I. International health insurance Canada
I. International health insurance Canada
Do you need an international health insurance in Canada?
Most Canadian provinces require a waiting period of up to three months before expats are eligible for public health insurance (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia). Even after this delay, the system covers only essential services.
Canada consistently ranks among the world’s most desirable countries to live in, offering a high quality of life, political stability, and a strong healthcare system.
However, provincial health plans are not instantly accessible to newly arrived expats, and many services such as dental, vision, and private hospitalization are not covered at all.
International health insurance fills these gaps with tailored, flexible, and portable coverage.
International health insurance in Canada offers:
Immediate protection upon arrival
Full access to private hospitals and faster diagnostics
International coverage while traveling
Essential care excluded from provincial plans (e.g., dental, vision, maternity, mental health)
Our Canada-based advantages
What our expat clients in Canada value most ?
No waiting period or exclusions for chronic conditions
Lifetime renewable coverage, even after relocation
Maternity care and newborn protection from day one
High benefit limits for surgery, oncology, and rehabilitation
Seamless support for cross-border families and regional professionals
Destinations covered for Canada residents
Our expat clients in Canada often have ties to or travel between:
What is the average cost of medical care in Canada?
Healthcare is expensive for non-residents and those not covered by a provincial health plan:
Routine medical care
Canada’s healthcare system varies by province, and access may be limited for expats during the first months or outside the public framework.
CAD 100 to CAD 250
CAD 300 to CAD 600
CAD 80 to CAD 180
Dental care
Dental services are fully private and not included in public coverage. International health insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.
CAD 120 to CAD 200
CAD 150 to CAD 300
CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000
CAD 2,500 to CAD 4,000
Optical care
Eye exams and corrective lenses are not covered by Medicare. Private plans make optical care more accessible across Canada.
CAD 300 to CAD 700
CAD 60 to CAD 120
CAD 100 to CAD 200
Medical imaging
Diagnostic procedures are high-quality but can involve long wait times in the public system. Private access shortens delays.
CAD 900 to CAD 1,500
CAD 150 to CAD 300
CAD 150 to CAD 250
CAD 500 to CAD 1,200
Specialist consultations
While public referrals are available, private consultations are often faster and more flexible for expats.
CAD 200 to CAD 400
CAD 150 to CAD 300
CAD 180 to CAD 350
CAD 250 to CAD 450
CAD 150 to CAD 250
Hospitalization in Canada
Hospital fees vary based on province and facility. Private coverage allows access to private rooms and faster surgery dates.
CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,800
CAD 2,000 to CAD 3,500
CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000
CAD 6,000 to CAD 12,000
ICU :
CAD 3,000 to CAD 6,000
Per day
II. What every expat should know before moving to Canada
II.What every expat should know before moving to Canada
Canada is known for its high quality of life, safety, and public services, but international newcomers often face delays, regional disparities, or limitations in provincial healthcare.
Understanding how to bridge those gaps is key to enjoying peace of mind from day one.
Visa and Canada residence permit
Canada offers various immigration streams: skilled worker programs, family reunification, business visas, and temporary permits.
Each province manages its healthcare and residency eligibility. Private insurance is often a requirement for temporary stays.
Accommodation and housing
Rental markets are competitive in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Expect to pay CAD 2,000-3,500/month for a centrally located apartment. Many landlords require credit history, references, and proof of income.
| Education and schools
Canada’s public schools are strong and free for residents.
International and private schools are also available, especially in urban areas, offering IB and English/French bilingual programs.
| Transport and mobility
Public transport is excellent in major cities but limited in rural areas.
Owning a car is common outside metropolitan hubs.
Air and train travel connect the vast country efficiently.
| Employment and business
Canada welcomes skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Work permits are tied to job offers or investor visas.
English is the primary business language, but French fluency is needed in Quebec.
| Language and integration
Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), with French dominant in Quebec.
English fluency is sufficient in most provinces.
Integration is supported through public services and cultural diversity is widely embraced.
| Healthcare and insurance
Public healthcare is not automatic. It excludes many common services like dental and vision. International insurance bridges these gaps, ensuring full protection from day one, especially for newcomers, students, or expat families.
| Cost of living and housing
Canada’s cost of living is moderate to high depending on location. Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, while smaller cities offer more affordable options.
Groceries, transport, and healthcare are significant monthly expenses.
III. Navigating life in Canada with confidence
III. Navigating life in Canada with confidence
Canada offers a safe, modern, and welcoming environment, but navigating its healthcare system as an expat can be complex and costly.
With OnlyHealth, you are covered from day one, across provinces and borders, with plans tailored to your lifestyle and your family’s well-being.