Understanding Health Care System in Canada

How is the health care system in Canada?

The health care system in Canada is provided by the public fund. Rather than having a plan that is for the whole nation, each province has its own insurance plan. Each plan makes sure that every Canadian resident is able to gain access to hospital facilities, doctors, treatment and medication regardless of their income. The responsibility for providing the health insurance is divided between the territorial, federal and provincial governments. Combined they ensure that each medical facility and facilitators meet specific standards as set by the Canada Health Act.

What is a health insurance card?

In order to access the health-care system in Ontario, you must have a health insurance card. Each time you need to access any type of medical service covered by the system you must show your health insurance card to show that you are eligible for government-funded medical assistance.

In order to get a health insurance card, you must first apply to the territory or province you reside in. Although the health care system in Canada will provide emergency care to medical services free of charge. Without a health insurance card, immigration status can mean certain restrictions are applied. If you attend a medical facility such as a walk-in clinic you may be subject to certain fees if you do not reside in that province. The waiting time can vary depending on territory, however, to find out the current waiting time you should get in touch with the ministry of health.

Information regarding health insurance for international students

International students must have health insurance to access the health care system in Canada. The type of coverage available depends on which province you live in. In certain provinces, there is no cover for international students which means they must arrange private health insurance to cover the duration of their stay.

The health-care system in Ontario does not automatically cover international students; however, they are required to have health care as part of their terms of residence. To get a health insurance card you have to get it through your learning institution whether that is a school or university. If you attend a public university you can usually get the University Health insurance plan. Those attending universities that are private or college have different types of plans available. If you have brought a partner or any children, they may be covered by the learning institutions plan. Unlike the health-care system in Ontario for permanent residents, the plans for international students are not covered by the government, therefore, have to be paid for. The cost is included in your fees for tuition, however, if you already have cover from elsewhere you may not be able to join the learning institutions plan.

To enrol in the health care system in Canada you must get in contact with the registrar office of your learning institution or the International Student Services. Find out exactly what the plan will cover as anything that isn’t will have to be covered by you.