How does the Canadian healthcare system work?

What is the main principle of the Canadian health care system?

Canada has the advantage of having a public health system that provides medical coverage for citizens and permanent residents through Canadian health insurance.

The country is divided into provinces and territories. So, instead of one national health insurance plan, Canada has 13 national health insurance plans. Consequently, federal and provincial governments share control of health services across the country.

Although provincial and territorial health insurance plans have some autonomy, they must still fully respect the rules set out in the Canada Health Act.

The Canadian healthcare system is based on the following principles:

● Universality: Universality guarantees citizens access to the Canadian healthcare system.

● Comprehensiveness: comprehensiveness covers all necessary medical and hospital care.

● Public management: the financing of the health system is ensured by the public authorities.

● Portability: Portability allows health coverage to be valid throughout Canada.

● Accessibility: accessibility ensures that all Canadian citizens have access to a health infrastructure.

How does health work in Canada?

For citizens and permanent residents

To benefit from public health services in Canada, permanent residents and citizens must first register with the health plan of the province where they reside. In the case of a move, you can register with the health plan of your new province. Registration forms are available on the province's website, in a doctor's office, in clinics, pharmacies or from organizations that welcome newcomers.

It is important to note that some states, such as New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, may have a waiting period of approximately three months before the Medicare card is released. be issued. In the meantime, you will have to pay your medical bills, except for certain services such as care for victims of domestic or family violence, services related to pregnancy, abortion and services for people whose infection may affect the public health.

If you don't want to wait, you can go to a "walk-in" clinic where the principle of first come, first served applies and where everyone is accepted for a cost equivalent to a visit to the doctor. However, for faster care, you can opt for private clinics, provided your budget allows it.

Once you have joined, you will receive a health insurance card which you must always keep with you at all times and present when visiting health professionals.

● Medical care

This card allows access to a variety of medical procedures, including consultations, examinations, diagnostics, surgeries and anesthesia. However, cosmetic, dental, or optical treatments are generally not covered, except in certain situations. The same goes for optometry, acupuncture, massage therapy, patient transport, etc., unless you have additional private insurance.

● Medication

As far as medicines are concerned, they must normally be paid for at the pharmacist, but can be totally or partially reimbursed by health insurance. Generally, only prescription drugs are covered, but may not be fully covered, except for the elderly, disabled and low-income.

For temporary residents

In Canada, temporary or seasonal workers and their spouses and accompanying persons are entitled to health plan coverage during their stay. Students who have received a scholarship or internship from the Ministry of Education are eligible for health coverage. If they have not obtained a scholarship, students coming to Quebec are eligible for insurance under certain conditions.

Who to consult for health in Canada?

If your insurance has a list establishments medical Or of specialists At Canada, YOU can their ask. For health in Canada, you can consult:

The general practitioner

The general practitioner or also called family doctor is the doctor you should consult in case of colds, sore throats or other minor illnesses. They can work alone or in a group in a doctor's office. The small drawback is that it is very complicated to get an appointment, especially in an emergency.

Hospitals

Despite the long queues at GP clinics, they can be a great solution. However, if you are looking for an alternative, you can go to the emergency services. They are available 24 hours a day and basic care is usually provided by public rather than private hospitals.

Clinics

Two options are available to you, either you go to the “walk-in” clinics, or to the private clinics. The "walk-in" clinics are open at all times without the need to make an appointment in advance. Indeed, these establishments offer longer opening hours and are an excellent option for emergency consultations.

For private clinics, they offer faster care, but are often expensive and may charge based on consultation hours.

The specialists

The role of the general practitioner is to take care of routine and basic medical consultations. If necessary, he refers patients to a specialist. However, since specialists are quite rare, it is difficult to get an appointment.