As convenient as one would be, there’s no instruction manual on understanding healthcare in Canada for newcomers, specifically. At least not from the federal government. Oro Immigration is happy to step in by providing our own, filled with facts about how to access health services, register for health insurance, and what to do in an emergency as a new resident.
A Primer on Provincial Healthcare
Understanding healthcare in Canada for newcomers starts with getting a grasp on how the country’s system is structured. For the most part, Canada’s healthcare system is decentralized and administered by each province or territory. That means there isn’t just one health plan in Canada; rather, every province and territory manages its own publicly funded insurance program, guided by national principles outlined in the Canada Health Act. While all residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services free at the point of use, details, like what’s covered, waiting periods, and how to enroll, can vary depending on where you settle.
Registering for Provincial Health Insurance
Once you arrive, registering for provincial or territorial health insurance should be a top priority. In most regions, you’ll need to show proof of residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or employment letter), immigration documents, and personal identification.
Some provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec require newcomers to wait up to three months for coverage to start, so it’s a good idea to arrange interim private insurance during this period.
Be sure to…
- Apply as soon as possible: Visit your province’s health website, download the application forms, and gather all documents ahead of your appointment.
- Understand your coverage: Learn which services are included – hospital visits and visits to a family doctor are universally covered, but dental, prescription drugs, and vision care coverage may be limited or only available for children, seniors, or specific groups.
- Get a health card: Upon approval, you’ll be issued a health card you must show when accessing any insured medical service.
How to Access Health Services
After registering, you’re ready to start using Canada’s healthcare network. Here’s what that involves:
Finding a Family Doctor
For routine care and checkups, a family doctor is your main point of contact. Begin your search through provincial doctor directories or referral programs. Some regions have waitlists for new patients. The following resources can help.
Health Care Connect (Ontario): A provincial program that helps match individuals without a family doctor to physicians and nurse practitioners accepting new patients. You can register online or by phone (1-800-445-1822). They prioritize those with urgent medical needs.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Physician Register: Offers a searchable directory where you can find doctors by city, postal code, or language. While it doesn’t specify if doctors are accepting new patients, it gives contact info to directly inquire.
Community Health Centres (CHCs): These centres provide comprehensive primary care and may be accepting new patients, particularly serving specific communities or populations. Local CHCs may offer more timely access for some newcomers.
Local Hospitals: Hospitals often know which family doctors are accepting new patients, especially those affiliated with family health teams.
Virtual Care Options: Platforms like Maple connect patients to Canadian-licensed doctors virtually for consultation and prescriptions while searching for a family doctor.
Settlement.org: Offers guidance and tips for newcomers on finding a family doctor in Ontario, including important questions to ask and how to prepare for the first visit.
Get to Know Walk-in Clinics and Urgent Care Options
If you don’t yet have a family doctor, walk-in clinics are available for minor illnesses, injuries, and general health advice. For after-hours or urgent needs that are not emergencies, urgent care centres are another option.
Connect with Specialists
Neither family doctors or walk-in clinics have the experts on hand to assess and test for unique illnesses. Such circumstances require referral to a specialist. Most family doctors can provide them upon request.
What to Do in an Emergency
Canada’s emergency services are available 24/7 in every province and territory.
You can dial 911 in a medical emergency to summon paramedics, police, or fire services. Interpreters are available for most major languages.
Meanwhile, hospital emergency rooms are open at all hours – and you’ll be seen regardless of your insurance coverage or ability to pay up front. Although you may be billed later if you’re uninsured.
Understanding Healthcare in Canada for Newcomers is Just the Beginning
With a solid start to understanding healthcare in Canada for newcomers, you’re one step closer to confidently living in this beautiful country. To make the transition even more stress-free, work with Oro Immigration. Individuals from around the globe choose us as their most trusted source of information, advice, and support when moving to the Great White North. We’ve got you covered with services starting with English classes to electronic travel authorization. Get in touch today!
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