How does medical coverage work in Canada? Is it similar to the USA or totally different? Who covers and what?

Question

Here in the States we have private insurance companies that most of us use to get coverage. The employer usually helps to cover the costs, and in some cases, if the person is unemployed or makes very little money, state provides so called Medicaid, which pays for coverage. I am wondering how the system works in Canada.
Thank you,
Boris

Answer 1

In Canada, everyone has access to medical treatment. We apply for and receive a provincial health care card.

Most medical treatments are paid for. If you want more than a standard ward bed in the hospital, employers provide additional insurance to cover this (semi private rooms). Other things not covered by government medicare is drugs, dentists, orthodentists, etc.

My husband broke his leg. He was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. He stayed in the hospital for 8 hours, where he had 3 sets of xrays, a full leg cast, and crutches. He only paid for the crutches (medical insurance from his work paid for them afterwards). He saw the orthopedic surgeon every week for the next 7 weeks. He even called and had a "rush" appointment because he was concerned about swelling after 2 days. No money was paid.

He is going for physiotherapy, and medicare does not pay for this, but his medical insurance provide by work covers a portion of it.

Everyone no matter whether they work or not is entitled to basic Medical service. Hospitals do not ask for a credit card prior to treatment as long as you are a Canadian citizen and have a provincial health card.

Answer 2

in canada, it is totally different. No one needs insurance, if you are a citizen you are covered...however, often times when you need surgery or a big procedure you have to wait for hospital, doctor government settlements, could be years...also they don't have the whole fda drug system, so their drugs are not all of the best quality, even though they're similar(flu shot,exp).