How to Find a Doctor in Canada on a Visa

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筆者Bob
A stethoscope on top of a Canadian flag

Visiting Canada on a visa is an exciting experience. The second-largest country in the world has something to offer everyone, from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan city life to vast expanses of nature.

Whether you’re coming to Canada because you’re participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program or you have a super visa, you need to think about your health. That includes access to medical care.

You should absolutely know how to find a doctor in Canada while on a visa, and how to address the costs of the treatment those professionals provide. Let’s take a closer look at how travel insurance can offer you stability and security, making it easier to seek and receive care during your visit.

Can a Tourist See a Doctor in Canada?

Navigating healthcare in Canada as a nonresident requires some knowledge and planning, but it’s entirely possible to keep yourself safe during your travels.

Anyone can schedule a doctor’s appointment or visit an emergency medical facility while in Canada. The average wait time to see a doctor in Canada is very low in emergency situations. Referrals to specialists from family medicine physicians in Canada can take a significant amount of time.

It’s good to know that health care is accessible throughout the country. However, the Government of Canada advises that guests in the country are responsible for any costs associated with that care.

The real issue isn’t so much the search for a doctor or waiting for treatment, but how you will pay for care. In general, the only alternative to travel insurance is to self-fund any medical expenses — potentially an incredibly expensive option.

You don’t have to worry about making that choice if you plan to spend time in Canada through an IEC working holiday visa or super visa.

The Government of Canada requires you to purchase travel health insurance if you plan to enter the country via IEC or a super visa. More specifically:

  • IEC participants must have health insurance that covers their entire length of stay
    • That policy has to include medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Super visa eligibility includes the need to have at least one year of health insurance with $100,000 in total coverage
    • The Government of Canada requires proof of payment of this policy as well

How to Find a Doctor in Canada that Takes Your Insurance

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you’ll be connected with your chosen insurer. These companies offer self-service tools and customer service support to help you find a family doctor or other health professional.

Best Quote Travel Insurance can help you find the best available policy for your needs, taking coverage and cost into account. We work with leading insurers across Canada to provide a variety of travel insurance options. That means you can focus more on your upcoming visit to Canada with the peace of mind that your travel insurance is set up and in place.

Learn more about purchasing your travel insurance: Contact us for more information.