As an American moving to Canada - Help me understand healthcare?

[ChristianHunter]

I want to preface this with saying I have no intention of ever seeing a doctor or using the healthcare system, this is just curiosity.

I'm going to be moving to Canada next month to be with my wife finally after completing the spousal sponsorship process. I've almost never been to a doctor in my life, and the medical exam I went through during sponsorship was the first time I'd been a doctor's office as an adult. I have never been able to afford healthcare in the US and never needed to see a doctor. I make sure to eat vegetables and exercise and have first aid training so I can treat any of my own wounds.

I don't fully understand what is expected with the healthcare side of things in Canada. I know there is provincial heathcare that covers pretty much any medical care needed for free, but also that in Canada there is health insurance through employers.

If healthcare is free, what is the advantage of having health insurance through employers? Is this a workaround for people who have pre-existing conditions, or does it cover more than provincial? At what point are medical services cut to an individual? (or is that where employer healthcare comes in?)

Again, I have zero intent to ever see a doctor unless it's a life or death matter or use these resources if I don't have to, I just want to get a better understanding of how all this works before I move and know what's expected and how I can save money if employer backed healthcare is unnecessary.

 

[unnipbvr]

Here is how it works in Ontario, other provinces might have variations.

• Once you land in Canada, you can apply for OHIP immediately through any Service Ontario location
• You will be eligible for coverage and receive a health card after 90 days. There are conditions that you need to adhere to so that coverage stays active. eg Stay in Canada for 180 days in first year (or something similar)
• OHIP does not cover for prescription medications if you are over 24 year. This is typically why you need private coverage through employer.
• Similarly vision/dental also are not covered under OHIP I believe. For detailed list: https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers

 

[canuck78]

Disregard what the previous person posted. Where are you moving?

Healthcare is managed differently in all provinces. Although many things are covered Canada has around 75% healthcare. Medications are only covered in certain provinces and not all of them may be covered, dental care and vision care and glasses are not, things like physio therapy, medical devices (like crutches), etc. Are also not covered. These are the things that will be partially covered under a benefit program that may be available through your employer. You do have to pay into the program.

Why are you not asking your spouse?

 

[Buletruck]

The big difference is that you are no longer in a position where, if needed, you can’t afford to see a doctor. The system is funded by everyone through tax dollars and isn’t really free. The assumption is that most people, like yourself won’t need major medical care. There is no cap on services and you don’t have to mortgage yourself in order to receive life saving treatments. It’s covered. But it’s is a potentially long wait. Non life threatening treatments can take years to receive as demand is high.
Employer benefits usually help cover things that aren’t covered, private or semi private rooms, ambulance costs, medical aides, prescriptions, dental.
It’s not a perfect system, but for the most part it’s availablr when you need it.