How to Navigate Healthcare in Canada for Non-Residents

Canada is known for many things, including its unique healthcare system.

The country’s universal healthcare system is recognized as one of the best national health systems in the world. It’s no surprise that visitors to Canada may be curious whether this health coverage extends to them as well. 

Read on to learn the ins and outs of healthcare in Canada for non-residents so you can prepare for your next visit.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand how medical care in Canada works. Many people aren’t aware whether healthcare is free in Canada. The country’s universal healthcare system is funded through taxes. Under the Canada Health Act, any Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible for this public medical coverage, and so are certain temporary residents (international students, visitors to Canada on a work permit, refugees, etc.). With this plan, those allowed to join don’t have to pay for most healthcare or emergency medical services.

It’s important to note that each of Canada’s provinces and territories has a distinct public health plan covering different services. About two-thirds of Canadians also invest in private supplemental health insurance to cover costs excluded under their provincial government health insurance plan (GHIP). This includes things like vision and dental care, prescription drugs, private hospital rooms, medical devices, or ambulance rides - which are not covered by GHIP.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can qualify for provincial GHIP regardless of their finances or medical histories. Additionally, if you plan to study or work in Canada for longer than six months, you may qualify for GHIP coverage. Just ensure you have the required permits (and proof of school enrollment or a letter of employment) before applying.

If you’re a visa holder or new resident, you may also be eligible if you meet the requirements of your province’s healthcare plan. However, there may be a required three-month waiting period before your coverage begins, depending on the province/territory. It’s important to invest in private emergency health insurance before your GHIP health card is activated.

But what about healthcare for other visitors to Canada? In short, Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. This is clearly stated on the official Government of Canada website. The government also advises visitors to purchase health insurance to cover any emergency medical expenses before they enter Canada. 

Ultimately, medical treatment in Canada for visitors is done at the expense of the visitor – unless they have travel insurance that covers it.

Once you have travel insurance sorted, check out our article on how to make a visitor to Canada insurance claim to understand what you need to do if you have a medical emergency.

Non-residents, and visitors to Canada are not eligible for Canadian healthcare, however, there are still some options to ensure you are covered if anything were to happen to you on your trip. Here are the options you have:

This is the straightforward route, and it includes coverage for emergencies like ER care, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, ambulance rides, and more (note: it is important to read your policy specific coverage to know exactly what is covered under your policy). The federal government recommends you buy visitors to Canada emergency medical insurance before you arrive, for some Visas it is even a requirement.

Routine checkups, elective procedures, most dental/vision, and many-pre-existing condition issues are typically not covered. Visitors policies typically focus on emergency treatment, not ongoing care. Again, it is very important to read your policy wording and to buy travel insurance to ensure you are covered if any emergencies do occur.

If you'll live in a province on a qualifying permit, apply for that province's plan as soon as you're eligible, and use private insurance to bridge any waiting period (if applicable to that province, waiting periods may vary).

With BestQuote, we do the hard work of finding and comparing the best travel insurance coverage for your trip to Canada. We host the country’s largest resource of Visitors to Canada insurance policies and can provide guidance on which will work best for your situation – including if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

• Emergency medical coverage designed for visitors to Canada.

• Three prepaid Maple® doctor visits per year (virtual, for non-emergency needs) included on policies purchased Oct 1, 2024 or later.

• If you become eligible and enroll in a provincial plan during your coverage term, 25% refund of the remaining premium (eligibility/conditions apply). Learn more about MedEC and how to use Maple when you’re here.

Read more about MedEC's unique policy benefits here.