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2007-03-05 06:50:18 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
It isn't free, it is covered through our tax system, much of it based on income. The big difference between Canada and the US. We are not bleeding out the eyeballs and having to fill out 100 forms to get looked at. One simple card per province and one swipe and we are looked at.
2007-03-06 02:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As stated in above answer, health care in Canada is available to anyone and everyone who is a citizen or landed immigrant. Even the poorest people can get medical care as needed, and don't have to worry about the costs involved. And the average working person and family doesn't have to worry about going bankrupt or being made homeless by a serious accident or illness.
However, of course, it isn't "free". To start with, Canadian taxes are higher than say, U.S. Also, in some provinces, such as British Columbia, if you make over a certain amount (say, $2,000 a month) you have to pay a monthly premium towards health care as well, anywhere from $55 to $150 and more. In provinces where you don't have to pay a monthly premium, like Manitoba, the taxes are even higher, to cover it.
In addition, dental, optical, prescriptions, appliances (cpap machine, wheelchairs, crutches, etc.) are not covered. So those costs either come out of pocket, or you can purchase a private insurance policy to cover part of those items.
Also, Canada is quickly beginning to get a two tier system (i.e. better and faster care if you can pay for it). You may have heard that Canada has long waiting times for care, surgeries, treatment, and in E.R.'s. This is true. However, in some cities, there are clinics that you can go to if you are willing to pay, to get quicker care or treatment.
Bottom line though ... I would rather have a system where anyone who needs it can get care, and where you don't have to worry about the debts if you get ill or hurt.
2007-03-05 08:33:41 · answer #2 · answered by Pichi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Medicare system in Canada is available to anyone who has registered into the system.
If you have a health care card, you simply show it and you do not have to pay for the visit to the doctor, kids up to age 16 (i think) are covered and do not pay for cleaning and basic treatments at the dentist for example.
You may still have to pay for any drugs that are prescribed, and if you want a private or semi-private room for your hospital stay, but essentially the service is given "free" in that you do not have to pay.
Obviously someone has to pay for that service, and it eventually comes out of the government coffers which are filled by Canadian's tax dollars, but for the average person who goes in to get treatment, they do not see that as a separate cost to them.
Consider USA...I had a friend fall on the escalator in LAX airport and dislocated his shoulder. They charged him some ridiculous amounts for the services. If I recall correctly, it was like $350 for the room (I had LA hotel rooms less expensive), and an icepack for the shoulder was like $30!!! This was all paid for by credit card and then refunded by his private insurance plan. But imagine if he did not have that insurance?
2007-03-05 07:44:11 · answer #3 · answered by SteveN 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Taxpayers still pay for it, but the cost of treatment doesn't become an obstacle to getting care like it does in the US.
2007-03-05 10:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Health care is in trouble in Canada....believe me, I see it everyday!!! It's not free and it's going downhill fast!!! ;)
2007-03-06 02:09:44 · answer #5 · answered by Melrose 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