Private Insurance: A Growing Priority For Canadians?

Canada's healthcare system is unique. It is a single-payer, universal healthcare system, often referred to as Canada's Medicare. While the system is publicly funded, treatment is delivered through the provincial and territorial systems.

The Canadian healthcare system is primarily operated by the government, and treatment is provided to Canadian citizens and residents with a 70% subsidy. This means that the Canadian government will typically pay 70% of all medical costs for individuals that qualify for the public medical system. However, there are some major concerns, mainly pertaining to treatment waiting times and the number of trained doctors and nurses providing treatment.

Due to these concerns, it is estimated that approximately 60-65% of Canadians are covered by some form of private health insurance. Private health insurance plans in Canada are typically for-profit programs administered by private companies. While these plans can be expensive, they offer shorter waiting periods and greater access to a wider range of Canadian hospitals and doctors.

Private health insurance for expatriates in Canada

Canada is known for its high-quality national health insurance program and its relatively easy accessibility to health services. Canadian citizens and immigrants who qualify as permanent residents have access to a single-payer, universal healthcare system, often referred to as Canada's Medicare. The federal government sets the guidelines and standards for the health insurance system, with the aim of ensuring an equal level of accessibility across the country, for citizens and non-citizens alike. However, each province and territory is responsible for the actual administration of the program.

Canadian Health Insurance

Canada is a large country, and providing quality healthcare across its varied geography can be challenging. 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 example, the needs of the elderly Francophone population in northern Quebec are very different from those of urban, east coast residents of Halifax, with their large contingent of temporary students.

Advantages of Global Health Insurance in Canada

Foreigners and non-residents in Canada often have higher expectations of the level of service and access to quality healthcare providers. If you wish to receive care outside Canada, you will need an insurance plan with worldwide coverage. A global medical plan is recommended for expatriates and international citizens in Canada, as it provides access to a wide range of private and public hospitals, shorter waiting times, and 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 for medical treatment and coverage from private insurance providers. The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent option for US citizens living in Canada, as it provides up to 9 months of coverage back in the USA and in other countries. IMG Global Medical provides comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate for international citizens worldwide, while Cigna Global can cover a wide variety of medical conditions and has a modular plan design that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Local Health Insurance - Canadian Medicare

Canada's health insurance program, Medicare, is a popular topic of conversation among Canadians, who are proud of their national institution but also quick to complain about it, particularly the long waiting times. There are pros and cons to the style and level of healthcare service in rural areas. The availability of doctors may be limited, but this does mean you get to know your healthcare team on a more personal level. On the downside, even routine tests might require a long drive to a regional hospital, and seeing a specialist could mean a 4-hour drive.

Private vs Public Insurance in Canada

As mentioned, medical insurance plans in Canada are publicly funded and privately delivered. Canadians can choose any primary caregiver and their visits are billed directly to the government. Specialist visits are arranged by primary caregivers and take place in private offices and public facilities like hospitals and clinics. Hospitals are almost always not-for-profit, while non-essential services like cosmetic surgery are provided in private, for-profit centers.

Private Health Insurance Plans in Canada for Covering Expats

Cigna Global Insurance Plan and the Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan are two examples of private health insurance plans that cover expats in Canada. These plans offer flexibility, access to trusted networks of hospitals and doctors, and 24/7/365 customer service.

How Family Physicians Are Set-Up in Canada

Most Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a family physician for annual physical exams and ongoing healthcare management. These physicians may operate out of a small office as solo practitioners or form small collectives. In some areas, the family physician is also a nurse practitioner. Finding a new family doctor can be challenging, as there is no standardized way to find one in Canada. It often comes down to personal recommendations from family and friends.

Private health insurance for immigrants in Canada

Canada's healthcare system is unique, with each province or territory having its own health care plan, paid for through taxes. These plans cover basic medical care, but they usually do not pay for eye care or glasses, dental care, prescription medicines, or ambulance services.

Permanent residents in Canada qualify for provincial/territorial health insurance but are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after arriving, as there can be a waiting period of up to three months. Refugees and refugee claimants may qualify for coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

Private Health Insurance for Immigrants

Although Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, private health insurance plans are also available and provide more convenient and adequate services. These plans are typically for-profit programs administered by private companies, which can be quite expensive. However, 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, with shorter waiting periods in many cases, especially for minor illnesses or procedures. Private health insurance plans in Canada also provide the option of being treated in another country where there are specialists better suited to your care.

If you are a newcomer to Canada, it is recommended that you purchase private insurance while you wait for your government coverage to begin. There are plenty of low-cost insurers to choose from. If you are a US citizen living in Canada, the GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent option as it offers comprehensive worldwide coverage and provides access to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA.

Health Insurance for Immigrant and Refugee Families

Health insurance for permanent residents and refugees differs across provinces and territories. All provinces and territories except British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec provide permanent residents with full provincial health coverage equal to that of residents. British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec impose a wait period of up to three months pending eligibility for provincial health insurance for permanent residents. During this time, they are not covered by provincial insurance, and private insurance must be purchased within five days of arrival in Canada, or the insurance company might not cover the individual.

Refugees and refugee claimants may qualify for coverage under the IFHP, which provides limited temporary coverage of healthcare costs to protected persons who are not eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance plans.

Private health insurance for students in Canada

Canada is known for its government-funded national healthcare system, which is intended to be universally available to permanent residents. However, whether or not public health services are offered to international students is at the discretion of each province.

