One of Canada’s most attractive features is its universal health care. In fact, Canada’s health care is said to be free of cost. Is this really true? How can you take part in Canada’s Medicare? To answer these questions, we will show how it all works. Additionally, we will see how it compares to other Medicare systems worldwide. Lastly, we will show the steps you need to participate.
How Does Canada's Health Care Work?
Many people think that Canada has free health care. This is not a lie, but it is also not the truth. Indeed, Canadians do not pay for service during hospital visits. Instead, Health Care is funded through taxes. Thus, everyone pays a little at a time, so no one must pay during emergencies. Canada’s Medicare is a single-payer health system. It means that the government pays all health services through public funds. Therefore, private health providers exist, and the government pays them directly.
So, what does health care cover in Canada? In short, the government pays almost all hospital visits. However, there are a few exceptions. Customers must pay for any non-necessary services. Thus, dentistry, optometry, and psychologists are not included. Additionally, prescription glasses, drugs, and ambulances are out-of-pocket too. Remember, this is a simple rundown of Canada’s Medicare. If you want more details, you can read this previous article
Canada's Health Care on the Global Scale
As mentioned, Canada uses a single-payer Medicare system. However, many other countries operate differently. For example, countries like Britain and France have government-owned systems. Here, the government provides all health care, and private practice is scarce. In contrast, the United States relies almost entirely on private health. In fact, everyone is legally required to have Medicare, but must pay for private coverage. Alternatively, countries like Germany provide public care for lower incomes, but private for higher incomes.
Canada’s health care is one of the best in the world. In fact, it is the best in all of the Americas according to CEOWORLD Magazine. Canadian Medicare has many advantages over the United States’. First, public funding causes lower costs in Canada. Additionally, Canada covers more health services than the US does. Second, Canadians can choose any family doctor that they like. In the US, income decides instead. Thus, financial barriers are a big issue in the United States. Sadly, health care in the US is a matter of paying, or perishing, for many.
How Can You Access Canada's Health Care?
There are very few requirements to receive health care in Canada. First, you must have either Permanent Residence or Citizenship. Undoubtedly, this is the longest and hardest step. Next, you can apply for a health card. A health card is a form of ID that must be shown at every hospital visit. In fact, it is the equivalent of ID cards in other countries.
Health cards are issued by each province. Its design will change depending on where you live in Canada. Likewise, you will need to apply with different services depending on province. Thus, different provinces may require different documentation to apply. However, most ask for proof of residence, government ID, and proof of migratory status. If successful, your health card will be mailed to your home.
Experience the Benefits Yourself
The first step to accessing Canada’s health care is becoming a permanent resident. However, that can be a long and difficult step to take. At Gentium Immigration we want to make that step as simple as possible. Our certified consultants can help you choose the path that fits your situation. Book an appointment today to begin your journey! We hope to hear from you!
