Get to know Canada’s Health Care System

Summary

Canada offers universal healthcare, but coverage varies by province. Newcomers should apply for a health card through local settlement organizations, which may take up to 3 months. Private insurance is advisable during this wait. The Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary coverage for refugees. Health cards are essential for medical services, and mental health support is available. In emergencies, call 911. Stay updated on vaccines and visit canada.ca/newcomers-healthcare for more information.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Canada offers a welcoming environment with inclusive opportunities for newcomers.
• 🏥 All Canadians have access to health care services, which are funded through taxes.
• 📋 Each province or territory has its own health care plan that covers basic medical care but typically excludes eye care, dental care, prescription medicines, and ambulance services.
• 📞 Upon arrival, it's advisable to contact a local settlement organization for information and support during the settlement process.
• 💳 Applying for a health card is one of the first steps, and it may take up to three months for coverage to begin.
• 🏢 It's recommended to purchase private insurance during the wait for government health coverage.
• 👨‍⚕️ If you're a refugee, refugee claimant, or protected person, you might be eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program, which provides temporary health coverage.
• 🆔 Always carry your health card with you, as it's required for accessing medical and hospital services.
• 🏢 Canada has bilingual health care services, but availability in English and French varies by region.
• 🚑 For non-emergency health issues, settlement service providers can guide you to local walk-in clinics.
• 🚨 In case of emergencies, hospitals prioritize critical cases, and for immediate danger, call 911.
• 💉 Stay updated with vaccines to protect against serious diseases, and consult with your doctor about necessary vaccinations.

Q & A

What is the primary source of funding for health care in Canada?

Health care in Canada is primarily funded through taxes, with each province or territory having its own health care plan.

What basic medical services are covered under the health care plans in Canada?

Basic medical care is covered under the health care plans, but they usually do not cover eye care, dental care, prescription medicines, or ambulance services.

What should you do upon arrival in Canada to access health care services?

Upon arrival in Canada, you should contact a local settlement organization to get information and support, including applying for a health card.

How long may it take for health coverage to start after applying for a health card?

It may take up to 3 months for health coverage to start after applying for a health card.

What is recommended to do while waiting for government health coverage to begin?

It is recommended to buy private insurance while waiting for government health coverage to begin.

Is there a specific health program for refugees, refugee claimants, or protected persons in Canada?

Yes, the Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary coverage of some health services and prescription drugs for refugees, refugee claimants, or protected persons.

Why is it important to carry your health card with you in Canada?

It is important to carry your health card with you as you will need it to see a doctor or get hospital care.

In which languages are health care services available in Canada, and does it vary by location?

Health care services may be available in both English and French, depending on where you live, but this availability varies across the country.

What should you do if you have trouble finding a family doctor in Canada?

If you have trouble finding a family doctor, your settlement service provider may be able to direct you to a local walk-in clinic.

How does the Canadian health care system prioritize patients in hospitals?

Hospitals in Canada give priority to people in need of emergency care, such as those suffering from heart attacks, strokes, heavy bleeding, or broken bones.

What should you do if you or a family member needs help for mental or physical health issues?

If you or a family member needs help for mental or physical health, you should see your doctor. For family or gender-based violence, go to a walk-in clinic or see your doctor for private consultation.

What is the procedure to follow during a health emergency in Canada?

During a health emergency, always call 911. The Public Health Agency of Canada also provides information during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why is it important to be up to date on vaccines in Canada?

It is important to be up to date on all vaccines as they protect you from serious diseases. You should ask your doctor which vaccines you or your family need.

Where can newcomers find more information about the Canadian health care system?

Newcomers can find more information about the Canadian health care system by visiting canada.ca/newcomers-healthcare.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 Overview of Canadian Healthcare System

This paragraph introduces the Canadian healthcare system as welcoming and inclusive, with a focus on the entitlement of all Canadians to health care services. It explains that each province or territory has its own health care plan funded by taxes, which covers basic medical care but not typically eye care, dental care, prescription medicines, or ambulance services. Newcomers are advised to contact local settlement organizations for support and information, including applying for a health card, which may take up to three months to activate. It suggests purchasing private insurance during this waiting period and highlights the Interim Federal Health Program for refugees and protected persons. The paragraph also emphasizes the importance of carrying the health card, the availability of services in English and French, and the role of settlement service providers in directing individuals to healthcare facilities. It outlines the priority given to emergency care in hospitals and the importance of mental health, advising individuals to seek help from doctors or walk-in clinics. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to call 911 in case of immediate danger and to stay updated on vaccines, while promoting the Canadian healthcare system and providing a resource link for further information.

Keywords

💡Health care services

Health care services refer to the medical treatments and care provided to individuals for the maintenance or improvement of their health. In the context of the video, it highlights that all Canadians have access to these services, which are funded through taxes and vary by province or territory. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding what is covered, such as basic medical care, and what typically isn't, like eye care or dental care.

💡Settlement organization

A settlement organization is a type of agency that assists newcomers in integrating into their new community. In the video, it is mentioned that these organizations provide crucial support and information, including helping newcomers apply for a health card, which is a key step in accessing health care services.

