Canada’s healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the world, providing all citizens and permanent residents free access to emergency care and regular doctor visits. However, there are still certain services that Medicare – the country’s universal health coverage – does not cover – including eye and dental care, outpatient prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, and private hospital rooms – which Canadians need to pay for.
So, it is not surprising that, although not required, nearly 70% of Canadians have taken out supplemental private health coverage, according to the latest figures from the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). Of
Overall, the nation’s health and life insurance providers paid out $30.4 billion in supplementary health benefits, $8.8 billion in disability claims, and $1.6 billion for accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and long-term care coverage last year, the association’s data also revealed. These numbers indicate a thriving private health insurance market in a country where the public health system already provides a good level of support for acute and accident care.
How does Canada’s healthcare system work?
Canada has a “decentralized, universal, publicly funded health system,” according to the Commonwealth Fund, a private nonprofit group that supports independent research on health care issues and provides grants aimed at improving the country’s health system.
“Health care is funded and administered primarily by the country’s 13 provinces and territories,” the organization explained. “Each has its own insurance plan, and each receives cash assistance from the federal government on a per-capita basis.”
The group added that while benefits and delivery approaches vary, all Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive “medically necessary hospital and physician services free at the point of use.”
However, not everything is covered by Medicare.
What does Canada’s universal healthcare system cover?
The country’s public healthcare system covers many of the “basics.” These include:
Doctor and hospital visits
Diagnostics and examinations
Surgeries and treatments
Standard accommodations in the hospital (including care, food, and prescriptions)
Medically necessary dental surgeries
Eye examinations for Canadians aged under 18 or over 65
Each province and territory implement their own rules when it comes to health coverage, so the exclusions may vary. For the following items and services, private health insurance may be necessary to obtain cover, depending on where a person resides.
Outpatient prescription medications
Dental care
Psychological services
Massage therapy
Physiotherapy
Private hospital room stays
Ambulance and EMT services
Prescription eyeglasses
Medical equipment (including wheelchairs, crutches, and leg braces)
Long-term care insurance has long been lacking in the country, another thing to be aware of. Policystore, we have simplified the process involved in acquiring insurance. There is no need to sit on your phone for hours, waiting for an agent to sort through your information before receiving your policy. you can purchase your insurance policy without having to compromise on the affordability or comprehensiveness of your coverage.
