Canada's Healthcare System (Medicare)

How Canada's publicly funded healthcare system works, what is covered, and what requires private insurance.

Public vs. Private

Canada does not have a single national healthcare plan. Instead, it has a national health insurance program, comprised of 13 provincial and territorial health insurance plans.

What is Covered?

Medicare covers all "medically necessary" hospital and physician services. This means you do not pay out of pocket for doctor's visits, emergency room care, or most surgeries.

What is NOT Covered?

The system does not comprehensively cover:

  • Prescription medications (outside of a hospital setting)
  • Dental care
  • Vision care (glasses/contacts)
  • Ambulance services (varies by province)

Most employers offer supplemental insurance benefits to cover these gaps.