Canada Medical Insurance News

The Canadian healthcare system is primarily operated by the government and treatment is provided to Canadian citizens and residents with a 70% subsidy attached. This means that the Canadian government will typically pay 70% of all medical costs for individuals that qualify for the public medical system. Despite the considerable variations of healthcare provision across the various Canadian provinces and territories, it is standard that the Canadian public health insurance scheme will pay for medically necessary treatment, allowing the Canadian public easy and reliable access to some of the highest quality medical care in the world.

Despite the extremely high quality of care attributed to the public healthcare system in Canada, there are some major concerns, mainly pertaining to treatment waiting times and the number of trained doctors and nurses providing treatment. In some studies it was reported that approximately 57% of Canadians wait more than 4 weeks to see a specialist concerning various treatments, with the highest waiting times coming from patients who require orthopedic surgery or those individuals suffering from Cancer.

These waiting times have been attributed to a lack of sufficiently qualified medical practitioners. The reason for this shortage has mainly been cited as the inability of doctors in the Canadian healthcare service to make an income comparable to their counterparts in the USA, something that has seen almost one out of every nine Canadian doctors relocate to America. In addition to this there has been major issue with certain provinces creating salary structures in a closed market situation, leading to many doctors complaining that their income has dropped radically.

Despite this, however, the Canadian healthcare system has a worldwide reputation of being able to provide extremely high quality care and treatment. It is this reputation, in conjunction with the nation's high standard of living that has seen immigration levels remain consistently high. It is important to note, however, that newly arrived expatriates or immigrants are not entitled to treatment under the Canadian Healthcare act until they have been in the country for a period of not less than 3 months. This can cause some concern for these non-eligible individuals as out-of-pocket payment for treatment in Canada can be extremely expensive. In addition to this many Canadians who are attempting to relocate overseas are unaware that their national health insurance scheme will not continue to cover them once they leave the country, and that there will normally be a waiting period for the resumption of coverage once they return.

Due to this, and in conjunction with the long waiting times associated with treatments, it is estimated that approximately 65% of all Canadians are covered by some form of private health insurance. This ensures that they are able to seek alternative treatment routes in the event that the waiting periods are too long, and ensures that they will have coverage outside of the country in the event that they need it. We can provide international health insurance plans to newly arrived foreign nationals in Canada that will afford you with high quality coverage around the world. Plans that we can offer will always have a number of benefits attached to the coverage which can include, out-patient and maternity treatment, specialist consultations, alternative therapies, dental protection, and emergency evacuation coverage.

These Canada expat health insurance plans are typically guaranteed renewable for life and globally portable, meaning that you will always be assured of the coverage you need. This makes these types of plan perfect for foreign nationals relocating to Canada, or Canadian nationals located around the world.

For more information about Canada expat health insurance, the international health insurance plans that we can offer in Canada, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.

Do you offer plans which cover alternative medicine?
Pacific Prime works with a number of leading insurance companies which can provide international health insurance policies covering alternative medical treatments. Plans which provide coverage for alternative medicine will often include benefits for Homeopathic treatment, Osteopathy, Chiropractic treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and in some cases will even allow the policyholder to receive coverage for Ayurvedic medical treatment. 2011-01-04 09:59:55
Category: Coverage , Individual	Read Answer Here
Can I have both inpatient and outpatient coverage in an International Health Insurance Plan?
Pacific Prime offers comprehensive International Health Insurance plans to expats living overseas, in any area of the world. International Medical Insurance plans, which we can offer will provide you with access to quality medical services. We have a range of different medical coverage options, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, which expats can select to suit their health care needs. Worldwide coverage is typically included in the International Health Insurance plans we offer. This ensures that you have comprehensive health insurance coverage while you are outside of your home country, no matter where in the world you may be. In addition to this, expatriate health insurance policies which we provide will normally allow you to choose where and when you receive medical treatment; plans will often allow you to choose the doctor or hospital of your choice, regardless of the medical facility’s geographical location. 2011-02-15 16:31:13
Category: Coverage , Emergency Evacuation , Individual , in-patient , out-patient	Read Answer Here