💡Health card

A health card is an identification document that entitles the holder to publicly funded health care services. The video script explains that obtaining a health card is one of the first steps for newcomers and that it may take up to three months for coverage to begin, suggesting the importance of having a health card for accessing medical services.

💡Private insurance

Private insurance is a type of coverage individuals can purchase from a private company to supplement or provide additional health care coverage. The script advises newcomers to consider buying private insurance during the waiting period for government health coverage, indicating it as a practical step to ensure continuous health care access.

💡Interim Federal Health Program

The Interim Federal Health Program is a Canadian government initiative that provides temporary health coverage for refugees, refugee claimants, and protected persons. The video mentions this program as a source of immediate health care support for these specific groups upon arrival in Canada.

💡Official languages

Canada has two official languages, English and French, which are recognized in the provision of government services, including health care. The video script acknowledges this by mentioning that health care services may be available in both languages, depending on the region, which is important for newcomers to be aware of when seeking medical assistance.

💡Walk-in clinic

A walk-in clinic is a type of medical facility where patients can receive treatment without an appointment. The video suggests that if newcomers have trouble finding a family doctor, settlement service providers may direct them to a local walk-in clinic, showcasing these clinics as accessible points of care.

💡Emergency care

Emergency care refers to immediate medical treatment for life-threatening conditions or serious injuries. The script explains that hospitals prioritize emergency care, treating patients with critical conditions such as heart attacks or heavy bleeding first, which underscores the urgency and importance of such care.

💡Mental health

Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The video emphasizes the significance of mental health by encouraging individuals to seek help from doctors or walk-in clinics if they or their family members need assistance, highlighting the accessibility of support for mental health issues.

💡Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal institution responsible for public health initiatives, including providing information during health emergencies like pandemics. The video script mentions this agency as a source of information for newcomers, indicating its role in health education and emergency response.

💡Vaccines

Vaccines are biological preparations that provide active acquired immunity to certain infectious diseases. The video script stresses the importance of being up to date with vaccines to protect against serious diseases, suggesting that newcomers should consult with their doctors about which vaccines are necessary for them and their families.

Highlights

Canada is a welcoming and inclusive country with many opportunities.

All Canadians have access to health care services funded by taxes.

Each province or territory has its own health care plan covering basic medical care.

Health care plans usually do not cover eye care, dental care, prescription medicines, or ambulance services.

Newcomers should contact a local settlement organization for information and support.

Applying for a health card is one of the first steps upon arrival in Canada.

Health coverage may take up to 3 months to start, so buying private insurance is recommended.

Refugees and protected persons may be covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.

Always carry your health card with you for doctor visits and hospital care.

Health care services may be available in English and French depending on the location.

Settlement service providers can help find a family doctor or direct you to walk-in clinics.

Hospitals prioritize emergency care for heart attacks, strokes, heavy bleeding, or broken bones.

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being.

If experiencing family or gender-based violence, seek help from a walk-in clinic or doctor.

Call 911 for immediate danger or emergencies, prioritizing safety.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information during health emergencies like COVID-19.

Stay up to date on vaccines for protection against serious diseases.

Canadians are proud of their health care system, and more information can be found on canada.ca/newcomers-healthcare.

Transcripts

[hopeful piano music]

Canada is a welcoming, inclusive

country with lots of opportunities.

As you begin your life here, it's important to know that all

Canadians are entitled access to health care services.

But there are a few things about health care you

should know.

Each province or territory has its own health

care plan paid for through taxes.

These plans cover basic medical care.

But they usually do not pay for eye care or glasses,

dental care, prescription medicines,

or ambulance services.

When you arrive in Canada, contact

a local settlement organization.

They can provide information and services

to support you and your family as you get settled.

One of the first things they'll help

you do is apply for a health card.

It may take up to 3 months for your health coverage

to start.

It's a good idea to buy private insurance while you

wait for your government coverage to begin.

There are plenty of low-cost insurers to choose from.

If you came to Canada as a refugee,

refugee claimant,

or protected person, you may be covered by

the Interim Federal Health Program.

This program provides temporary coverage of some

health services and prescription drugs.

When you get your health card, always carry it with you.

You'll need it to see a doctor or get hospital care.

Don't forget that Canada has two official

languages: English and French.

Depending on where you live, health care services may be

available in both official languages.

But this varies across the country.

If you have trouble finding a family doctor,

your settlement service provider may be able

to direct you to a local walk-in clinic.

In Canada, hospitals give priority

to people in need of emergency care.

For example, patients suffering from

heart attacks, strokes, heavy bleeding,

or broken bones are treated first.

Mental health is an important part

of our overall health and well-being.

If you or a family member needs help for your

mental or physical health, see your doctor.

And if you're experiencing family

or gender-based violence, or know someone who is,

go to a walk-in clinic or see your doctor.

You'll be able to talk about it privately.

Always call 911 if someone is in immediate danger

or there's an emergency.

Your safety and the safety of people

around you are always the first priority.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information

during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can also find helpful health information

on how to protect yourself and others on your province's

or territory's health care website.

It's important to be up to date on all vaccines.

They protect you from serious diseases.

Ask your doctor which vaccines you or your family need.

You may also need to provide a vaccine record

to register your child for school.

As Canadians, we're proud of our health care system.

For more information, visit canada.ca/newcomers-healthcare