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Mutuelle santé Canada: everything you need to know to be well covered

In Canada, as in France, the publicly-funded universal health care system gives permanent residents access to essential medical care without having to pay directly for consultations. However, this system has its own peculiarities and limitations, and it’s important to understand these before moving to Canada. For expatriates and newcomers alike, Canada’s health and insurance system can be complex.

Canada’s healthcare system: provincially administered

In many countries with universal healthcare systems, these are managed at national level. In Canada, it’s a little different: each province or territory manages its own health insurance plan, making a total of 13. This means that the care covered and the conditions of access can vary from one region to another. For example, a service covered in Ontario may not be covered in Quebec. That’s why it’s essential to understand how the healthcare system works in your host province before you settle in.

Care covered and excluded

Generally speaking, provincial plans cover basic care, such as visits to the doctor and hospitalization. However, some health care expenses are not included in the basic health insurance plan.

• Dental care: Private dental treatment is not covered.
• Optical care: Eye examinations and the purchase of glasses or contact lenses are often at the patient’s expense.
• Prescription drugs: While drugs administered in hospital are covered, those prescribed on an outpatient basis are not always.

These exclusions can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses for residents. That’s why we strongly advise you to take out supplementary private health insurance.

The importance of supplementary health insurance

The Canadian healthcare system, while appreciated for its quality, sometimes has its limitations, such as long waiting times or additional out-of-pocket expenses. Faced with these challenges, many Canadians and French expatriates turn to private health insurance. These insurances cover treatments often excluded from the public system, such as dental and optical care, prescription drugs and paramedical services like physiotherapy and chiropractic. Taking out an international health insurance policy thus offers broad coverage, perfectly adapted to each individual’s specific needs, while providing peace of mind in the face of the unexpected.

• Extended coverage: access to a wider range of healthcare services not covered by the public plan, such as optical and dental care, or alternative medicine. Coverage for these services can be included as an option in your contract to best suit your needs and budget.
• Reduced out-of-pocket expenses: Lower costs for treatments not covered by public insurance.
• Easier access to services: Possibility of consulting specialists without long waiting times.

What are the options for expatriates and new arrivals?

Because Canada’s healthcare system is unique, French-speaking expatriates need to pay particular attention to their health insurance. Their access to the public plan depends on their status and the length of their stay. For example, some temporary resident permit holders are not immediately entitled to provincial health insurance. In some cases, a waiting period of up to three months may be required before they are covered. In such cases, it is advisable to take out international health or travel insurance to cover medical needs during this period.

Note that private health insurance is compulsory under a WHP (Working Holiday Permit Canada). You’ll need to provide proof of health coverage in order to enter Canada.

Health insurance for Canada

Although Canada offers a high-quality public health care system, there are certain limitations in terms of coverage and waiting times. Taking out complementary international health insurance guarantees you optimum protection against unforeseen medical circumstances. Take the time to find out about the different options available, so that you can choose coverage that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Santexpat.fr is here to help you find the ideal international health insurance for your move to Canada.