Canadian healthcare for permanent residents who newly arrive in Canada is the same as that of those who are born in Canada.
New Canadians often have common queries related to Canadian healthcare.
Canadian healthcare for permanent residents- can they access healthcare for free?
Canadian healthcare is based on the funds collected through the tax payment of all Canadian citizens and new permanent residents. Primarily, Canadians can access healthcare free of cost. However, specific medications like prescription drugs and other treatments compel them to pay on their own.
The digital version of the Canadian government states that Canadian healthcare is based on public funding. Prescription medication, along with pharmacy, does have a price to pay. Overall, Public Health Insurance doesn’t provide any coverage for medication, and one will require to pay. However, coverage is possible using a different insurance or drug program.
Integration into the healthcare system and availability of the health card
A health card is crucial for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to utilize the health care services available in this country. Furthermore, the document will assure the medical professional about the health card holder’s registration within the provincial or territorial healthcare system.
Moreover, the health card’s application procedure depends on the different regions. The provinces and territories in Canada don’t use a common procedure for healthcare applications.
For instance, Ontario’s health card becomes accessible to an applicant only after their physical visit to the Service Ontario location. On the other hand, Alberta will enable healthcare applicants to apply for health cards either physically or virtually (via mail). Also, the processing time for a health card will differ based on each province or territory.
Canadian healthcare for permanent residents- their eligibility for public health care?
A health card in Canada entitles the holder to public health insurance in the province in which they reside and financial protection for necessary medical care. Typically, these are hospital-type emergency and basic care services.
In rare situations, one may not automatically qualify for public health insurance after becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Several provinces and territories, however, have a three-month waiting period for the start of benefits for those applying for public health insurance.
The Public Health Insurance Coverage with their processing times concerning all provinces and territories are as follows:
British Columbia’s waiting period- above 2 months and any remainder of the month after the provincial residence is acquired for the first time.
Alberta’s waiting time- 3 months
Ontario has no waiting period.
Prince Edward Island’s waiting period is three months.
Quebec has a waiting period of up to three months.
Manitoba has a waiting period of up to three months.
Saskatchewan’s waiting period is three months.
New Brunswick consists of a three-month waiting period.
Nova Scotia has a waiting period of three months.
Newfoundland and Labrador are without any waiting period.
Nunavut’s waiting period is three months.
Northwest Territories- 3 months waiting period.
Yukon has a waiting period of 3 months.
Is private health insurance necessary?
Besides public healthcare, private health insurance might also prove advantageous. Private health insurance is advantageous because public health insurance comprises a waiting period. In such a scenario, private health insurance would cover an individual’s health requirements during the waiting period. Additionally, insured people will be able to access coverage for things not looked after by public insurance. These things revolve around dental work and visits to specific medical specialists like Chiropodists.
What about a family doctor, and what is the process of finding one?
Several Canadians visit general practitioners and family physicians when they require medical service or care. Family doctors are a common choice for Canadians because of the availability of appointments and consistent care. This is despite the availability of other medical clinics and hospitals. Moreover, family doctors help people avoid long waiting periods through pre-planned appointments. Also, the patients can access a steady healthcare service with the same doctor supervising their health.
However, searching for a family doctor in this country can be quite challenging as they might often reconsider their decision to accept new patients. In such circumstances, individuals must access the settlement service provider, and they might even consider suggestions from family and friends.
Additionally, it is vital to conduct online research concerning family doctors in local areas through a postal code. Doing so will lead to a display of numerous family doctors available nearby the searcher’s area. Furthermore, website reviews regarding specific family clinics might also inform whether the doctor continues to take in more patients.
This way, new PRs can even contact these family doctors and understand whether they will accept more patients then. Scheduling the appointments in advance will kickstart their journey toward healthcare in Canada.
What is the process during an emergency in case of visiting a doctor or hospital?
Any individual undergoing a medical emergency will require to visit the emergency department at a nearby hospital. Most importantly, all patients will also require to present their health cards and personal identity cards. After the patient walks-in into the hospital, he will also get instructions from the employee concerning their critical health. Eventually, they will get to visit the doctor.
Conclusion
Canada consists of a consistent approach as far as the healthcare sector is concerned. However, while few aspects have consistency, there are several others that differ based on different provinces and territories.
