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If you really want you can buy private health insurance in Canada to get drug coverage. It is of course cheaper then you'd pay in the US since it doesn't need to cover physicians. It may be worth it for you if you want the peace of mind.
If you really want you can buy private health insurance in Canada to get drug coverage. It is of course cheaper then you'd pay in the US since it doesn't need to cover physicians. It may be worth it for you if you want the peace of mind.
pharmacare will take care of your drug coverage when your plans limit is met. Be prepared for extremely loooooog waits in between any appointments with specialists. Be prepared to wait extremely loooooong waits in between any diagnostic tests needed.
In Canada, so called "timely care" is a myth.
I think the OP's questions have already been sufficiently answered by others, but I'd like to add a few things:
You really have to be your own advocate here if you want things to happen. There's a lot you can't control, like wait times, but whatever is in your control (such as if you want to see a particular specialist), you have to push and push to get where you want to be.
In terms of quality, I would say that the Canadian system is more hit-or-miss than the American system. I've seen extraordinarily bad doctors here that would never last in any American healthcare facility, yet are allowed to practice here. I've had nurses just flat-out ignore me or be rude for no good reason. Other times I've had very positive interactions with those in the health care system. In the US, I've only had consistently high-quality care, though I paid heavily for it.
pharmacare will take care of your drug coverage when your plans limit is met. Be prepared for extremely loooooog waits in between any appointments with specialists. Be prepared to wait extremely loooooong waits in between any diagnostic tests needed.
In Canada, so called "timely care" is a myth.
That 'loooooooooong' word scares me a lot, but saves me a lot too! I guess if I want to rush service, then I can buy private insurance. Thanks!
I think the OP's questions have already been sufficiently answered by others, but I'd like to add a few things:
You really have to be your own advocate here if you want things to happen. There's a lot you can't control, like wait times, but whatever is in your control (such as if you want to see a particular specialist), you have to push and push to get where you want to be.
In terms of quality, I would say that the Canadian system is more hit-or-miss than the American system. I've seen extraordinarily bad doctors here that would never last in any American healthcare facility, yet are allowed to practice here. I've had nurses just flat-out ignore me or be rude for no good reason. Other times I've had very positive interactions with those in the health care system. In the US, I've only had consistently high-quality care, though I paid heavily for it.
Just things to be aware of.
I think 'loooooooooong' is ok, as long as the quality of the service is good. But it seems in some cases, the quality and wait time both kind of suc***.
Don't let others' griping scare you. I've had 2 serious illnesses and right now am in the midst of another serious situation. I've been poked, prodded, tested, put through MRI's, CT scans, a spinal tap, a cerebral angiogram, and many other tests, hospitalized, etc. etc. and it was all done within decent time and without much in the way of expense. Drugs are a lot cheaper here too so I don't even think you will need to take out any extra insurance if you were used to spending $1,000/month for a healthcare plan in the States...that in itself is outrageous to me.
I am not saying that our system is perfect by any means, but a lot of people who complain are not doing so with good reason in my opinion. If I go to the emergency ward and my problem is not life-threatening or serious, of course I am going to have to wait behind those who may come in with very serious injuries/symptoms, is it inconvenient and can make a person gripe? Of course. But is it wrong or unjustified? No. Same with tests and procedures that are not urgently required.... those who are most medically vulnerable should be at the front of the line. It's always worked out that if your symptoms become worse or your situation more serious, you inform your doctor and things are pushed up accordingly. It's more about need than greed and that's how it should be in my opinion.
Nefertitii
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