Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Canada? Short answer: No, you do not need to purchase personal health insurance to reside in Canada, but you must be an eligible resident to enjoy the use of the public health plan, and certain visitors or temporary residents must have personal coverage. This guide will explain how the public health insurance works, who is eligible as a person, what gaps are common, and when private health insurance becomes required.
How the Canadian Public Health System Operates
Medicare, or the Canadian health system, is publicly funded through taxes and is managed by all provinces and territories. Eligible residents who apply to be covered receive an insurance card, which enables them to get hospital and doctor services that they require medically at no direct cost at the point of service. The Canada Health Act requires reasonable access to these services, but the provinces determine the exact services that are "medically required."
Who is Eligible? Residents vs. Visitors
In general, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who satisfy the requirements of a particular province's residency can enroll in the health insurance plan for that province. New immigrants and a few newcomers could be subject to a waiting period based on the province, which is why they may need to buy private insurance during the initial time. International students, visitors, and temporary workers are typically not covered. They are usually required or advised to purchase an insurance policy that is private.
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When Private Insurance is Strongly Recommended
There are several common cases where private insurance is required or wise to have:
- Visitors and tourists:
Hospitals may bill visitors for care; travel or visitor insurance is recommended. - Temporary residents / international students:
Many provinces require students or certain temporary workers to purchase private plans or arrange coverage until they qualify for provincial plans. - Super Visa applicants:
Immigration regulations require evidence of medical insurance coverage from a private company in certain visa categories. Recently, policies have changed, and you should check the latest IRCC instructions.
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What Public Plans Usually Don't Cover
The provincial plans cover the services of a physician and hospital that are medically essential; however, most common services aren't completely covered. Prescription medications, dental treatment, vision, ambulance rides, and extended paramedical and prescription services typically require private insurance or an out-of-pocket expense. This is why a lot of Canadians have private insurance plans that are supplementary through their employers or buy individual insurance policies.
Practical Tips: How to Make Sure You're Protected
- Find out if you are eligible for provincial coverage the moment you arrive or move addresses, and apply to get your medical card as soon as you can.
- Purchase private insurance if you're an employee, visitor, or student, or during any waiting period in the province.
- Compare the plans to cover gaps in coverage like dental, drug travel, repatriation in emergencies, and select the top-ups that meet your requirements.
Read more: What’s Tenant Insurance?
Final thought
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Canada? There is no requirement to purchase private insurance as a Canadian resident, as there are provincial public health plans with eligibility requirements such as waiting times, waiting periods, as well as gaps in insurance means visitors, newcomers, and students require private insurance to be fully secure. If you need help in choosing the right plan or the right coverage for your needs during the waiting period or while traveling, Visit Summit Insurance! We can help you choose the best policy for your specific situation!
