Canada provides excellent healthcare services to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. But public healthcare sites only offer essential services to those covered by the local health insurance plan. On the other hand, private health insurance plans are more expensive but provide adequate and convenient service to clients.
Get to know more about medical insurance in Canada, the difference between the country’s public and private healthcare providers, the recommended hospitals that accept immigrants and expatriates, and the best types of insurance service for travelers, foreigners, and students.
Canada provides excellent healthcare services to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. But public healthcare sites only offer essential services to those covered by the local health insurance plan. On the other hand, private health insurance plans are more expensive but provide adequate and convenient service to clients.
Get to know more about medical insurance in Canada, the difference between the country’s public and private healthcare providers, the recommended hospitals that accept immigrants and expatriates, and the best types of insurance service for travelers, foreigners, and students.
Global Medical Cover for Expats Living in Canada
Canada is well known for its high-quality national health insurance program and the relative ease of accessibility to health services. Canadian citizens, and immigrants who qualify as permanent residents, have access to a single-payer, universal healthcare system. This insurance scheme is often referred to as Canada’s Medicare.
The guidelines and standards for the health insurance system in Canada are set by the federal government. The main aim of the program is to ensure an equal level of accessibility across the country, both for citizens and non-citizens living in the country. However, the actual administration of the national insurance program is the responsibility of each province and territory.
Are you confused about health insurance in Canada for expats, immigrants, and non-residents? Here is a comprehensive guideline on what expats, immigrants, and foreigners in Canada should know about how the local and international insurance plans, as well as the private health insurance in Canada work.
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Canadian Health Insurance
Canada is a massive country, and when it comes to providing quality Canadian healthcare, geography can be a challenge! The concerns and priorities for one area might be vastly different from another. Rural versus urban demographics, linguistic traditions, the size of the Indigenous population, proximity of major hospitals, and cultural priorities all influence healthcare spending decisions.
For instance, the needs of the elderly Francophone population in northern Quebec can be very different from those of urban, east coast Halifax residents, with their large contingent of temporary students.
Advantages of Global Health Insurance in Canada
Foreigners and non-residents living in Canada have unique needs. It is nothing new to have expectations of receiving a higher level of service and better access to quality healthcare providers in the country.
If you would like to receive care outside Canada, you need an insurance plan with worldwide coverage. We recommend getting a global medical plan for this, especially for expatriates and international citizens living in the country. This type of plan provides access to a wide range of private and public hospitals, has shorter waiting times, and offers coverage in any country, including your home country.
Health Insurance in Canada for Non-Residents and Expatriates
As an expatriate in Canada, you have several options to get medical treatment and coverage from private insurance providers in Canada. For healthcare in Canada for non-residents, especially for those who may not be eligible for local plans, we recommend the following providers below.
For instance, the GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent option for US citizens living in Canada. It provides up to 9 months of coverage back in the USA and in other countries.
Aetna International, on the other hand, provides comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate for international citizens worldwide.
Cigna Global is another great option that can cover a wide variety of medical conditions. It also has a modular plan design that will let you tailor fit the level of coverage you need for specific situations.
We have a team of international insurance brokers who can walk you through the pros and cons of each option. We can provide more information about each plan and provider to help you decide which is the best and most appropriate plan for you and your family.
Are you moving to Canada and need insurance?
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Can an American Get Health Insurance in Canada?
US citizens living in Canada can purchase the GeoBlue Xplorer plan which offers comprehensive worldwide coverage. It also provides access to the Blue Cross / Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA. The GeoBlue Xplorer plan offers excellent customer service and claims processing, so you can rest assured you will be well taken care of.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
Best Health Insurance in Canada for Foreigners
Cigna Global Medical and Aetna International both offer private health insurance plans in Canada for non-residents, expats, and foreign citizens currently living in the country. The plans from these providers have comprehensive coverage, excellent benefits, and quality service.
Request a quote today for any of these plans and our agent will walk you through the pros and cons of each one based on your specific needs and budget.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Aetna Global Expat Health Benefits
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Plans for Students at Canadian Colleges and Universities
International students enrolled in colleges and universities in Canada need a quality plan at an affordable price. The following plans are designed specifically for international students. Most of the benefits on both plans are the same but one has more comprehensive coverage than the other in some areas (i.e. mental health). Similarly, one of them offers less comprehensive coverage in other areas (i.e. medical limits) to keep its cost lower.
