Canada has gained popularity due to its government-funded national universal healthcare system. The healthcare system allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to get healthcare free of cost. However, universal healthcare in Canada might not be entirely universal.
If you are a foreigner visiting Canada, you must be wondering if you have access to its healthcare system. After all, Canada’s universal healthcare is one of the reasons why the country offers a high quality of life and health. To give you a short answer to whether you can get work permit health insurance in Canada: Yes, foreigners can get healthcare in Canada.
However, it highly depends on your status in the country, and it is possible that you might need to purchase private health care before your coverage can begin.
Canadian Healthcare System
Canada’s universal healthcare system varies in its coverage across its different provinces. Each province has its own healthcare plan that can vary in who it covers and how much coverage it provides. For instance, Ontario’s healthcare plan, OHIP, is the only healthcare plan that covers prescription drugs for people under the age of 24.
People Covered by Canada’s Universal Healthcare Plan
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Foreign nationals in the process of obtaining permanent residence in Canada
- Protected persons and refugees
- Foreign workers with work permits
As a foreign worker with a work permit in Canada, that can be very good news. However, you should know that you need to be working in Canada for at least six months before you can qualify for universal healthcare coverage.
At Travel Shield, we can provide you with a range of options for medical insurance. We understand that not all plans are suitable for everyone. That is why we make recommendations based on your requirements. Feel free to contact us here or call us at 1-866-517-0606 to find out how we can help.