New Survey Reveals Realities of Specialist Wait Times in Canada’s Health Care System

For newcomers to Canada, understanding how and when you can access a specialist is key to navigating the system. Unlike in some countries where you might directly contact a specialist or receive same-day care, Canada’s model prioritizes primary care as a first step. Wait times can be weeks or even months long, depending on your location, health issue, and whether you’re accessing care publicly or privately. 

This new data helps clarify where the pinch points are—and offers a reality check on what many Canadians experience when trying to get expert care. 

Understanding Specialist Medical Care in Canada 

In Canada’s public health system, most specialist services are covered by provincial health insurance, but patients typically need a referral from a general practitioner or family doctor to access them. While this helps coordinate care, it can also add delays—particularly in provinces experiencing physician shortages or strained hospital resources. 

According to the 2024 Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences – Primary and Specialist Care, over 10.8 million Canadians (35% of adults) consulted a medical specialist in the 12 months prior to the survey. Most (89%) required a referral, reflecting the gatekeeper model of Canada’s health care system. Only 11% saw a specialist without a referral, often in cases like cosmetic dermatology or private-pay clinics. 

Specialists—ranging from cardiologists to oncologists—play a critical role in managing complex conditions. Yet access to these professionals often comes with a wait. 

Key Stats at a Glance 

• 35% of adults residing in Canada saw a specialist in the past year 

• 66% waited under 3 months 

• 49% satisfied with wait time 

• 64% said wait time negatively affected their life 

Wait Times for Specialist Care in Canada 

Of those who saw a specialist, 35% waited less than a month, 30% waited one to under three months, and 36% waited three months or more. Wait times were shortest in Quebec, where 68% of patients waited under three months. Newfoundland and Labrador had the longest waits, with only 56% waiting less than three months. 

Self-referred patients had shorter waits—two-thirds saw a specialist within a month, compared to 31% of those referred by a doctor. 

Older Canadians fared slightly better: 38% of those aged 65 and older saw a specialist within a month, compared to 32% of those aged 45 to 64. 

Satisfaction Closely Tied to Wait Time 

Nearly half (49%) of those who saw a specialist said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the wait time, while 31% were dissatisfied. Satisfaction dropped sharply as wait times increased. 

• 83% of those who waited under a month were satisfied 

• 50% satisfaction among those who waited one to under three months 

• Only 17% satisfaction among those who waited three months or longer 

Quebec had the highest satisfaction (61%), while B.C. had the lowest (44%). Older Canadians were generally more satisfied with wait times than younger adults. 

Interestingly, people who bypassed referrals (often by paying out-of-pocket) reported higher satisfaction—71% were happy with the wait time, compared to 47% of referred patients. 

Delayed Specialist Care Disrupts Daily Life 

The consequences of long wait times go beyond frustration. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of patients said the wait impacted their lives: 

• 66% experienced stress, anxiety, or worry 

• 36% reported pain 

• 32% had difficulty with daily activities 

• 22% said their condition worsened 

Wait time strongly influenced impact: 

• 44% of patients who waited under a month were affected 

• 64% were affected after a one- to three-month wait 

• 83% of those who waited over three months reported life disruptions 

Canadian residents aged 65+ were least affected (56%), while younger adults (18–64) reported higher impacts. Residents of New Brunswick reported lower impacts than those in Ontario. Notably, people without a regular health care provider were more likely to experience negative effects. 

What’s Next If You Need Specialist Care – Or Primary Care in Canada’s Health Care System? 

Canada’s publicly-funded universal care system can offer peace of mind to those living in Canada, but it’s not without flaws. As the research shows, waiting to see a medical specialist can impact your quality of life negatively.  

Our partner, Maple, lets you connect with certain Canadian medical specialists and allied health professionals right from your smartphone, table, or computer. Typically, these consultations are available within 72 hours, depending on the specialty.  

While the types of specialist care you can access via Maple varies depending on your province, it can range from dermatologists, to oncologists, to paediatrics, to mental health therapy and physicians.  

Want to learn more about how Canada’s health system works and what options are available if you’re new to the country? We’ve got a full guide for newcomers navigating Canada’s health care system.