Here are a couple of good private health insurance plans in Canada for international students.
StudentSecure Insurance
- COVID-19 (coronavirus) coverage outside your home country
- Excellent benefits and customer service when you need it
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and Abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
How Much Does a Canada Health Insurance Plan Cost?
The cost of global medical insurance in Canada for foreigners is $3,162 per year per person. This is an estimate based on historical sales over the last 18 months.
Canada's health insurance costs will vary depending on several factors. The biggest influence on its price is your age, followed by the benefits included, the plan design, and the chosen deductible.
Here are examples of the average costs of healthcare in Canada for non-residents coming from some of the more popular countries or citizenship.
| 1 | South Africa | $8,365.09 |
| 2 | Mexico | $6,001.12 |
| 3 | United States | $4,354.07 |
| 4 | Brazil | $3,848.06 |
| 5 | India | $3,324.06 |
| 6 | Canada | $3,039.03 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | $2,173.54 |
| 8 | Philippines | $1,605.08 |
| 9 | Ireland | $1,204.65 |
| 10 | Australia | $645.15 |
Are you moving to Canada and need insurance?
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Pros and Cons of Local Health Insurance - Canadian Medicare
The health insurance program in Canada, Medicare, is a VERY popular topic of conversation among Canadians. It is a cherished national institution of which Canadians are tremendously proud. At the same time, it is also something they love to complain about.
It is not unusual for a Canadian to express concern about the healthcare system in other countries. But in the next breath, they will not hesitate to complain about the waiting times at their local clinic! But many of these complaints are valid, like the growing concern of having long waiting times.
As an expat who is spoiled for choice on where to settle, you should note that there are pros and cons to the style and level of healthcare service in rural areas. The availability of doctors may be limited in these locations.
The silver lining to the lack of doctors is that you will get to know your healthcare team on a more personal level. There is no cold, impersonal, large-scale hospital system to get lost in.
On the downside, even routine tests might require a drive to a regional hospital. Seeing a specialist alone may already require a long 4-hour drive.
Qualifying for a Canadian Healthcare Insurance Card
Thankfully, there is no requirement to have a family physician in order to receive a health insurance card in Canada. The insurance card is the identification you present on each and every appointment, clinic visit, or emergency room admission you make.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not pay any out-of-pocket costs to access healthcare services, provided the healthcare card is presented. If you happen to forget yours, you will be issued a bill for the service.
In general, to be eligible for a healthcare insurance card, you need to go to your nearest provincial or territorial services office. You will be required to present identification that proves that you are:
- You are who you say who you are;
- You are Canadian or a permanent resident; and
- You have been residing in your province or territory for at least three months.
ID Challenges with Canadian Insurance
While it might feel like you have to present a lot of paperwork to receive your healthcare insurance card, this new piece of ID is not as versatile as you think. You really cannot access the healthcare system without it, but the card is not that helpful in other situations.
For instance, it is not accepted as proof of age for purchasing alcohol or for proving your identity when you vote at municipal elections. In short, this is not helpful as a piece of Canadian identification other than for healthcare eligibility.
If you are eager to take care of your paperwork as soon as possible, make sure you update your mailing addresses to start getting bills at your new home. This is really important for documenting the length of your residency in Canada. If Mom is still forwarding your Visa statement, that will not help your case.
Private vs Public Insurance in Canada
As previously stated, medical insurance plans in Canada are publicly funded and privately delivered. Canadians can choose any primary caregiver they want as their visits are billed directly to the government.
Specialist visits are arranged by primary caregivers. They take place both in private offices and public facilities like hospitals and clinics.
Hospitals are almost always not-for-profit. However, non-essential services like cosmetic surgery are provided in private, for-profit centers.
Healthcare programs vary significantly from one city to the other. They reflect local concerns, city council spending priorities, and changing demographics.
Municipal public health programs generally are not considered when Canadians discuss their healthcare system. While they are thought of more as municipal services, they still make important contributions to Canadians’ health and quality of life.
Private health insurance plans in Canada are typically for-profit programs administered by private companies. You will pay out of pocket for these plans, and they can become quite expensive.
