance is necessary for services not covered by Medicare, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and certain paramedical services.

The cost of private insurance can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Age
• Number of family members
• Health status
• Level of coverage
• Additional coverage options

A Breakdown of Canadian Private Health Insurance Costs

Canadian private health insurance typically includes the following costs:

• Premiums: The monthly or yearly payment for the policy:
  • A 35-year-old single male typically pays around $61.32 CAD per month (approximately $41 USD).
  • A couple (both aged 28) can expect to pay about $110.38 CAD ($74 USD) per month.
  • A family of four may pay around $175.89 CAD ($117 USD) per month.
• Deductibles: This is the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage begins. Depending on the plan, deductibles typically range from $100 CAD to $500 CAD annually.
• Co-pays: The fixed amount you pay per service, which typically ranges from $5 to $30 CAD (e.g., doctor visits, prescriptions).
• Percentage of Service: This is the portion of the healthcare service cost that you are responsible for paying, which generally ranges from 5% to 30%, depending on your plan.
• Expenses Above Plan Limits: If you exceed your plan’s yearly limit for a specific type of care, you’ll need to cover the excess out of pocket.

The actual cost of private health insurance will depend on the plan you select, your specific health needs, and your family situation. It’s essential to carefully review the coverage and costs to ensure they meet your needs.

The Best Health Insurance Plans in Canada

Comprehensive health insurance is essential for foreigners planning to move to Canada. An international medical plan is the best option for most expats, especially in the initial stages.

While Canada’s Medicare system, supplemented by additional private coverage, is a solid option, it’s unavailable to most foreigners and doesn’t take effect immediately for newcomers.

A global health insurance plan will provide coverage tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re a temporary resident, student, or international employee.

The Best Health Plans for Non-Canadian Citizens

If you’re moving to Canada from abroad, IMG Global Medical offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.

The plan is fully customizable, allowing you to select the types and levels of coverage that best suit your needs. Moreover, it’s accepted worldwide, so you’ll remain covered even when traveling back to your home country or abroad.

Cigna Global is another excellent option. It offers coverage for a wide range of medical conditions and features a modular plan design, enabling you to adjust the coverage according to your specific needs.

The Best Health Insurance for US Citizens

If you are moving to Canada from the United States, it’s essential to have a health plan that allows you to access doctors and hospitals without facing high medical bills.

The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is an excellent option for U.S. citizens living in Canada. Depending on the level of coverage you choose, you can receive comprehensive health insurance in Canada, the U.S., and many other countries worldwide.

The Outside U.S. plan offers a more affordable option by excluding U.S. coverage if you don’t plan to return to the U.S. frequently.

Medical Plans for Students at Canadian Colleges and Universities

International students in Canada are required to have health insurance while studying.

Some provinces and territories, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, offer health insurance plans specifically designed for international students. However, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon do not.

In such cases, some universities offer their own health insurance plans, to which you may be required to enroll. If you’re required to find private insurance on your own, here are two excellent options:

The WorldTrips StudentSecure plan provides coverage in over 130 countries, including Canada. It offers four plan tiers, allowing you to choose the coverage that best suits your needs and budget. The plan also covers various sports activities, including intercollegiate and interscholastic sports.

The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Specialty plan offers comprehensive health insurance plans for U.S. students studying in Canada, including coverage for medical needs in the U.S.

Group Medical Insurance for International Employees in Canada

For employers with international employees in Canada, offering a solid benefits package is essential for their peace of mind and well-being. A group health insurance plan should be a top priority.

While Canadian employees will have access to provincial or territorial health insurance, international employees may require or prefer a global health plan that provides coverage in Canada and their home country.

An international group health plan is an excellent solution if you have two or more employees from abroad living in Canada. These plans can be customized to meet the specific needs of your employees and fit within your budget.

Our licensed agents are available to help you design the appropriate coverage to protect your employees while they are working outside of their home country.

How to Find a GP in Canada

Canada currently faces a shortage of family physicians, and many Canadians experience long wait times – sometimes more than six months – before finding a primary care doctor.

However, with private health insurance, you can often receive the care you need, even without a family doctor. Walk-in clinics are available to assist with illnesses, injuries, or other health concerns that may arise.

Without a provincial or territorial health card, you cannot register for a family doctor through services like Nova Scotia’s Need a Family Practice registry.

Ontario has a high demand for family doctors, resulting in long waitlists; however, efforts are underway to recruit more doctors into the province. Meanwhile, in provinces like British Columbia, you can access fully private clinics but must pay out of pocket for services.

Canada’s government website recommends using its community health center directory to help find a doctor. However, if you’re a foreigner without a health card, your best option is to seek treatment as needed at reputable hospitals and clinics in the area.

By providing your private insurance information, your bills should be covered. Once you obtain a provincial or territorial health card, you can register for a family physician and begin receiving more coordinated care.

Hospital Care in Canada

Before visiting a hospital in Canada, check with your insurance provider to confirm which hospitals in your area are covered.

In Canada, the government typically covers the cost of hospital services. However, private insurance may cover extras, such as private rooms or additional services. If you don’t have a provincial health card, ensure the hospital you plan to visit will accept your private insurance plan.

When shopping for an international medical plan, it’s a good idea to inquire about the hospitals in the area where you will be living.

Find out what plans they tend to accept and how much you’ll likely pay out of pocket for various services. If you don’t have coverage, you may be left with hefty medical bills.

Protect Your Health and Well-Being in Canada

Securing the right health insurance is essential for foreigners in Canada. It ensures that you can access the care you need without facing the burden of unexpected medical expenses.

Whether you’re waiting for provincial coverage, need services not covered by basic plans, or need global coverage for travel, the right insurance provides invaluable peace of mind.

However, with numerous options available, navigating the process can be overwhelming. This is where a licensed insurance broker becomes a vital resource.

By working with a broker, you can confidently explore your options and find the coverage that perfectly aligns with your needs and those of your family.

Don’t leave your health to chance; take the necessary steps now to secure the protection you deserve, wherever life takes you.