Health Insurance in Canada

February 9th, 2006, 12:46 AM

Hello all,

I've been browsing the internet for information on moving to Canada. Am currently sitting in sunny New Zealand contemplating (and looking forward to) a cold cold winter in Toronto at the end of the year.

I'm planning to move to Toronto mid-year using the Working Holidays Visa. I've already trawled through pages and pages of tax information, working visa regulations and apartment rentals sites. What I can't seem to find info on is health insurance. I know that I purchased compulsory health insurance for 4months when I worked in the U.S. but am unsure how things work in Canada? If I have a working visa, will I be able to use the health system like other Canadians? or will I need to fork out for my own private health care insurance?

Would appreciate it if anyone can let me know.

Thanks.

February 9th, 2006, 01:15 AM

sorry to tell u. u need to buy your own insurance they have companies i beleive blue cross is one that u could look into...good luck

February 9th, 2006, 03:14 AM

In order to qualify for medicare, you have to be a resident in the province for a certain period, I believe it is 3 or 6 months. You will need coverage until then, and you will also need to prove to the province when you established a residence here.

February 9th, 2006, 03:17 AM

It is 6 months; for details on Ontario's plan, go here:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/...p/ohip_mn.html

February 9th, 2006, 11:36 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the info.

September 8th, 2006, 09:17 AM

Yeah, i would definitely ask my employer for details regard insurance.

Here some sites i've bookmarked for this. I did the research for a non web savvy friend of mine who was making the move up to Canada.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/
http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc...newcomers.html
http://www.findprivateclinics.ca
http://www.settlement.org/site/IC/immigration.asp

hope they helped