Canadian healthcare covers medically necessary hospital and physician services. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and many diagnostic tests.
What’s included: Hospital services like surgery, room and board, and most diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs). Physician services encompass consultations, examinations, and treatments performed by doctors. Many provinces also cover certain prescription drugs for seniors and low-income individuals under their respective drug plans.
However, important exclusions exist. Dental care, vision care, and most prescription drugs aren’t covered under the provincial healthcare plans. These are usually covered by private insurance or paid out-of-pocket. Physiotherapy, chiropractor visits, and other paramedical services frequently require supplemental insurance or direct payment.
What’s not included: Prescription drugs (except in some specific cases), dental care, vision care, most forms of physiotherapy, and other services provided by non-physician healthcare professionals (unless explicitly covered by a provincial plan). Long-term care facilities often require private payment.
Recommendation: Investigate your provincial health plan’s specific coverage details. Supplemental private insurance can mitigate the financial burden of uncovered services.
Note: Coverage details vary slightly between provinces and territories. Consult your provincial health authority for precise information.