One of the benefits of private insurance in Canada is that you will get greater access to a wider range of Canadian hospitals and doctors. Waiting periods are shorter in many cases, especially for more minor illnesses or procedures.
Private health insurance plans in Canada also provide you with the option of being treated in another country where there are specialists better suited to your care. You can also return home for medical care and still be covered by the program.
Private Health Insurance Plans in Canada for Covering Expats
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Aetna Global Expat Health Benefits
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
How Family Physicians Are Set-Up in Canada
The majority of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a family physician. They consult their physicians for annual physical exams and ongoing healthcare management. Family physicians order tests, like blood work and X-rays, and refer patients to specialists.
Family physicians may operate out of a small office as solo practitioners. They may also form small collectives where they take turns covering after-hours drop-in services. They might also have a nurse or phlebotomist on staff.
In some areas, the family physician is also a nurse practitioner. They are specially trained nurses who take on many of the duties of a primary care physician. Nurse practitioners based in rural areas may have a rotating schedule where they cover care in communities separated by hundreds of miles. Meanwhile, those in urban areas may be part of a larger clinic that does more than just primary care by including community services like breastfeeding support groups and nutrition services.
Finding a New Family Doctor
You might not have a family physician or a nurse practitioner just like many Canadian citizens and expats living in the country. If you are one of them and you need access to healthcare services, you will have to either visit a community walk-in clinic or go straight into the emergency room for more serious concerns. This system may work just fine, especially if you are in good health. However, it can be a source of frustration, especially if you cannot find an office that is accepting new patients.
There is no standardized way to find a family physician in Canada. It often comes down to asking family, friends, or colleagues who they would recommend, and hoping they will put in a good word to connect you with the doctor.
In some provinces, there is a database where you can register your information to be matched with a family physician. In Ontario, for example, the Health Care Connect program considers preferences like language services and travel distance in matching a physician.
If you are an expat or a non-resident in Canada, the best advice is to start looking for a physician right away. Find a doctor you can contact long before you feel unwell. It may take several months before you get matched with a physician, so it is better to be proactive in searching for one.
Related: Overview of International Health Insurance
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For Visitors to Canada - Consider Travel Insurance
If you are an international traveler visiting Canada for a short trip or a stay of less than one year, a less comprehensive and more affordable travel insurance plan may be the best option. These travel medical insurance plans cover the costs of medical treatment for emergencies and illnesses that occur while traveling. They also offer additional benefits such as coverage for adventure sports, trip interruption, medical evacuation and transportation, and more.
If you also want to cover the cost of your trip, consider a trip cancellation plan.
Hospitals in Canada Accepting Immigrants and Expatriates
Below is a list of top hospitals in Canada. Of course, there are many more and most provide a high level of care for all patients. As you may know, the Canadian Health Care System is very good but having access to private healthcare, when you can afford it, is beneficial.
McGill University Health Center - Glen Site
1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1
+1 514-934-1934
Saskatoon City Hospital
701 Queen St, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M7, Canada
+1 306-655-8000
St. Joseph’s Hospital
268 Grosvenor St, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
+1 519-646-6100
Banff – Mineral Springs Hospital
305 Lynx St, Banff, AB T1L 1H7, Canada
+1 403-762-2222
Lamont Health Care Centre
5216 53 Street, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0, Canada
+1 780-895-2211
High River General Hospital
560 9 Ave SW, High River, AB T1V 1B3, Canada
+1 403-652-2200
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
33 Drummond St W, Perth, ON K7H 2K1, Canada
+1 613-267-1500
Chaleur Regional Hospital
1750 Sunset Dr, Bathurst, NB E2A 4L7, Canada
+1 506-544-3000
Grace Hospital
300 Booth Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7, Canada
+1 204-837-0111
Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation
201 Boudreau Road, St Albert, AB T8N 6C4, Canada
+1 780-418-8200
Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way, Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5, Canada
+1 250-727-4212
Are you moving to Canada and need insurance?
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Written by Joe Cronin, the founder and president of International Citizens Insurance. He is an authority in the areas of global health and international insurance, with specific expertise in advising individuals and groups on international health insurance plans. Follow Joe on Twitter, @Joe_Cronin_Jr!