If you are seeking treatment outside the country to save money, complications or unplanned aftercare could result in greater costs than having the same procedure in Canada. Your provincial/territorial health plan may not cover expenses if you develop complications in the country where you are having the procedure.
Full Answer
Can a person be denied entry to Canada due to medical reasons?
If you are worried about being denied entry to Canada due to a medical condition contact us to book consultation with our immigration lawyers. If a person is deemed to be inadmissible due to medical reasons, they may still be eligible to enter Canada.
What happens if I receive health services in another province in Canada?
Even if an Ontario resident receives health services in another province in Canada, they will normally be insured. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, insured medical services are covered by OHIP for residents with a valid Ontario health card,...
Can a Canadian get medical care outside of Canada?
Receiving medical care outside Canada Travellers from Canada may access medical care in other countries due to a medical emergency as a result of an injury or illness. However, they may also travel to receive specific medical care, known as “medical tourism.”
What to do if a procedure is not offered in Canada?
If you are considering a procedure that is not offered in Canada, look into why it is not offered. If you still choose to go: get written agreements with the health care professional and/or group arranging your trip, outlining what treatment, supplies and care are covered by the fees you are paying
Can Canadian doctors refuse to treat patients?
Key points. Physicians in Canada owe a legal duty of care to their existing patients and, in certain circumstances, to those who are not their patients. Some physicians have a legal right to refuse to work if they can satisfy the four criteria defined by labour boards in Canada.
Can I see a doctor in another province?
To get care out of province, your treatment must be considered medically necessary and not locally available. But just because you're eligible, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be easy to achieve.
Can you get surgery in another province in Canada?
Physician services outside Alberta You can visit a physician in almost every province or territory and in most cases you will not have to pay up front for insured services.
Can Canadian hospitals refuse patients?
Do I have a right to refuse treatment? You have the right to refuse any medical treatment if you are mentally competent and mature enough to understand the nature of the treatment. You can also refuse any medical treatment by indicating so in a directive.
What happens if you get sick in another province?
In other words, if you become ill or have an accident in another province, your hospital and physician services will likely be covered. However, additional services, such as an ambulance, hospital transfer, or transportation back to your home province, will not be covered.
Will OHIP cover me in another province?
If you're moving permanently to another province or territory in Canada, OHIP will cover you for the same services as when you are going away temporarily until the last day of the second full month after you leave Ontario. Remember to apply for coverage in your new province or territory.
How long can you be out of Alberta to get health care?
212 daysYou might be eligible for continued AHCIP coverage if you are away from Alberta for the purpose of vacation on a recurring basis, for up to 212 days in a 12-month period.
Which province has the best health care system in Canada?
HealthB.C. is the top-placing province, scoring an “A” on the health report card and ranking third overall, after Switzerland and Sweden.Newfoundland and Labrador, the worst-ranked province, scores a “D-” for placing just below the worst-ranking peer country, the United States.More items...
Will OHIP cover me in another province in 2021?
To be clear, your OHIP coverage travels with you when you travel from Ontario to other provinces and territories. If you have OHIP, you get basic health care when you are in most other parts of Canada. Keep your OHIP card with you even when you are not in Ontario.
Can you be refused health care in Ontario?
Under the law in Ontario, an adult patient, who is mentally competent, normally has the sole right to refuse or consent to any health care treatment, even if refusal increases the seriousness of the illness or the possibility of death.
Can a patient request to be transferred to another hospital in Ontario?
(1) Subject to subsection (2), a hospital is authorized to transfer a patient to an alternate hospital site, and where the alternate hospital site is operated by a different hospital, the receiving hospital is authorized to admit that patient, whether or not the transfer has been consented to by the patient or, if the ...
Can a doctor refuse to treat a patient?
Physicians do not have unlimited discretion to refuse to accept a person as a new patient. Because much of medicine is involved with federal regulations, physicians cannot refuse to accept a person for ethnic, racial, or religious reasons.
How to make a decision about medical procedures abroad?
Consider their advice before making any decisions about having a medical procedure abroad. Make sure: you are healthy enough to travel. your routine immunizations are up-to-date. any ongoing medical conditions are well controlled. you have enough of any medication needed for the length of the trip.
How long after a blood transfusion can you return to Canada?
If you had injections or blood transfusions abroad, discuss testing for blood-borne infections with your health care professional. For at least 12 months after returning, tell any health care professional you may consult that you have received medical treatment outside of Canada.
What are the risks of medical care abroad?
serious illness or complications arising from medical care received abroad have been reported, including infections with multidrug resistant bacteria that are difficult to treat. standards for regulating drugs may be different than those in Canada and, as a result medication may be: unsafe. of poor quality.
Why do people go to other countries?
Some people choose to go to other countries for reasons such as: organ transplants. dental procedures. neurologic therapies. fertility and cancer treatments. cosmetic, orthopedic and bariatric surgeries. They may be seeking: lower costs for treatment. quicker access to medical service.
Is hospital accreditation strict?
hospital accreditation standards may differ or not be as strict as in Canada. licensing standards may also differ for: nurses. doctors. pharmacists. infection prevention and control in medical facilities may not be regulated enough to ensure patient safety. bacterial infections resistant to antibiotic treatment are a global problem, ...
