Moving to Canada?

The Canadian Health Care System

With its excellent publicly funded, healthcare system — HealthCanada, nicknamed ‘Medicare’ —free medical treatment is available for all Canadian citizens, as well as all those with permanent resident status.

As a new resident, you must apply for a health card to prove your eligibility, not only for yourself but for each member of your family, as soon as you have set up home in your territory or province. You’ll wait up to three months to receive your cards and you’ll need to bring them along to every hospital or doctor’s visit, where most health care is free at point of access.

Some areas not covered by Medicare include ambulance services, prescription medication and dental work, so private health insurance should be organised in advance to cover at least the initial three-month waiting period. If you decide to take out a policy that covers you for longer, you’ll continue to see the benefits of private insurance in Canada — shorter waiting times in particular — and it will also top up your care in the areas where Medicare might fall short.

Why Choose Aetna

Choosing Aetna International means putting your faith in us to provide high-quality, accessible health insurance plans and member services that meet your individual needs. It's our highest priority, and we don't take that responsibility lightly.

For us, the difference is the human touch. The ability to talk to someone who cares and has the knowledge and the power to help. The security in knowing we can help you or your loved ones to ensure their well-being — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

When you're away from home, you can rely on us as your partner in good health.