Are you leaving soon for an expatriation in Canada and wondering how the healthcare system works there? This article is for you. Canada, like France, benefits from a highly trained medical staff and equally well-equipped public (and private) hospitals, which can be very reassuring when you decide to move to Canada.
A universal healthcare system in Canada
Canada has a universal health care system, free of charge for anyone with a “sun card” (the equivalent of a health insurance card, which makes the system universal) on Canadian territory. This system is attached to the Quebec Ministry of Health and covers primary health care, i.e. doctor’s visits, treatments and access to hospitals. As a result, Canadians have access to the medical care system at lower cost.
However, the Canadian system does not cover dental care for people over 10 years of age, nor optical care, nor certain specific treatments such as alternative medicine or certain health specialties. You therefore need to take out expatriate health insurance for Canada, or a company mutual insurance plan, to benefit from coverage for non-reimbursed care. It is essential to consider the question of health insurance for expatriates when deciding to settle in Canada.
Who can benefit from this system?
You can benefit from the Canadian health insurance system if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary worker or student on a Canadian scholarship. For a WHP in Canada, for example, as they are not considered residents, they cannot benefit from the Canadian health plan. Note that depending on the province in which you live, French expatriates/immigrants in Canada may face restrictions linked to their card.
If you fall into one of these categories, you’ll need to apply to the appropriate organizations as soon as you arrive. You’ll then need to apply for your insurance card again each time you change province.
As a French expatriate in Canada and considered a resident, if you don’t have company health insurance, we strongly recommend that you take out CFE(Caisse des Français de l’étranger) and/or expatriate health insurance for Canada, to ensure you’re properly covered during your medical treatment.
In some provinces, you may have to wait up to three months to obtain it. While you’re waiting to be covered by the Canadian health care system, make sure you have private insurance to ensure reimbursement of your health care benefits. When you’re moving to Canada, it’s vital to think about which Canada health insurance plan you’re going to choose, so that you’re properly covered.
The cost of healthcare in Canada
The federal government funds the public healthcare system, but the provinces also finance it through the taxes they levy.
Some provinces, such as British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, charge residents a monthly fee to finance their health care system. Once you have your health insurance card, all you have to do is present it at a hospital or clinic to receive care. However, each province and territory has its own health insurance plan, so it’s important to find out what’s covered and what’s not.
If you are not covered by the Canadian health insurance system, it seems important to take out expatriate health insurance for Canada, for your own health. A consultation with a general practitioner costs an average of CAN$100 (€67), compared with €25 in France. For a consultation with a specialist, you’ll need to pay between CAD$200 and CAD$300 (€134 – €201), or up to CAD$900 (€605)* for a trip to the emergency room. Without health cover, the costs can quickly mount up and leave you with a bitter taste…
Health insurance for expatriates and companies in Canada
In Canada, many employers offer their employees group insurance to supplement the free system. Private group insurance covers care not covered by the free system: for example, consultations with a psychologist, osteopathy, dental services, etc. The amount of additional reimbursement depends on the group contract and your company’s insurance organization.
If you are unable to benefit from the Canadian healthcare system or your company’s group insurance plan, we strongly advise you to take out private insurance to cover your healthcare expenses while expatriating to Canada. If you have any questions about your health cover in Canada or your expatriate health insurance in Canada, please contact one of our international health experts.
*Source: maplr
