Understanding Canada’s Healthcare System: What Newcomers Need to Know

When you're settling into life in Canada, healthcare may not be the first thing on your mind.Between finding a place to live, setting up your finances, and getting to know your new community, there is already a lot to think about.

Locate a TD Branch Near You

Canada's healthcare system may be different from the one in your home country. A basic understanding of how it works can help you feel more prepared if you or a family member needs medical care. It may also be helpful to know where to go for treatment, what services may be covered, and how to apply for healthcare coverage.

This article aims to simplify Canadian healthcare basics for newcomers starting a new life in Canada.

Understanding Canada's Healthcare System

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that helps residents access many medically necessary healthcare services. While the federal government helps set national standards and provides funding, each province and territory is responsible for managing its own healthcare plan.

As a result, healthcare coverage, eligibility requirements, and available services may differ across Canada depending on where you live. What is covered in one province may not be covered in another, and application processes may vary as well. Checking your province or territory's requirements after you arrive may help you better understand your coverage and available services.

In general, medically necessary visits to a doctor and medically necessary hospital care are covered through provincial and territorial health insurance plans. However, not all healthcare services are covered. Depending on your situation, you may still have out-of-pocket expenses for certain services, medications, or treatments.

As a newcomer, it may be helpful to understand when to call 811 and 911. Understanding when to seek help and who to call can help you get the right care quickly and avoid unnecessary stress.

For situations that require immediate medical attention, such as possible heart attack, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe injuries, and loss of consciousness, calling 911 is the best approach. Calling 911 connects you to emergency services including an ambulance, designed to handle serious or life-threatening situation
For situations that require medical advice but it is non-life threatening, calling 811 will be the best approach. Calling 811 will connect you to a registered nurse or healthcare professional to help diagnose your symptoms and provide guidance on whether you should visit a doctor, clinic, or emergency room. This service is free, confidential and available across Canada, often with support in multiple languages.

Are You Eligible for Public Healthcare?

Eligibility for public healthcare coverage may depend on both where you live and your immigration status. Many permanent residents qualify for provincial or territorial health coverage. Some temporary foreign workers and international students may also be eligible.

One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare plans are managed by each province and territory. As a result, eligibility requirements and coverage may differ across Canada. Checking the requirements for your destination before you arrive may help you better understand what to expect.

Depending on where you settle, your healthcare coverage may begin shortly after you arrive or after a waiting period. Applying for a health card as soon as possible may help you avoid delays and access care when you need it.

If you are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial coverage, you may need private health insurance. Certain individuals, including eligible refugees and refugee claimants, may qualify for temporary healthcare coverage through programs such as the Interim Federal Health Program.

Healthcare rules and programs may change over time. Checking official government sources may help you access the most current information.

Book an Appointment at a TD Branch Now

Your First 30 Days in Canada

Healthcare may not be the first thing on your mind when settling into a new country. A few simple steps early on may make it easier to access care when you need it.

During your first month in Canada, consider taking these actions:

Apply for your provincial or territorial health card. This may help you access covered healthcare services as soon as you become eligible.
Check whether a waiting period applies. Coverage may begin right away in some provinces and territories, while others may have different requirements.
Arrange temporary health insurance if needed. This may help cover unexpected medical expenses before your public coverage begins.
Look for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Having a regular healthcare provider may make it easier to access routine care and manage ongoing health concerns.
Locate nearby healthcare services. Make note of local walk-in clinics, pharmacies, urgent care centres, and hospitals.
Save important healthcare websites and phone numbers. Having this information readily available may save time if you need medical assistance.

Taking these steps early may help you feel more prepared and confident if you need medical care unexpectedly.

Knowing Where to Go for Care

Knowing where to go for care may help you get the right treatment at the right time. It may also help you avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

A family doctor or nurse practitioner is often your main healthcare provider. They may help with routine care, ongoing health concerns, preventive services, and referrals to specialists.

If you do not yet have a primary healthcare provider, a walk-in clinic may be an option for non-emergency medical concerns. Some communities also offer virtual care services that allow patients to speak with a healthcare professional online or by phone.

Urgent care centres may be appropriate for issues that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening.

Emergency departments are intended for serious or potentially life-threatening situations. For example, symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, or severe injuries may require immediate emergency care. In these situations, calling 911 may be appropriate.

For less urgent situations, such as a child developing a mild fever on a weekend, a walk-in clinic, virtual care service, or healthcare advice line such as calling 811 may be a better option.

Locate a TD Branch Near You

What Is Covered and What May Cost Extra?

Many newcomers are surprised to learn that public healthcare does not cover every healthcare expense.

Provincial and territorial health insurance plans generally cover medically necessary physician visits and hospital care. However, coverage for other healthcare services may vary.

Examples of healthcare expenses that may not be fully covered include:

Prescription drugs: Coverage for medications may depend on your province or territory, your age, income level, and whether you have supplementary health insurance.
Dental care: Routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and other dental services may not be fully covered.
Vision care: Eye examinations, eyeglasses, and contact lenses may involve out-of-pocket costs, depending on your circumstances and where you live.
Ambulance services: Some provinces and territories may charge fees for ambulance transportation, even when the medical treatment itself is covered.
Certain specialized services or treatments: Coverage for some therapies, medical devices, and specialized services may vary and could require partial payment.

Since these expenses may not be covered by public healthcare plans, many Canadians receive supplementary health insurance through their employer or purchase coverage independently. Supplementary insurance may help cover eligible expenses such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and other health-related costs.

Common Mistakes Newcomers Can Avoid

Learning how the healthcare system works may help you avoid common challenges after arrival.

One common misconception is that all healthcare services are free. While many medically necessary services are publicly funded, additional costs may apply for prescriptions, dental care, vision care, and other services.

Another common mistake is waiting too long to apply for a health card. Delays in applying may result in gaps in coverage or difficulties accessing services.

Some newcomers may also use emergency departments for non-emergency medical concerns. Understanding the role of walk-in clinics, urgent care centres, and virtual care services may help you access care more efficiently.

Finally, it may be helpful to plan for healthcare expenses that may not be covered by public insurance. Reviewing your coverage options and understanding potential costs may help you prepare financially.

Book an Appointment at a TD Branch Now

Moving Forward with Confidence

Canada's healthcare system may take some time to understand, especially when you are adjusting to a new country. By learning how coverage works, applying for a health card promptly, and knowing where to go for care, you may feel more prepared to navigate the system and access the healthcare services you need.

Why Choose TD?

More than 160 years of helping Canadians:

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 160 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

Ready to Bank?

Learn more about TD New to Canada Banking Package today.

Book an appointment to talk with a TD Personal Banking Associate about the TD New to Canada Banking Package. You can book online right away, or visit the TD website to learn more.

Legal Disclaimer:

Information provided by TD Bank Group and other sources in this article is believed to be accurate and reliable when placed on this site, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate or complete or current at all times. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, legal, accounting or tax advice, and should not be relied upon in that regard. This information is not to be construed as a solicitation to buy. Products and services of the TD Bank Group are only offered in jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale. All products and services are subject to the terms of the applicable agreement. The information in this article is subject to change without notice.

^®The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

Sources