{"id":28611,"date":"2023-10-06T10:00:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T08:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carexpat.com\/blog\/?p=28611"},"modified":"2025-11-03T11:38:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T09:38:50","slug":"moving-to-canada-health-a-key-point-to-remember","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carexpat.com\/blog\/en\/moving-to-canada-health-a-key-point-to-remember\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Canada: health, a key point to remember"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Are you currently preparing your expatriation to Canada, or have you already been settled here for a few years? We organized a webinar in collaboration with FIAFE<\/a> (Fédération Internationale des Accueils Français et Francophones à l’Étranger) on a topic of great importance to those considering expatriation to Canada:expatriate health insurance in Canada.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To discuss this issue, we brought together international health expert Raphaël Le Bars, as well as two expatriates in Canada, Sophie Danet, a member of the FIAFE board in Toronto, and Aude, a member of the FIAFE board in Montreal, in the company of Dr. Pierre Vincent. Indeed, when you decide to move to Canada for an expatriation, many questions arise concerning health: what administrative formalities need to be completed? Is there a compulsory local healthcare system? What is the procedure for a consultation in Canada? Can I take out international health insurance in Canada? Or, quite simply, what kind of health insurance should I take out in Canada? Watch the full replay of the \u00ab\u00a0Health in Canada\u00a0\u00bb webinar:<\/p>\n

Webinar replay: \u00ab\u00a0Health in Canada\u00a0\u00bb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n<\/p>\n

The particularities of the Canadian healthcare system<\/h2>\n

\nFirst, our speakers explored the particularities of the Canadian healthcare system. Indeed, health care pathways and reimbursements differ from those in France. Raphaël Le Bars highlighted the fact that Canada benefits from a universal, free healthcare system. However, it is essential to note that Canada is divided into several provinces, and within the country itself, disparities can be observed between these provinces. As Dr. Pierre Vincent points out:\n<\/p>\n

\u00ab\u00a0The one thing that stood out for me, because I dealt with cases in all the provinces, is that there are price differences. In concrete terms, there are very, very variable pricing practices, especially when it comes to foreign residents. I’ve seen procedures with prices very close to those in the United States\u00a0\u00bb.Doctor Pierre VINCENT<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/p>\n

In addition to pricing considerations, the Canadian healthcare system is based on the figure of the family doctor, also known as the \u00ab\u00a0Gate Keeper\u00a0\u00bb. It is imperative to consult this professional first in order to access specialist care. Raphaël Le Bars explained who among residents has access to this free healthcare system:\n<\/p>\n

\u00ab\u00a0This local healthcare system is not accessible to everyone. It is accessible to Canadian citizen residents, permanent residents of Canada, temporary workers and students with a Canadian scholarship.\u00a0\u00bbRaphaël LE BARS <\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/p>\n

The above-mentioned individuals have the possibility of benefiting from the RAMQ (equivalent to Social Security in France), which will enable them to register on a waiting list for a family doctor. Aude explained:\n<\/p>\n

\u00ab\u00a0Once you’re registered, you have to wait and be patient. We consider ourselves lucky: we managed to get a family doctor after two years. [Aude LEFEUBVRE – Montreal Acceuil <\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/p>\n

She went on to explain that, on average, it takes about two years to get a family doctor, and sometimes it can take over four years. What’s more, it’s the doctor who chooses you, not the other way around; you can’t choose your doctor. Sophie pointed out that it depends on the region, and for her part, she was able to choose her doctor. It’s crucial to note that the public system has its limits, as Raphaël Le Bars mentioned. Social security doesn’t reimburse all procedures, especially optical and dental care, and it doesn’t cover excess fees. So it’s a good idea to take out international health insurance in Canada for comprehensive coverage of medical procedures.\n<\/p>\n

The different care paths for a French expatriate in Canada<\/h2>\n

\nNext, we looked at the different care paths, highlighting the distinctions between the public and private systems, as well as the differences between France and Canada. We again stressed the importance of the family doctor of reference, as this is an essential aspect to consider when deciding to settle in Canada. Doctor Pierre Vincent highlighted a major specificity:\n<\/p>\n

\u00ab\u00a0There are simplified care paths, because nurses really do have the option of prescribing drugs, particularly for chronic illnesses or contraceptive pill prescriptions […]. Pharmacists also have prescribing rights […].\u00a0\u00bbDocteur Pierre VINCENT<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nWith regard to care paths, Sophie and Aude shared personal experiences, notably the intervention of emergency services (911) for one and the appearance of an ear infection in one of her children for the other. When it comes to emergencies, the system works efficiently, because care is fast and free if you have RAMQ (when it’s a real emergency). On the other hand, for less pressing problems, such as an ear infection, Aude had to wait several days before being able to access the necessary care. Our speakers also discussed the specifics of Canada, such as RAMQ, PVT Canada and so on. They mentioned the slowness of the RAMQ system, particularly when it comes to administrative procedures such as visa renewal. Aude also mentioned the agreement between France and Quebec(learn all about the CLEISS agreement between France and Quebec<\/a>):\n<\/p>\n

\u00ab\u00a0If you have RAMQ, when you return to France, you are covered. But only for emergency care!\u00a0\u00bbAude LEFEUBVRE – Montreal Acceuil <\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\nOur speakers covered a wide range of topics, including students andstudent health insurance in Canada<\/a>, psychological and psychiatric care in Canada, and maternity management. This webinar was a valuable source of exchange and information. We sincerely hope that this event has provided you with the answers you need about healthcare for expatriation to Canada, whether you’re considering a WHP Canada or moving to Canada with your family. Our international health experts are here to help you choose your international health insurance in Canada.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you currently preparing your expatriation to Canada, or have you already been settled here for a few years? We organized a webinar in collaboration with FIAFE (Fédération Internationale des Accueils Français et Francophones à l’Étranger) on a topic of great importance to those considering expatriation to Canada:expatriate health insurance in Canada. To discuss this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6468,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[329],"tags":[385,340,326],"class_list":["post-28611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-conversion","tag-canada","tag-event","tag-expat"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nExpatriate health insurance in Canada: all you need to know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out all about expatriate health insurance in Canada: access to healthcare, RAMQ and options for medical coverage while abroad.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/carexpat.com\/blog\/en\/moving-to-canada-health-a-key-point-to-remember\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta 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