Knowledge on Canadian Healthcare

[klpants]

Hi All

Could someone help me? I am planning on returning to Canada after living in the UK. As I was a child and teen growing up in Canada I never really paid much attention to healthcare and costs of my type 1 diabetes as I was covered in my parent's private healthcare.
Could someone just tell me how it works now? is is diffuclt to get healthcare for a chronic condition? What do other Canadians do? or has anyone got a good website which explains more?

Thanks
Kathryn

[Gangrel]

Hello.... I'm Canadian! We look forward to having you back.:)

I can't say much for health plans, as I work for the federal government, and Sun Life covers diabetes no question asked.

If you have to get private health care, I don't know what problems you may run into. There are other very nice canucks on here who may be able to answer that one...(beth, menace, kickstart?)

I do know that endo visits and the like are covered under public health care, as I never pay for those, just show my lovely picture ID for Ontario Health. so in that way you're covered, tho i'm not sure of the process of applying for your healt care once you arrive in whatever province you are going to.

I also know all my drugs and needles are covered by Sun Life, so I get 80% back, but i imagine each plan is a little different......

I hope i was at least a bit of help!

[belyro]

Hi Kathryn,

I'm much like Gangrel.....I have coverage of my endo appointments, etc. through the province, but also have drug coverage through the province (after I reach my deductible). There are some newer things that aren't covered by provincial Pharmacare (e.g. Levemir), but I also have coverage through work, and they pick up these things as well as my Pharmacare deductible.

So, if you don't have coverage through personal health benefits, all you'll have to pay for (I believe) is your Pharmacare deductible (based on income) and any really new drugs, etc.

Hope that helps.

[Gangrel]

Ohhhh ya, I forgot about the provincial stuff. I think in Ontario it's only for people with no plans, but i could be wrong. I just know I only deal with Sun Life..........

You should hit up the website for whatever province you're going to and see if there is any info on there!

[Tokyo Cate]

I just returned to Victoria after living overseas for several years. To qualify for Medicare, there is a waiting period of two full months (meaning it is in your best interest to return near the end of the the month rather than the beginning to shorten the waiting period). Once you have completed the waiting period, in British Columbia, the premiums are $54 per month, paid in advance.

To qualify for prescription drug benefits in British Columbia (the PharmaCare program) you must first file a tax return for the previous year, so have statements of income, etc. available so that you are able to do that as quickly as possible.

Once you qualify for Medicare, all medically necessary services are covered, though not alternative therapies like massage and the like. Dental care is not covered unless it is a service that must be performed in a hospital (like emergency extraction of wisdom teeth, for example).

There are long waiting lists in Canada, so when I first returned, I got an appointment with my family doctor and had her make referrals for after my coverage kicked in for those things that could wait. If you require any medical services prior to the end of the waiting period, you are responsible for 100% of the costs which add up quite quickly so if it is possible to arrange for private insurance to cover that period, do that.

All the best on your return to Canada. I am sure you can get more information about the national and provincial health care benefits on their websites.

[liz32]

Here in Nova Scotia it's the same as elsewhere except that our province just started a low income help something or other. Basically it's if you're low income (not sure what the cut off is) the gov't will help pay for your supplies that aren't covered by insurance or if you don't have insurance. Hope this is of help.
Liz

[klpants]

:top: Thanks Fellow Canadians! Your replies have all been very helpful!!

Kathryn

[KickStart101]

Hi Kathryn:

I sent Marie some sites about moving back to Canada from the
UK but she's in my Province. You didn't say which one you were
moving to or if you still have your Canadian Citizenship or dual
Citizenships.

I'll look up the main site and pm it to ya. You should be able to
find all you need to know in that one. Then ask Marie(mg2204)
for the others, if she kept them. I think they mainly are about
info about our City though. :) Take Care and Good Luck.

[Phranky]

They supply all my stuff for free in Ontario.

Most is covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) and what's left is covered by my company insurance.

Good luck!