Provinces Offering Health Coverage to International Students:

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec (for residents of 10 countries with reciprocity agreements)
• Saskatchewan

Provinces Not Offering Health Coverage to International Students:

• Manitoba
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Yukon

In provinces that do not offer health coverage to international students, students are generally required to purchase private health insurance. This is also the case in provinces where international students are not covered under provincial health care plans.

Private Health Insurance Coverage

Private health insurance is available for services that may not be covered under a provincial or territorial health insurance plan. These typically include:

• Prescription drugs
• Dental costs
• Private hospital rooms
• Ambulance services
• Prescription glasses

Some provinces' plans also exclude certain operations, such as IVF treatment.

Recommended Private Health Insurance Plans for International Students in Canada:

• StudentSecure Insurance
• GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage
• Student Health Advantage
• Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
• International Student Health Insurance

Cost of Private Health Insurance in Canada

The cost of global medical insurance in Canada for foreigners is estimated to be $3,162 per year per person. This cost will vary depending on age, the benefits included, the plan design, and the chosen deductible.

Private health insurance for non-residents in Canada

Canada is known for its high-quality national health insurance program and relatively easy access to health services. Canadian citizens and immigrants with permanent resident status can access a single-payer, universal healthcare system, often referred to as Canada's Medicare. The federal government sets the guidelines and standards for the health insurance system, while each province and territory is responsible for its administration.

Non-residents, expatriates, and foreign citizens in Canada have several options for private health insurance plans. These plans are more expensive than public healthcare but provide better service and convenience. Here are some of the recommended private health insurance plans for non-residents in Canada:

Cigna Global Medical Insurance Plan

Cigna Global offers private health insurance plans for non-residents, expatriates, and foreign citizens in Canada. The plan provides comprehensive coverage, excellent benefits, and quality service. It also offers the flexibility to tailor the plan to suit individual needs and access to Cigna Global's network of trusted hospitals and doctors.

GeoBlue Xplorer Plan

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is ideal for US citizens living in Canada. It provides comprehensive worldwide coverage, including access to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA. The plan offers excellent customer service and claims processing, ensuring peace of mind for its users.

IMG Global Medical

IMG Global Medical provides comprehensive coverage at affordable rates for international citizens worldwide, making it a good option for non-residents in Canada seeking private health insurance.

StudentSecure Insurance

International students enrolled in Canadian colleges and universities can benefit from StudentSecure Insurance. This plan provides medical, dental, evacuation, and other benefits. It also allows students to keep their coverage for multiple years if their studies extend beyond one year.

GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage

GeoBlue Student Medical Coverage is another excellent option for international students in Canada. It offers worldwide medical coverage, including access to a range of deductibles and rates, and the choice of providers in or out of their elite network.

When considering private health insurance in Canada, it is important to research the benefits, coverage, and costs of different plans to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Private health insurance for Canadians abroad

Canadians are used to having their health costs covered by their country's universal healthcare system, which is funded by taxpayers and administered by the provinces. However, when they move overseas, their Canadian healthcare coverage expires in 6 to 8 months (with some exceptions for students and special groups). This is because their coverage is contingent on their residency in their province.

As such, Canadians living abroad may need to purchase supplemental or replacement international health insurance to protect them if they become ineligible for Canadian healthcare insurance.

Best Medical Insurance Plans for Canadians Abroad

The Cigna Global Health plan is an excellent option for Canadians out of the country due to its flexible design and pricing. Cigna provides access to leading doctors and hospitals worldwide.

Another option for Canadians abroad is the William Russell SilverLite insurance plan. William Russell is a well-known and trusted provider of global medical insurance, and this plan would be ideal for Canadians living in Europe.

If you're a Canadian expat in America, the GeoBlue Xplorer health insurance plan provides access to the highly regarded Blue Cross/Blue Shield network of hospitals and doctors in the USA.

For Canadians abroad on a budget, the IMG Bronze and Silver plans provide basic emergency care coverage at an affordable price. Meanwhile, IMG also offers Gold and Platinum plans that are more comprehensive and ideal for those immigrating with their families.

For Shorter Trips (less than a year) to Canada: Canadian Travel Insurance

If you're a Canadian living abroad but taking a short trip back home, your provincial health insurance plan may not provide comprehensive coverage. While some reimbursement is often provided, it is usually a tiny fraction of the medical bill.

Therefore, it is recommended that all expatriates obtain a global medical plan to provide both global and local coverage and benefits.

Prepare to Pay for Previously Free Services

Many services that are provided free of charge in Canada through provincial health care plans or municipal public health departments – like flu shot clinics and breastfeeding support centres – are costly in other countries. As a Canadian expat, you will not have access to these government-funded healthcare services, so extra health insurance is necessary to bridge the gap.

The Government Agrees: You Need Out-of-Country Health Insurance

The Canadian government recommends that Canadians living abroad purchase the best health insurance they can afford:

> "Make sure you understand the terms of your policy. It should cover your personal health needs and those of any dependents. Do not expect your provincial or territorial health plan to cover the costs if you get sick or are injured while living abroad. Out-of-country medical bills can be steep and result in a heavy financial burden."

Health Insurance Needs Only Canadian Expatriates Can Relate To

When you return to Canada, it generally takes three months to have your health care reinstated. During this time, your replacement healthcare insurance may or may not offer coverage. A global medical plan can help keep you covered while you wait to be tagged as a permanent resident again.

Another concern for Canadians abroad is accessing healthcare services in a language other than English. Many healthcare insurance plans include access to English and non-English speaking support staff, and some even offer bilingual or multilingual services.

Frequently asked questions