Healthcare & Medical in Toronto for Expats
Healthcare in Toronto is excellent by international standards and is regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The health system is designed to offer equal opportunity care for all residents. This means that there are no private medical facilities and no way to fast-track medical procedures by paying more.
Because of the fully government-run and -sponsored medical system in Ontario, there can be long wait times for treatment. This is particularly true for chronic problems. On the other hand, Canadian citizens do not have to worry about whether they can afford treatment for injuries or illnesses. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is one of the best medical insurance plans in the world.
Unfortunately, as an expatriate, you will not have access to the medical coverage offered by OHIP. You will need to obtain permanent resident status before you can be listed under OHIP. This means that it is essential to obtain a quality medical insurance plan for your stay in Toronto.
Before searching for an insurance plan, be sure to talk to your employer in Canada, if you are here with a work permit. Canadian employers often offer health plans for their employees, which will cover the basics, such as appointments, hospital stays, and usually up to $500 for drugs or medicine.
The insurance market in Canada is competitive, so shop around to find a plan that is most suited to your needs. The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (http://www.clhia.ca) is a trade association that represents the interests of health insurers in Canada. For advice on selecting health insurance, go to their consumer assistance page.
Companies that offer international health plans for expatriates include:
Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $70 per month for individual coverage, and up to $200 per month to cover up to two dependents. But to qualify for extended healthcare in Ontario and other Canadian provinces, you have to be covered by the respective provincial government universal health plan. This can take anywhere from months to years for expats in Toronto and the rest of Canada. The best solution for expats in Canada is a global health insurance policy. Learn more via our international health insurance quote page”
