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Canada’s public healthcare system is renowned, ranking tenth globally according to the Commonwealth Fund. While the hospitals are excellent, non-citizens initially lack free access to this government-controlled healthcare system.
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Additionally, many opt for private health insurance plans even after gaining access to Canada’s public healthcare. Therefore, expats without international health insurance should be prepared to pay in full when seeking treatment at hospitals in Canada.
With that in mind, this Pacific Prime article provides comprehensive information on hospitals and healthcare in Canada, covering essential details for visitors and expats navigating the country’s medical system.
Canada’s Healthcare System: How Does it Work?
Canada has a decentralized universal public health system called Medicare. The 13 provinces and territories manage their own insurance plans, receiving federal funding per capita. While approaches vary, all citizens and permanent residents get essential hospital and doctor services for free.
Some excluded services, like prescription drugs and dental care, have limited provincial coverage for specific groups. As such, about two-thirds of Canadians also have private insurance to supplement their coverage.
In short, Canada’s Medicare system ensures widespread access to healthcare while allowing for regional flexibility and private options to fill gaps.
5 Things Expats and Visitors Need to Know about Canada’s Healthcare System
Canada’s healthcare system primarily serves its citizens and permanent residents. However, for expats and visitors, the situation is different as they are not automatically covered under the public healthcare system.
Here are the five things expats and visitors need to know about Canada’s healthcare system.
1. No Automatic Coverage for Visitors
- Tourists and Short-Term Visitors: If you’re visiting Canada temporarily, the healthcare system does not provide automatic coverage. This means you would be responsible for the full cost of any medical services you require, which can be very expensive.
- Emergency Services: While emergency services are available to anyone in Canada, including visitors, they are not free. Without insurance, you may be billed directly for any services rendered.
2. Health Insurance Requirements
- Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance before arriving in Canada. This insurance should cover emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and possibly even medical evacuation back to your home country.
- International Health Coverage for Expats: Expats who move to Canada for work or other long-term purposes might not be immediately eligible for provincial healthcare coverage. There is often a waiting period of up to three months, depending on the province.
During this period, expats are advised to have international health insurance.
3. Expats and Provincial Healthcare
- Provincial Healthcare for Long-Term Residents: Once expats receive their residence permits and fulfill the waiting period, they may become eligible for the provincial healthcare plan, similar to Canadian citizens. They will then have access to publicly funded healthcare services.
- Gaps in Coverage: Even with provincial healthcare, expats may need to purchase additional private insurance to cover services not included in Medicare, such as dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs outside of hospitals.
4. Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements
- Canada has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a few countries, including the United Kingdom. Citizens of these countries may receive some level of care without charge, but it is generally limited to emergency services and does not include routine or long-term care.
5. Emergency Contact and Health Resources
- In case of an emergency, visitors and expats can dial 911 for immediate assistance. It’s also advisable to know the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics, especially if staying in rural or remote areas where healthcare access can be limited.
The Best Hospitals in Canada for International Visitors and Expats
If you are seeking medical care in Canada, it’s essential to know which hospitals offer top-tier services, especially for international visitors and expats. According to a CBC/Radio-Canada report, Alberta is home to four of Canada’s leading hospitals.
Additionally, some of the best hospitals in the country can be found in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. These facilities are renowned for their quality of care and advanced medical services, making them excellent choices for anyone needing medical attention during their stay in Canada.
Here is a list of the best hospitals in Canada for international visitors and expats:
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
Recommended Hospitals in Toronto, Canada
Toronto is home to more than 40 hospitals, many of which serve dual roles as teaching hospitals and research centers affiliated with the University of Toronto. Several of these hospitals are integrated into healthcare networks that share various levels of administrative and support services.
The largest of these networks is the University Health Network, which, while coordinating some services across its member hospitals, allows each hospital to operate independently. Also, each hospital within this network is recognized internationally for its excellence in medical care and research.
Below is a list of recommended hospitals for expats and visitors in Toronto, Canada:
Mount Sinai Hospital Canada
600 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
+1 416-596-4200
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
+1 416-813-1500
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
+1 416-480-6100
Toronto General Hospital
200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
+1 416-340-3111
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
+1 416-946-2000
More Hospitals in Canada
Canada boasts a network of top-tier hospitals known for their exceptional patient care, research, and education. From Montreal to Vancouver, these facilities are recognized internationally, with many affiliated with leading universities like the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta.
Whether part of larger networks like the University Health Network in Ontario or specialized centers such as Shriners Hospital Canada in Montreal, these hospitals provide high-quality medical services to both residents and international visitors.
Below is a list of recommended hospitals in other parts of Canada for expats and international visitors:
Shriners Hospital Canada
1003 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 0A9, Canada
+1 514-842-4464
Kingston General Hospital
76 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
+1 613-549-6666
University of Alberta Hospital
8440 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
+1 780-407-8822
University Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre
339 Windermere Rd, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
+1 519-685-8500
Vancouver General Hospital
899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
+1 604-875-4111
Barrhead Healthcare Centre
4815 51 Ave, Barrhead, AB T7N 1M1, Canada
+1 780-674-2221
Trillium Health Partners
100 Queensway W, Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8, Canada
+1 905-848-7100
St. Mary’s General Hospital
911 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener, ON N2M 1B2, Canada
+1 519-744-3311
The Ottawa Hospital
501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
+1 613-798-5555
Royal Columbian Hospital
330 E Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7, Canada
+1 604-520-4253
St. Paul’s Hospital
1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
+1 604-682-2344
Royal Jubilee Hospital
1952 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8, Canada
+1 250-370-8000
Hospital News
401 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J1, Canada
+1 416-781-5516
Hamilton General Hospital
237 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
+1 905-521-2100
Let Us Get You Covered in Canada
Navigating Canada’s healthcare system can be complex, especially for visitors and expats. While Canada’s public healthcare is highly ranked globally, non-citizens don’t immediately have free access.
To ensure access to Canada’s top-tier healthcare, obtaining international health insurance is crucial. This coverage can help manage the expenses associated with private care, offering peace of mind during your stay. However, choosing from the many insurance options can be overwhelming.
That’s why working with an experienced broker such as Pacific Prime can make this process easier. With more than 20 years of reputation as a globally renowned brokerage, our specialists are adept at tailoring international health insurance plans that match your specific needs and budget constraints.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to Canada, or get a free quote from our online quote tool!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tourist get health insurance in Canada?
There is a broad range of insurance options open to those who are coming to Canada for a visit of any duration. The first step to ensuring adequate coverage is speaking with an insurance broker to learn what plans are available during your stay.
What happens if a tourist gets sick in Canada?
If during your visit to Canada, you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won’t pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don’t have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.
Is emergency care free in Canada for foreigners?
Healthcare services in Canada are NOT free. They are paid for by taxes. In most cases, a non-Canadian resident is responsible for the costs of emergency medical care in Canada. The foreign nationals of some countries may be covered by reciprocity agreements between their country and Canada.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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