If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? (2024)

FAQs

If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? ›

If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.

Unlike Canadian residents with healthcare coverage for physician care and hospital care, visitors to Canada will receive a bill for any medical services they need. The cost for medical care in Canada can be high. A stay at a Canadian hospital can cost up to $4,000 a day, for example.

However, U.S. government health insurance plans do not pay for hospital costs, medical expenses or prescription drugs for visitors to Canada. But if you have private insurance, you can check with your provider to see if you have coverage while abroad.

Medical coverage for visitors to Canada. Our Visitors to Canada insurance includes emergency medical and dental coverage when you are visiting Canada or are not eligible for a provincial health insurance plan.

Foreigners will receive emergency care, but non-urgent medical treatment won't be covered. To make sure you won't have to pay for all of your medical expenses, you should sign up for an international health insurance plan.

As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill. Relatively small amounts, you pay upon your visit. After you returned home, send the medical bill to your insurance company.

Whenever you leave your home province, it's important to get comprehensive emergency medical insurance in case of an unexpected illness or injury. In general, travel medical insurance pays for unexpected medical expenses during your trip, including: Ambulance services (ground and air) Physicians' bills.

Is emergency care free in Canada? ›

Canada offers free emergency medical treatment regardless of immigration status, and you don't need a health card. However, going to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency is recommended, as some walk-in clinics may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.

Uninsured hospital services, for which patients may be charged, include preferred hospital accommodation unless prescribed by a physician; private duty nursing services; and the provision of telephones and televisions.

These policies reimburse medical bills for costs associated with an unforeseen illness or accidental injury. International travel medical insurance policies typically include the following: Emergency Medical Expenses: Emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and prescription medications.

Physicians have a duty to provide urgent and emergent care to all patients, including non-residents and medical tourists. It does not matter why the patient is in Canada. CMPA will generally assist you in the event a medico-legal case is brought in Canada or outside of Canada in response to urgent or emergent care.

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.