Can language barriers cause misunderstandings?
language barriers can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care. you may be pressed into procedures you do not fully understand or consent to if something goes wrong, your options for legal action may be limited. flying too soon after surgery may increase your risk of blood clots, including:
Is medical tourism bad for health?
Health risks of medical tourism. All surgical procedures involve some degree of risk and these risks may be higher in hospitals outside Canada. Medical practices, health standards and infection control measures may be different abroad. This could result in lower quality medical care. Consider that:
What is a medical exam in Canada?
What Is a Medical Examination? For those looking to immigrate to Canada for either a permanent or temporary basis, they typically have to pass a standard physical exam performed by a CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) approved doctor. These physical exams can include x-rays, urine tests, and blood tests.
Can you get mental health records in Canada?
The Canadian government will also request medical records which can include mental health records. The combination of the physical exam and medical records are to be evaluated by the government and determined if the patient is medically admissible to Canada or not.
What are some examples of medical inadmissibility?
Examples of such health conditions include, but are not limited to, the following list of medical conditions: Chronic Kidney Disease. Cardiac Disease.
What are the disadvantages of port of entry?
The main disadvantage of a port of entry application is the uncertainty; you don’t know whether your application will be approved or denied by the immigration officer that handles your case. If denied, you will not be allowed to enter Canada until you have received an approval from a Canadian consulate.
Standard of care
How do I know what level of care I will receive abroad; during the procedure and aftercare?
Vaccinations & other preventive medications
Have I consulted the Travel Health Notices, and do I require vaccination for the country that is providing the treatment or procedure?
Travelling with medications
Are there immigration laws related to bringing medications in to/out of the country I am travelling to?
Immigration laws and visas
Does the country I am travelling to require a travel visa? If so, what is the wait time for the visa application to be processed?
Communication and credibility
What language do the medical and support staff speak at the facility offering the treatment or procedure?
What is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan?
In Ontario, the government administers the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, called OHIP, which generally pays for health care services received by Ontario residents with a valid health card.
Is non emergency care required in Ontario?
When planned , non-emergency medical care is required outside Ontario but within Canada. Such non-emergency medical services must be requested or recommended by either a licensed or practicing Ontario physician or a licensed and practicing physician who will be providing the services in the other province or territory.
Is OHIP covered in Canada?
As of January 2020, anyone travelling outside Canada is no longer covered by OHIP for emergency health services, such as acute, unexpected conditions, illnesses, diseases, or injuries that require immediate treatment. Therefore, if travelling outside Canada, it is important to obtain private travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical emergencies.
Is medical care covered by Canada Health Act?
In accordance with the Canada Health Act, medically necessary health care services are typically covered when travelling within Canada. In other words, if you become ill or have an accident in another province, your hospital and physician services will likely be covered.
Does Quebec have interprovincial billing?
Although Quebec does not participate in the interprovincial bil ling agreement , Quebec residents who get sick while visiting another province will likely be covered for hospital and physician services.
Who must give consent to medical treatment?
It applies to a wide variety of situations, including treatment by doctors and nurses, dentists and dental hygienists, physiotherapists and chiropractors. Consent to Medical Treatment. Before any health care professional may give you any treatment, they must receive your consent to the treatment.
What happens if a health care professional violates your rights?
If a health care professional violates your rights, you can make a complaint. Your rights are protected by laws such as the Health Care Consent Act, the Long-Term Care Act and the Mental Health Act. Your Rights. In general, as a patient, you have a right to: Receive safe and proper care.
What are patient rights?
Patient rights are those basic rules of conduct between patients and medical caregivers. A patient is anyone who has requested to be evaluated by or who is being evaluated by any healthcare professional. People don’t always know that they have rights within the Canadian healthcare system, let alone what those rights are.
What is the right of a patient to be informed?
All patients have the right to: Be informed on all matters, issues, etc. that concern them in the Centre. Be informed regarding their diagnosis, treatment and medication. Question treatment, be informed of side effects, be informed of other treatment options available and know the consequences of refusal.
What is the definition of health information disclosure?
To receive health services without discrimination. To have their personal and health information protected from disclosure. To have access to their health information unless, in the opinion of a relevant health professional, the disclosure could result in immediate and grave harm to the patient’s health or safety.
What should a physician discuss with a patient about treatment outside of Canada?
In discussing with a patient their desire to seek treatment outside of Canada, a physician may wish to discuss any potential risks and benefits. Physicians are expected to respectfully communicate with due regard for patients’ concerns. Physicians should respect patients’ autonomy in seeking out-of-country procedures.
Do physicians have to provide non-indicated procedures?
Physicians are not obligated to provide non-indicated or experimental procedures or treatments that do not meet accepted Canadian standards.
Medical Tourism
on This Page
Health Risks of Medical Tourism
Financial Risks of Medical Tourism
Warning Signs to Consider Related to Treatment Abroad
Before You Go Outside Canada For Medical Treatment
- Discuss your plans with your main health care professional in Canada, before booking your travel or procedure. Consider their advice before making any decisions about having a medical procedure abroad. Make sure: 1. you are healthy enough to travel 2. your routine immunizations are up-to-date 3. any ongoing medical conditions are well controlled 4....
Returning Home from Medical Treatment Abroad