Please note: we’ve concentrated on expatriates here. We’re not talking about students or those applying for a PVT (Permis Vacances Travail or Working Holiday Visa), for whom health and/or travel insurance rights and needs are different.
French coverage for expatriates in Canada
Please note: several offers are available. These include “worldwide” coverage and a France expat plan that covers healthcare costs in France and Canada. These are two interesting solutions because, as we shall see below, the Canadian system does not cover expenses outside Canada.
Health care in Canada
First and foremost, Canadian healthcare is of the highest quality. Hygiene and sanitary conditions are excellent. And access to care is relatively easy, thanks to a system of universal social protection. The overall aim is to offer free, high-quality basic medical care.
Each province is responsible for its own health care system and administration. Funding is managed by the federal government through taxes. Hospitalization, consultations with general practitioners and specialists prescribed by general practitioners are free of charge in most Canadian provinces. Drug reimbursement depends on the province. In Quebec, for example, health insurance is different from “drug insurance”, which specifically reimburses drugs. Finally, other healthcare services such as dental care, orthodontics and ophthalmology are not covered.
This insurance covers the healthcare costs of Canadians, permanent residents (foreigners taking up residence in Canada) and holders of temporary visas. As a French expatriate, you therefore have the possibility of joining the Canadian system and benefiting from the same rights as Canadians (after a 3-month waiting period). However, you’ll need to be attached to the health care system of the province where you live. These include RAMQ in Quebec, Health BC in British Columbia and OHIP in Ontario. This coverage is linked to the province in which you live. It works in other parts of Canada, but not outside the country.
Please note: as an unemployed expatriate (e.g. student, long-term tourist or retiree), you are not entitled to health coverage. In this case, we recommend that you take out complementary international health insurance.
Why take out international health insurance?
There are three reasons why you should take out complementary international health insurance. Firstly, as we have seen, as an expatriate you can be attached to and benefit from the Canadian system after a waiting period of 3 to 4 months. We therefore recommend that you take out a complementary health insurance plan at least to cover your expenses during these 3 to 4 months. Unfortunately, accidents, emergencies and other illnesses can never be ruled out.
What’s more, depending on the region, it can be difficult to find a general practitioner… GPs don’t accept new patients. In this case, the other option is to turn to a private facility. And private-sector care follows higher health standards. So turning to private-sector facilities and/or doctors can quickly become expensive… That’s why it’s a good idea to take out international health insurance. Complementary health insurance that covers healthcare costs.
Last but not least, complementary international health insurance provides you with international coverage. This type of cover is therefore of interest to people who travel a lot, go on business trips, or return to France regularly. In fact, as we said, Canadian insurance does not offer reimbursement for health expenses outside Canada.
