Understanding Expenses in Canadian Private Hospitals

Canada's healthcare system is primarily publicly funded, with essential medical services covered through provincial and territorial health insurance plans. However, private hospitals in Canada may offer services that are not covered by the public system, requiring patients to pay out of pocket or having private insurance for these services.

Key Points About Expenses in Private Hospitals

Elective Procedures

Many private hospitals in Canada offer elective surgeries, such as cosmetic surgery or certain orthopedic procedures, which may not be covered by public health insurance. Patients may find these procedures more accessible in private settings.

Private Room Accommodations

Patients often prefer to pay for private or semi-private rooms in private hospitals, as opposed to the ward accommodations typically available in public hospitals. This ensures more comfort and privacy during their stay.

Specialized Treatments

Certain specialized treatments or therapies, such as fertility treatments or advanced imaging like MRIs, may not be fully covered by public health insurance. Patients can opt for these services in private facilities.

Additional Services

Services like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and dental work are typically not covered by public health insurance and are often available in private facilities. Private hospitals may offer these services on a cost-basis.

Urgent Care

Some private hospitals offer urgent care services, which may charge fees for immediate access outside of regular public healthcare services. These services can be beneficial for patients who need quick medical attention.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Even in public hospitals, patients may incur out-of-pocket expenses for items such as prescription medications, certain diagnostic tests, and medical supplies.

Unique Features of Private Hospitals in Canada

While essential medical services are covered by provincial health plans, private hospitals often charge for elective procedures, accommodations, specialized treatments, and other services not covered by public health insurance. Our experience with a local private hospital highlights some of these unique features:

Miscellaneous Expenses: Most private hospitals are not government-operated. Our local private hospital is run by a local Board of Directors. Patients are typically charged for items like TVs or phones; however, the hospital used to charge for telephones but now every bed comes with a phone. Internet has always been free, as far as we know.

Per Diem Billing for Provincial Insurance

The provincial insurance is billed on a per diem or flat rate basis, which simplifies the billing process. This means that the cost is not itemized for every single item like a Kleenex; instead, it is charged for a set amount per day of stay. This approach makes the billing process much simpler for patients.

In summary, while public hospitals primarily cover essential medical services, private hospitals in Canada offer additional services that require patients to pay extra for elective procedures, specialized treatments, and accommodations. Understanding these expenses is crucial for patients seeking comprehensive healthcare services.