Health Insurance costs

[Diamond007]

As a US person I'm trying to understand the costs of getting health insurance in Canada as a permanent resident. If I understand things correctly I do not pay any monthly fees to get health care coverage?

I have heard wait times can be a long time to see a doctor so how much would someone pay to get "better" quicker health care service?

 

[Copingwithlife]

If you’re a PR , you’re covered by the province healthcare. If you’re talking about paying to jump the que to see a specialist ahead of others already waiting ? That’s illegal under the Healthcare Act Everyone is treated the same regardless of being able to pay extra $$$)
There are boutique healthcare organizations example Medcan in Toronto . I believe the fee is around $5000 for the year for a basket of services , but I don’t believe it’ll help you jump the que to see a specialist faster
It would not be fair to those without deep pockets, plus it is not the United States
https://www.thestar.com/amp/news/canada/2017/03/18/should-the-wealthy-be-allowed-to-buy-their-way-to-faster-care-at-private-clinics.html

 

[canuck78]

There are some provinces who have monthly fees. Every province is different.

Based on your previous posts it is unclear why you want to move to Canada. It seems like your plan in to secure citizenship and leave again. If you have healthcare coverage in the US coming to Canada is not always going to be this huge cost saver. Even in retirement seniors pay their whole pension to stay in publicly funded nursing homes. The US likes to say our healthcare system is free but we have around 70% coverage but many things are paid out of pocket and waiting 3-6 months for a specialist is normal. You may want to reassess why you are trying to move to Canada.

 

[scylla]

I have heard wait times can be a long time to see a doctor so how much would someone pay to get "better" quicker health care service?

There's no queue jumping here. Welcome to universal health care. Those with the most urgent needs are seen first.

 

[Diamond007]

I am moving to Canada because its a great county not for its healthcare.

By paying extra I meant signing up for private insurance who would then pay for doctor...but maybe Canada doesn't have private insurance companies like they do in the US? If there are no insurance companies and I didn't want to wait months to see a specialist could I pay for a doctor with my own money to see someone faster or is that illegal?

 

[scylla]

I am moving to Canada because its a great county not for its healthcare.

By paying extra I meant signing up for private insurance who would then pay for doctor...but maybe Canada doesn't have private insurance companies like they do in the US? If there are no insurance companies and I didn't want to wait months to see a specialist could I pay for a doctor with my own money to see someone faster or is that illegal?

There's no private health care system like the one in the U.S.

So the short answer is no, you cannot pay money to see a specialist faster. Our system isn't structured this way.

It's not that it's illegal. It's more fundamental than that - there's no way to do it.

 

[canuck78]

As previously mentioned many things are not covered by provincial healthcare plans (varies by province). Things like dental care, physio, medical devices, prescription drugs, private or semi-private hospital rooms, etc. are not covered so finding a job with a extended health benefit plan is a very good idea or you have to budget for these expenses. Things like dental care can be very expensive.

 

[Copingwithlife]

As well it tends to be a mish mash depending upon the province if you can pay for something. I wanted to get something done , but you could not pay for it in Ontario if you hold a OHIP card . A company does it in Alberta for a fee . Keep in mind , this was NOT a specialist. If I needed a specialist , my Dr in Ontario has to do that , and onto the que I go in Ontario
Btw, it was not cheap as canuck78 mentioned , the extras not covered can be expensive, it cost me close to a grand