Canada’s Public Healthcare System vs the NHS: How Does Canadian Healthcare Compare?

But Canada’s publicly-funded healthcare system has gaps that people either have to pay for out of pocket or use private insurance to fund — including for prescriptions, dental, and vision services. In other words, Canada’s health care system can be confusing and potentially costly.

So, it’s important for people moving from the UK to understand provincial coverage to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses (or at least know the risks!).   

Key Takeaways 

• Canadian public healthcare covers doctor and hospital visits but often excludes prescriptions, dental, and vision, so private insurance may be necessary. 

• Each province manages its own health plan, and coverage can vary; be ready for different rules and waiting periods if you move provinces. 

• Coverage gaps mean costs can quickly add up, so travel or short-term health insurance is advisable when you first arrive. 

• Medication prescribed outside of the hospital setting isn’t fully covered as it often is under the NHS, so plan for added costs or supplemental insurance. 

• Living far from major cities may limit your access to specialists and timely care; factor this in when deciding where to settle. 

• Overall, the system aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential care, but do your research and combine public and private coverage for the best protection.

Canada’s healthcare system shares some broad similarities with the United Kingdom’s NHS. Both strive to offer publicly funded health services and reduce barriers to care while protecting residents from large hospital bills and medical care-related bankruptcies. 

However, there are notable differences in coverage, structure, and the patient experience that may surprise newcomers to Canada. 

Comparing Canada’s Provincial Healthcare System to the NHS 

While the NHS operates as a centralized system across the UK, Canada’s publicly funded healthcare is administered at the provincial and territorial level. This means each province has its own health insurance plan and set of rules, often leading to differences in coverage. For instance, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) may cover different services or reimburse providers differently than Alberta’s system. 

This approach means that if you relocate to a new province, you typically need to register for that province’s health plan and may face a waiting period before coverage kicks in. Coverage between the provinces is also challenging to understand when travelling to a different province or territory – especially in Quebec, which may charge you out-of-pocket and you’ll have to apply to your home province for reimbursement. It’s also tricky if your home province doesn’t cover services you receive while travelling, since you may be left out-of-pocket for those fees.  

In other words, it’s wise to check your local health authority’s website to learn exactly what is covered and how to obtain a provincial health card and to consider whether you’d prefer to have private coverage for travel within Canada. 

Gaps in Coverage Beyond Doctor Visits 

Canadian public health plans primarily cover doctor visits and hospital stays. Many Canadians rely on employer-provided or private insurance to help pay for dental care, optometry, prescription medications, physiotherapy, and other services that are not fully covered by the public system. 

This partial coverage can cause confusion for newcomers. For example, if you need prescription medication outside of a hospital setting, you may be responsible for all or part of the cost unless you have private or supplemental insurance or unless it is covered by the province (and not all provinces offer this coverage). As a result, many individuals seek out additional insurance policies to manage these expenses. 

Both Systems Are Experiencing Shortages 

Both the NHS and Canada’s healthcare system are frequently discussed in the media due to ongoing shortages and delays that make accessing healthcare challenging. There are definitely challenges unique to the Canadian system in this regard, such as the prevalence of backcountry rescues as well as lack of access to adequate healthcare in regional areas – due to Canada’s expansive size, there are significant geographical areas that have very limited access to basic care, let alone specialist services.  

So, if you’re used to having access to everything you need within an hour or two in the UK, you might want to consider your medical needs when you decide where to settle in Canada.   

Importance of Private Insurance in Canada 

About 60% of Canadians have some form of private health insurance, often through an employer benefits package, to help cover items that the public plan does not include. This typically extends to prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and rehabilitative services like physiotherapy. If you’re self-employed, you can still purchase a private plan, but it can be costly. 

An annual premium for you and a partner is usually at least $3,000 Canadian dollars. These policies vary in what they cover, so it’s wise to read the details carefully. This supplemental coverage can save you significant out-of-pocket costs if you regularly need prescription drugs or other services not funded by the province. Further, employers offering health benefits packages might be able to attract and retain staff more easily, as otherwise those costs might be paid by an individual or couple—either through a private insurance plan or out of pocket. 

Costs Without Coverage 

If you haven’t yet qualified for Canada’s provincial health insurance, you’ll need to pay all medical fees directly. A routine doctor’s visit might cost around CAD $100 or more, while lab tests, imaging, and specialty visits can quickly add hundreds—or even thousands—to your tab. Many clinics ask for payment upfront, a practice that can feel more American than British. 

This underscores the importance of travel insurance or short-term health coverage if you’re in the process of settling in Canada. Paying out of pocket can become very expensive, especially if you need urgent care or require multiple tests. 

Planning Your Healthcare Journey 

Whether you’re moving to Canada from the UK or just curious about the differences, it’s essential to understand how provincial coverage and private insurance work together. Make a plan for your own healthcare before you arrive, especially if you take regular medications or need ongoing treatments. If possible, secure extended prescriptions or additional insurance coverage to cushion the transition. 

Moving2Canada works with a range of insurance providers to help ensure newcomers are adequately covered for their time in Canada. Feel free to get your free quote(s) via the links below, if you’re interested in insurance from reputable companies that offer fair pricing:  

Coming to Canada via the IEC?  

The particular insurance requirements for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program mean participants must take out an eligible policy before arriving. 

After a decade-plus of helping Brits make Canada their home, we can recommend two IEC health insurance providers that stand out among the many, many options. Both BestQuote and True Traveller provide a quick free quote and heaps of transparency. So, there’s no risk in getting a quote from either, or both! 

Coming to Canada as a permanent resident?

Coming to Canada as a permanent resident and want coverage for your first few months in Canada? Check out Cigna Healthcare, where you can get a free quote in two minutes.  

Finally, remember that even with these challenges, many newcomers appreciate Canada’s public healthcare system for its accessibility to core doctor and hospital services. Like the NHS, it aims to limit out-of-pocket costs for essential care and keep medical bills from spiralling. With a bit of research and planning, you can navigate this system and find the right mix of public and private coverage for your needs.