Accessing Medical Care in Canada: A Visitor’s Guide
Canada is a safe and welcoming destination. However, unexpected accidents and illnesses can still happen, possibly leading to expensive medical bills. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe, ensuring that your Canadian journey stays a positive and cherished memory.
Key Takeaways
Canada’s “Universal” Healthcare Does Not Apply to Visitors
- Financial Risk: Visitors must pay for medical services themselves, which can lead to debts from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Super Visa Requirement: Insurance is required for parents and grandparents applying for a Super Visa.
Insurance Should Be Purchased Before Arrival
- Waiting Periods: If you purchase insurance after arriving in Canada, policies typically impose a waiting period of 48 hours to 7 days during which you are not covered.
Quality of Care and Hospital Protocol
- World-Class Facilities: Canada boasts top-tier hospitals, many of which are featured on Newsweek’s 2025 “World’s Best Hospitals” list.
- Triage System: Canadian Hospital Emergency Rooms operate on a need-based system, meaning patients with life-threatening conditions are seen before those with less critical conditions, regardless of payment status.
- Notification: You should contact your insurer before accessing care to get guidance and clarify the claims process.
Before You Pack: The Insurance Safety Net
Visitors to Canada Insurance Covers:
Emergency Medical
Unexpected medical expenses related to sickness or accidents.
Coverage includes hospital stays, physician services, diagnostics, prescription drugs, and dental.
Medical Transportation and Evacuation
The expenses for medical transportation or the cost of returning home for treatment.
Coverage includes ground ambulance to the nearest hospital, air transport for home treatment, or repatriation of remains.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage may include medical expenses related to complications arising from a pre-existing condition, provided the stability requirements are met.
Stability periods typically range from 7 to 365 days, depending on the policy.
Purchasing medical insurance can cost only a cup of coffee or a tea a day, and keep you covered from any financial burden of medical debt.
Important note
Make sure you purchase your insurance before flying to Canada. Many policies have a waiting period of 48 hours to 7 days, during which you are not covered if you buy insurance after landing.
Before purchasing a plan, make sure you understand it, including:
- Policy benefits and exclusions
- Pre-existing condition coverage
- Some plans may require a stability period
- Cost and payment structure
- Claim process
- Some policies may require you to call their emergency assistance line immediately in case of a medical emergency.
If any part of the policy is unclear, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Contact a trusted broker to get answers in writing before committing to a purchase.
Where Should I Go? – Accessing Care While in Canada
In case of a medical need, knowing where to go can save you time and get you the proper care.
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- For life-threatening emergencies, including severe chest pain, major trauma, difficulty breathing, and stroke symptoms.
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- For urgent, non-life-threatening needs, including minor sprains, fever, colds, mild infections, and prescription renewals.
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- Minor ailments and advice, including guidance on headaches, rashes, and flu symptoms.
- The specific conditions that pharmacists can treat and the scope of their prescribing authority vary by province/territory.
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- Telehealth services can also connect you with a doctor for online consultations and prescriptions.
Be prepared to pay for services upfront, as many providers may not bill your private insurer directly. Before accessing medical care, contact your insurer first to get guidance on the care you need and to clarify the claim process. Afterwards, you can submit a claim for reimbursement to your insurance company.
How Emergency Care Works in Canada
Emergency care is available to everyone in Canada, regardless of residential status. While emergency treatment itself is provided regardless of health insurance status, having health coverage can help you avoid costly medical bills. For example, non-residents may pay much more for an ER visit than Canadian residents.
At Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, non-residents can be charged $1,158 for an ER visit, while International students without coverage fall in between, facing a bill of $772. This excludes any treatment or stay costs you may incur.
Arriving at the Hospital – What to Expect
1. Documents Needed:
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- Photo identification
- Passport or Driver’s Licence
- Proof of insurance
- Health card for citizens or permanent residents
- Insurance policy for visitors to Canada
- Photo identification
2. Triage System:
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- Canadian hospital ERs typically operate on a system in which patients are seen by need, not by payment status. A heart attack gets seen before a broken wrist.
- ER wait times can vary significantly by hospital and the severity of other cases.
3. The Bill
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- Direct Billing
- Some insurers have relationships with hospitals that bill them directly.
- Pay & Claim
- If not, you will have to pay upfront and claim it later.
- Keep all your receipts
- Direct Billing
Does Canada Have Good Hospitals?
Yes, Canada is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. In fact, 10 Canadian hospitals are featured on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals for 2025, with Toronto General Hospital ranking tied for first globally. These rankings are based on evaluations from medical experts, patient surveys, and factors such as hygiene standards, doctor-to-patient ratios, and the use of standardized Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
Toronto General – University Health Network
Ranked number one in Canada and worldwide, Toronto General is a leading hospital providing exceptional care. It is affiliated with the University of Toronto and is celebrated for its expertise in cardiac care, organ transplantation, and the treatment of complex conditions.
Address: 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Phone: +1 416 340 3111 ext. 3155
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Canada’s #2 hospital, tied for 2nd worldwide, began as a hospital for Canadian veterans. Today, it is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. Sunnybrook is also a major research centre, receiving over $100 million in research funding each year, and is home to Canada’s largest trauma centre.
Address: 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Phone: +1 416-480-6100
North York General Hospital is Canada’s fourth-ranked hospital and is also ranked fourth globally, and it is affiliated with the University of Toronto. It specializes in family care, obstetrics, breast and prostate health, and acute care. The hospital is also renowned for its emergency room, one of the most visited in Canada, serving a diverse and vibrant community.
Address: 4001 Leslie St., Toronto, ON M2K 1E1
Phone: +1 416-756-6000
Montreal General Hospital – McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Canada, the MUHC is affiliated with the prestigious McGill University. It represents one of North America’s most comprehensive academic health centres, specializing in complex care, clinical research, and highly specialized treatments. Located in Montreal, the hospital is renowned for its bilingual services.
Address: 1001 Bd Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 0B1
Phone: +1 514-934-1934
Vancouver General Hospital is ranked as the top hospital in British Columbia and ninth nationwide, serving as the main teaching hospital affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC). It focuses on adult trauma, burns, spinal cord injuries, and complex organ transplants.
Address: Jim Pattison Pavilion, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1N1
Phone: +1 604-875-4111
Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary is a leading teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Calgary, renowned for its scenic location overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir. It houses the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology—the comprehensive urology centre in Canada—and features a nationally recognized eye clinic that acts as a major referral centre for ophthalmology. The hospital also offers essential acute care and mental health services to Calgary’s growing community.
Address: 7007 14 St SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9
Phone: +1 403-943-3000
Safe Travels!
Canada offers safe travel and world-class hospital care, but the financial risk for visitors can be significant. Don’t let a medical bill spoil your trip. Compare plans from Canada’s top providers to find the right coverage for your journey, health, and budget.
