Is healthcare free if you travel to Canada? | Allianz Global Assistance (2024)

FAQs

Do you get free healthcare if you visit Canada? ›

If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

Even though Canada is just over the border, your U.S. health insurance plan will not be accepted there unless it specifically provides global coverage. American Medicare also is not accepted in Canada. It's important to purchase travel medical insurance in case you suffer an injury or fall ill while in Canada.

If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.

Not all Medical Expenses are Covered by OHIP

The fact is provincial health insurance plans will only cover some medical expenses. Therefore, you should always protect yourself by purchasing medical insurance when travelling within Canada.

Healthcare in Canada is not free. We pay for medical insurance in our taxes. Doctors and hospitals need to be paid. A visitor will get Emergency treatment, but they will get a bill that they will be expected to pay.

Canada provides excellent healthcare services to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. But public healthcare sites only offer essential services to those covered by the local health insurance plan.

Costs of Healthcare for Non-Residents

For example, a visit to a walk-in clinic for a minor illness may cost around $50 to $100, while a visit to an emergency room for a more serious condition can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Depending on your immigration status, the government of Canada provides free emergency medical services, even if you don't have a government health card. If you have an emergency, it is recommended to visit the nearest hospital. A walk-in clinic may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.

The cost for medical care in Canada can be high. A stay at a Canadian hospital can cost up to $4,000 a day, for example. Or an emergency room visit can leave a visitor to Canada up to $1,000 out of pocket.

Does Canada accept US Medicare? ›

In general, Medicare only covers recipients while in the United States. This means that if you have Medicare and you travel to Canada, your healthcare costs will not be covered, even if the services or medications provided would normally be covered in the United States.

As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill. Relatively small amounts, you pay upon your visit. After you returned home, send the medical bill to your insurance company.

For Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible persons who have enrolled in their province or territory's version of Medicare, the answer is yes, healthcare is free…to a degree. Patients do not have to pay any fees to receive required medical care in a hospital or at a physician's office.

Yes, you can buy a Visitors to Canada plan if you meet the following criteria. The contract must be purchased: Before your date of arrival in Canada, or. Before the termination date of an insurance coverage in Canada similar to ours that you hold with another insurance company, or.

Providing urgent or emergent care? Physicians have a duty to provide urgent and emergent care to all patients, including non-residents and medical tourists. It does not matter why the patient is in Canada.