Newfoundland and Labrador
The Medical Care Plan (MCP) covers Canadians residing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The cover is essential for doctors’ office and hospital visits, pre- and post-operative care, maternal care, surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, radiological services, medically necessary specific surgical-dental procedures.
Northwest Territories
Medically necessary surgery, obstetrical care, diagnostic services with X-ray and laboratory needs, and drugs administered in hospitals are covered under the Northwest Territories Care Plan. Others include radiotherapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, detoxification services, and standard hospital stays and meals.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, Canadians are covered under the Medical Services Insurance (MSI), and it includes doctors’ services, individual dental and optometric services, and specific in-patient and out-patient services.
Nunavut
Nunavut residents are covered under the Nunavut Health Care Plan and cover doctors’ visits, necessary surgeries, obstetrical care, therapies in occupational, radiotherapy and physiotherapy, X-ray, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, standard intensive Care Unit, nursing services, eye exams, treatments and procedures and drug administered in hospitals.
Ontario
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers family doctor appointments, walk-in clinic visits, and other medical specialists, medical tests, and surgeries.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island residents are covered for doctor and in-house visits; palliative, home, and long-term care; addiction, mental health, and primary care services; diabetes, cancer screening, and community nutrition programs.
Quebec
Quebec healthcare is covered under the Regie de I’assurance Maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) and includes surgeries, anesthetic agents, urine and blood glucose tests, diagnostics mammography, cortisone, and medical exams.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, residents are covered for doctor’s visits, HIV testing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, immunization and problem gambling services, and specific dental, optical, prescription drugs, and medical supplies and appliances.
Yukon
Like most provinces in Canada, Yukon Canadians are covered for doctors, nursing, and radiotherapy and physiotherapy services; certain dental surgeries in hospitals, regular hospital stays and meals; and usage of operating and care rooms and anesthetic facilities and hospital administered drugs.
Canadian Medical Costs
Over 11 percent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on healthcare system, which is also the leading spender in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Each year, the cost of Canada’s public healthcare increases making it the most expensive system globally.
Pros of the Canadian Healthcare System
- Provision of the equal healthcare system to Canadians and permanent residents
- Quality healthcare services
- Healthcare educational programs for seniors
Cons
- Meager healthcare services to minority groups such as the LQBTQ community
- Prolonged wait time for doctor visits
- Limited coverage for other essential medical services
- The expensive medical healthcare system
- Inadequate medical coverage in rural areas
