Health Insurance For Foreigners In Canada –When discussing countries with quality healthcare services worldwide, Canada stands out as one of them. Canada ensures excellent healthcare services for everyone living within its borders, regardless of their citizenship status. People are drawn to Canada not only for its job opportunities but also for its top-notch healthcare system.
Now, let’s address the question of whether foreigners in Canada have access to health insurance. Don’t worry, we’ll provide the information you need in this article.
In Canada, both public and private healthcare services are available. Public healthcare covers essential services for individuals with local health insurance plans, while private health insurance offers more comprehensive coverage, although it can be expensive to purchase.
The Canadian government establishes guidelines and standards for the health insurance system, aiming to ensure equal access to healthcare services throughout the country. Whether you are a citizen or non-citizen living in Canada, you are entitled to healthcare services. This insurance system is commonly known as Canada’s Medicare.
It’s important to note that each province and territory in Canada is responsible for its own health insurance program. If you are uncertain about healthcare insurance as an immigrant or non-resident in Canada, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with a guide on healthcare services in Canada for foreigners and how you can access them.
Health Insurance In Canada
As mentioned before, Canada is considered one of the best countries to immigrate to because it offers numerous benefits, including high-quality healthcare.
The government of Canada funds healthcare services using taxes collected from citizens, permanent residents, and eligible taxpayers. This means that as a taxpayer in Canada, you are entitled to free healthcare services since the government covers the costs.
The Canadian government firmly believes that everyone deserves access to good healthcare and medical treatments, regardless of their circumstances. Therefore, a significant portion of the tax revenue is allocated to medical care for residents and citizens.
If you are insured, you can access healthcare services within the province where you reside. To be eligible, you must legally live in Canada for at least three months per year, excluding tourists and visitors. As a citizen, permanent resident, foreign worker, or international student, you can apply for public health insurance through the province you live in.
Healthcare services vary from province to province, meaning that each province in Canada has its own healthcare plan and eligibility criteria. Some provinces exclude international students from their healthcare coverage, while others include them.
If you are a non-citizen or not a permanent resident, it may take approximately 3-6 months to qualify for health coverage. During this waiting period, it is advisable to work or study to improve your chances of qualifying for coverage and other benefits.
While you are waiting for your public healthcare coverage to be approved, you have the option to apply for private health insurance. However, keep in mind that private insurance is not the same as public healthcare coverage and you would be required to pay for this service.
Another option is to consider securing a global health insurance policy, which would provide coverage for medical attention if you fall ill or sustain an injury while visiting Canada. Having this health insurance means that you won’t have to pay a large sum of money for healthcare services.
Advantages of Global Health Insurance in Canada
As we previously stated, Global Health Insurance is designed to ensure that you can receive medical care in the event of illness or injury while visiting Canada. It is crucial for foreigners and non-residents living in Canada to obtain this insurance.
The Global Health Insurance plan provides coverage not only within Canada but also worldwide, allowing you to receive medical attention both in and outside of Canada.
What Are The Health Insurance For Foreigners In Canada?
As a foreigner or expatriate in Canada, there are various options for health insurance for you, especially from private insurance providers in Canada.
Let’s look at some of the healthcare in Canada for foreigners and non-residents especially if you are not eligible for the local health insurance plan
- Aetna International Health Insurance: It provides worldwide insurance coverage while you are living and working outside your home country so as a foreigner in Canada, this insurance will cover you while you live and work in the country. It also has an affordable rate for international citizens.
- Cigna Global insurance: It is a global health service that offers health, dental, pharmacy and Medicare plans to individuals and families who are living and working outside their home country.
- GoeBlue Xplorer Plan: This insurance cover is mostly for US citizens living in Canada and it provides up to nine months of coverage.
How Do You Qualify For A Canadian Healthcare Insurance Card?
The insurance card grants you access to healthcare services in Canada. It serves as your identification during appointments and visits to clinics.
Having this card eliminates the need for payment when accessing healthcare services. It acts as proof of your eligibility for healthcare services in Canada.
To obtain this healthcare insurance card, you must meet certain requirements. You will have to go to the nearest service office in the province or territory you are residing and present identification that proves that:
- You are a citizen of Canada or a permanent resident
- You are who you say you are
- You have been residing in your province or territory for at 3-months
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