Can You See a Doctor in a Different Province in Canada?

Yes, you can access healthcare in a different province within Canada for a limited period. Your provincial health care is designed to cover you for up to three months in another province. This portability feature of healthcare in Canada has made it easier for residents to receive medical attention when traveling or relocating within the country.

Healthcare Coverage and Portability

One of the great features of healthcare in Canada is its portability. No matter where you are on Canadian soil, you are covered. This includes services such as air ambulance. However, it’s important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule.

Exceptions to Healthcare Portability

Residence: You must be just visiting, not taking up residence in the other province. If you stay more than three months in the other province, your health card will become invalid, and you will need to get a new card valid in the new province. Medical Services: The medical service you receive when visiting another province must be covered under the health care plan of the province you live in. For instance, if you require a medical examination to obtain or renew a driver license in your home province, it may not be covered in another province, even if it would be covered for residents of that province. Quebec Residents: If you are a Quebec resident and visit another province, your Quebec card will be valid for hospital treatment, but it may not be accepted by doctors in private practice. In such cases, you would have to pay the doctor and submit the receipt to the Quebec government for compensation. If the charge is higher than what Quebec pays its own doctors for the medical service, you may be out-of-pocket for the difference.

Healthcare in Canada: Universality and Administration

Universal health care in Canada is exactly that, with each province administering their own coverage as long as it meets federal coverage guidelines. Health cards are accepted in all provinces, even in Quebec, where rules and regulations may be slightly different.

Even when relocating from one province to another, healthcare coverage remains valid. For example, when we first moved to British Columbia (BC) from Ontario and had not yet established residency, we were able to access emergency room services with no issues, as our Ontario health cards were accepted.

Conclusion

While the portability of healthcare in Canada is a significant advantage, it is essential to understand the exceptions to ensure a smooth transition when moving or visiting another province. By knowing these details, you can make informed decisions about healthcare access and coverage.