How Canada's Healthcare System Works for Brazilian Immigrants | ImmigraCan

Canada's healthcare system — called Medicare — is public, universal, funded through taxes, and administered by the provinces. For Brazilians used to SUS plus a private health plan, some things come as a surprise.

Principles of Canadian Medicare

The system follows 5 principles of the Canada Health Act (1984):

1. Public administration — not-for-profit
2. Comprehensiveness — covers essential medical and hospital services
3. Universality — all eligible residents receive coverage
4. Portability — coverage carries over to other provinces
5. Accessibility — no fees at the point of care

How it works in practice

What's covered for free:

• Doctor visits (family doctor, specialist with referral)
• Hospital stays
• Medically necessary surgeries
• Prescribed lab tests and imaging
• Routine childhood vaccines
• Emergency care

What's NOT covered (you pay out of pocket or use a supplemental plan):

• Dental care (except hospital emergencies)
• Optometry/glasses (except for children and seniors in some provinces)
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy
• Prescription drugs (partially covered in some provinces and age groups)
• Ambulance (varies by province, generally CAD 45–500)
• Cosmetic surgery

Health card by province

Each province has its own system and card:

| Province | Program name | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | OHIP | Ontario Health Card |
| Quebec | RAMQ | Carte soleil |
| BC | MSP | BC Services Card |
| Alberta | AHCIP | Alberta Health Card |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health | Manitoba Health Card |
| Saskatchewan | eHealth SK | Saskatchewan Health Card |
| Nova Scotia | MSI | Health Card |
| New Brunswick | Medicare | Health Card |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | MCP | Medical Care Plan Card |
| PEI | PEI Medicare | Health Card |

When you're eligible

PR (Permanent Resident):
- Ontario, Quebec, BC: 3-month waiting period from landing
- Alberta, Manitoba, SK, Atlantic provinces: immediate coverage

Temporary residents (work/study permit):
- BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland: may get provincial coverage if requirements are met
- Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia: generally don't cover temporary residents — you need a private plan

Canadian citizens: immediate coverage in whichever province they reside

How to apply (example: Ontario — OHIP)

1. Wait 3 months after landing as a PR (or from arrival, as a temporary resident, in provinces that provide coverage)
2. Go to a ServiceOntario location with:
- Passport + PR Card or work permit
- Proof of address in Ontario (lease + utility bill)
- A photo (some locations take one on the spot)
3. Fill out the form
4. Get a temporary card on the spot; the permanent card arrives by mail in 4 weeks

The process is similar in other provinces, with small variations.

Family doctor: why it's essential

A family doctor (GP — General Practitioner) is your gateway into the system:

• They refer you to specialists
• They prescribe medication
• They monitor routine tests
• They authorize medical leave

Real problem: there's a shortage of family doctors in several provinces. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have waitlists of months or years.

While you don't have one:

• Walk-in clinics: no-appointment care with rotating doctors. Expect a line.
• Telehealth services (Maple, Rocket Doctor): video consultation, paid (CAD 50–75)
• Community Health Centres: in some cities, they serve newly arrived immigrants

Emergency vs. walk-in vs. family doctor

| Situation | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency (stroke, heart attack, trauma) | Hospital ER (911) |
| Severe pain, high fever, a cut that won't stop bleeding | ER or Urgent Care Centre |
| Flu, sore throat, mild allergy | Walk-in clinic or telehealth |
| Preventive checkups, routine prescriptions | Family doctor |
| Questions ("do I have...?") | 811 (nursing line, free, 24h) |

Average ER wait: 4–8 hours in a big city. Prioritized by severity — if you're stable, you may wait a long time.

Supplemental health insurance

Many Canadian employers offer health benefits that cover what the public system doesn't:

• Dental (cleaning once a year, cavities, implants at a variable %)
• Vision (annual eye exam, glasses CAD 200–400/2 years)
• Prescription drugs (80–100% reimbursement)
• Paramedical (physio, massage, chiropractic, psychologist)
• Life insurance and disability

If your employer doesn't offer one, you can get a private plan (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) for CAD 100–300/month for the policyholder.

Common costs Brazilians should prepare for

• Full dental exam (no plan): CAD 200–400 first visit
• Tooth extraction: CAD 200–800
• Dentist visit: CAD 100–150
• Full set of glasses (no plan): CAD 300–800
• Therapy with a psychologist: CAD 150–250/session
• Physiotherapy (private): CAD 80–120/session
• Ambulance: CAD 45 (ON) to CAD 500 (BC)
• Hospital parking: CAD 15–30/day

Tips for Brazilians

1. Just arrived? Apply for your health card in the first week (even if there's a waiting period, so you don't forget)
2. Bring your regular medications from Brazil for the first few months
3. Get dental work done BEFORE you come — it's much more expensive in Canada
4. Get a full check-up before you come — while you still have your Brazilian health plan
5. If you have a chronic condition — research drug coverage in your province (it varies A LOT)
6. Register with local walk-in clinics as soon as you arrive

Next steps

• Check our cost of living calculator — it includes private health expenses
• Still choosing a province? Coverage can be a factor: BC, Alberta, and the Prairies are more generous with temporary residents

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*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always verify official information at canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or specialized lawyer.*