Healthcare

Purchase visitor-to-Canada or new-arrival insurance immediately. Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and Tugo all offer plans specifically designed for the provincial waiting period. Budget CAD 100–300/month depending on your age and coverage level. Never assume your home country insurance will cover Canadian healthcare costs - it typically will not.

Only permanent residents and some work permit holders (depending on the province) qualify for provincial public health plans. Visitor visa holders, tourist visitors, and some short-term workers do not. Always confirm your eligibility with the relevant provincial health authority on arrival.

Wait times vary significantly by specialty and region. Dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics can have waits of 3–12+ months in major cities. Cardiology and oncology are typically faster due to clinical priority protocols. Using a family doctor for referrals and checking the provincial wait time registries (e.g., Ontario's Health Quality Ontario) can help you manage expectations.

Dental care is not covered by provincial health plans for most adults. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), launched in 2024, covers Canadians without dental insurance and household income below CAD 90,000 - worth checking if you qualify during your first year. Otherwise, purchase private dental coverage or budget CAD 400–800/year for routine care out-of-pocket.

The CDCP is a federal program that provides dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with household income below CAD 90,000. To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person - temporary foreign workers on work permits do not qualify. If you are a PR without employer dental benefits and your household income is below the threshold, apply through the Government of Canada portal.