Understanding Canadian Healthcare: How to Access Medical Services

Canada has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but if you’re new, it can be confusing.

Step 1: Apply for a Health Card

Healthcare in Canada is provincially managed, meaning each province has its own system. As soon as you arrive, apply for a health card at your province’s Service Canada or health office.

Step 2: Find a Family Doctor

🏥 Many doctors don’t accept new patients, so use tools like:

✅ Health Care Connect (Ontario)

✅ Find a Doctor BC

✅ Walk-in clinics (a good temporary option)

Check out this website: https://globalnews.ca/news/6604759/find-family-doctor/

Step 2: How to See a Doctor

🏥 Walk-in Clinics – No appointment needed for minor issues (cold, flu, minor injuries).

👩‍⚕️ Family Doctor – Register with a GP for ongoing care (Find one on the websites listed above or others like Ontario.ca and Medimap).

🚑 Emergency Room (ER) – Only for serious or life-threatening conditions.

Step 4: Understand What’s Covered

✅ Doctor visits, hospital care, basic medical tests (free with health insurance!)

❌ Dental, vision, and prescriptions are NOT covered—consider private insurance.

💡Tip: Healthcare is free, but wait times can be long, so plan ahead! Check out the resources posted on the Maple Connect Group for more guidance on this front.