Im an australian citizen going to canada. am i covered by socialized medicine when i get there. any resources?

Question

i will be traveling to canada. i am from australia and obviously there is socialized medicine here, so when i go to canada am i covered? is this all the same or even though they have it too, is it different? do you have to be a canadian citizen? i am in remission from cancer now, but plan to spend a while there and need to know more. i dont know how to find out what i need to know. does anyone have anything they can offer? what if i wanted to then go to US? any ideas on that?

Answer 1

Yes, Z is correct.  You need to purchase travel medical insurance in Australia BEFORE you leave.  You are not covered for medical expenses in Canada. You certainly won't be covered in the US !

Answer 2

Unfortunately not. You should get adequate travel insurance for your entire stay, especially if you're visiting the US.

Reciprocal agreements only exist between Australia and:

New Zealand

The United Kingdom

The Republic of Ireland

Sweden

The Netherlands

Finland

Italy

Malta

Norway

Answer 3

unless you become a permanent resident of Canada you will not be entitled to medical or any other benefits

you will not be covered in the US and pray you dont get sick there as it will cost you the earth.......better get travelers insurance before you leave home mate

Answer 4

Z pretty well nailed it. Commonwealth cousin or not, you haven't paid into our health care and are not entitled to it for free.  There are special circumstances, but as a visitor with no intent to settle here, you don't qualify. You'd be best off either utilizing whatever benefits are available to you under your Australian health plan or purchasing additional out of country insurance from a private vendor.

It's really no different than I. My provinces health care is inclusive for the most part ( excluding elective procedures) while I'm here. If I travel and get ill, they'll cover some, but not all expenses. I always have extra coverage when out of country just to cover loop holes or unforseen events. You should as well. Especially if you plan on crossing over to the US side. They have no mercy there. Health care is a business that you need to be able to afford in most instances down there.