Permanent residents have access to free Medicare health services in Canada.However specifics of coverage and delivery may vary slightly from province to province.
In general, Medicare doesn’t cover services and items like dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs
To use this free service eligible applicants are required
to apply for a Canadian health card which is usually free. The application process differs depending on the province, but all require supporting documents, including proof of residency and immigration status and a government-issued ID are the same in all provinces. Some provinces may have a waiting period of up to three months before issuance of the health card.
The first step is to find a Family doctors, or General Practitioners (GPs), who provide essential primary health care services. There are different ways of finding a family doctor in Canada.
- Registering with the provincial health care system
- Asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues
- Using online resources such as the Canadian Association’s Doctor Finder tool.
Canada also offers free emergency medical treatment regardless of immigration status, without a health card. However, going to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency is recommended. If you can’t get to a hospital, dialing 911 will connect you with police, ambulance, and fire services, no matter where you are in the country.
Private health insurance, held by about two-thirds of Canadians, can offer a wider range of services and benefits, shorter wait times, and a broader network of health care providers. Furthermore, some provinces in Canada may only provide health coverage to their residents. This means you may not be covered if you require medical attention or have an accident outside your home region.
