Private Health Insurance for UK Expats in Canada
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr understands the complexities of private medical insurance. For UK citizens moving to Canada, navigating a new healthcare system is a top priority. This guide offers the clear, authoritative advice you need to secure the right cover.
Health cover designed for Brits living in Canada
Moving from the cobbled streets of the UK to the vast, stunning landscapes of Canada is a dream for many. But amidst the excitement of planning your new life—from finding a home in Vancouver to exploring the culture of Montreal—it's crucial to sort out one of the most important practicalities: your health cover.
While Canada, like the UK, has a publicly funded healthcare system, it works very differently from our beloved NHS. Understanding these differences is the first step to ensuring you and your family are protected from day one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about private health insurance for UK expats in Canada.
Understanding Canada's Healthcare System: Medicare Explained
Canada’s healthcare system, known as Medicare, is a source of national pride. It provides universal coverage for medically necessary healthcare services, funded by taxes. However, it's not a single national plan like the NHS. Instead, it’s a decentralised system of 13 provincial and territorial health insurance plans.
This means the cover you receive depends on which province you reside in. For example:
- Ontario: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- British Columbia: Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Alberta: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- Quebec: Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
While all plans cover essential services like doctor's visits and hospital stays, there are significant gaps that can leave you with hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
The Critical Waiting Period for New Residents
Perhaps the most significant challenge for new arrivals from the UK is the mandatory waiting period. Most provinces require you to be a resident for a certain period before you become eligible for their health plan.
Typical Waiting Periods for Provincial Health Cover:
| Province | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Typically up to 3 months |
| British Columbia | Remainder of the month of arrival, plus 2 full months (approx. 3 months) |
| Quebec | Up to 3 months |
| Alberta | Day of arrival (no waiting period) |
During this waiting period, you are not covered by the public system. If you fall ill or have an accident, you are personally responsible for the full cost of your medical care. A simple broken bone or a sudden illness requiring a hospital stay could result in a bill costing tens of thousands of Canadian dollars. This is the first and most compelling reason to arrange private health insurance before you leave the UK.
Why Private Health Insurance is Essential for UK Expats in Canada
Even after your provincial health card arrives, private medical insurance remains a vital part of your financial and personal well-being. Canada's Medicare is designed to cover the basics, but it's far from all-inclusive. Think of it as a safety net with some noticeable holes. Private health insurance is what you use to patch those holes.
Here’s why it's a smart choice for Brits in Canada:
1. Bridging the Waiting Period Gap
As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. A short-term or comprehensive international private medical insurance policy provides peace of mind from the moment you land, covering emergencies and unexpected medical needs until your provincial plan kicks in.
2. Covering the Gaps in Medicare
Provincial health plans are primarily for doctor and hospital services. Many routine and essential treatments are not covered, or are only partially covered.
Common Exclusions from Canadian Provincial Health Plans:
| Service | Typical Provincial Plan Coverage | Role of Private Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | Not covered outside of a hospital setting. | A major benefit. Covers a significant portion of prescription costs. |
| Dental Care | Not covered (e.g., check-ups, fillings, crowns). | A core component of most supplementary plans. |
| Vision Care | Not covered (e.g., eye exams, glasses, contact lenses). | Included as a standard or optional benefit. |
| Ambulance Services | Often requires a co-payment (can be hundreds of dollars). | Can cover the full cost of ground or air ambulance services. |
| Specialist Therapies | Limited or no cover for physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology. | Provides an allowance for a set number of visits per year. |
| Private/Semi-Private Hospital Rooms | Covers a standard ward room only. | Upgrades you to a more comfortable private or semi-private room. |
Without private cover, these costs add up quickly. A single dental crown can cost over C$1,500, and ongoing prescription medications can run into hundreds of dollars each month.
3. Faster Access to Specialists and Diagnostic Tests
While Canada’s emergency care is excellent, the country is known for having long wait times for non-urgent specialist appointments, diagnostic imaging (like MRI scans), and elective surgery. According to 2023 data from the Fraser Institute, the median wait time from a GP referral to receiving treatment in Canada was 27.7 weeks.
Private medical insurance can't get you treated within the public system faster, but a good international policy gives you the option to seek treatment in a private clinic in Canada or even travel to the US or back to the UK for faster care, depending on your plan.
4. Comprehensive Travel and Repatriation Cover
Your provincial plan offers very limited coverage when you travel outside your home province and virtually none when you travel internationally. An international private medical insurance policy for UK expats is designed for a global lifestyle. It ensures you're covered:
- When travelling to other Canadian provinces.
- When visiting the USA.
- When taking trips back home to the UK to see family and friends.
- When on holiday anywhere else in the world.
Crucially, these plans also include medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be financially life-saving. If you become seriously ill in a remote part of Canada, the policy can cover the cost of transporting you to a major city with better medical facilities. Repatriation covers the cost of flying you back to the UK for treatment if medically necessary.
Types of Health Insurance for Brits in Canada
There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The right policy for you depends on your circumstances, budget, and health needs.
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Waiting Period Insurance: A temporary, emergency-only plan that covers you for the first three months. It's a basic, affordable option but expires once you're on the provincial system, leaving you exposed to the gaps in Medicare.
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Supplementary Health Insurance (Top-Up Plan): These plans are bought in Canada and are designed specifically to complement the provincial system. They focus on covering dental, vision, prescriptions, and paramedical services. They are excellent for day-to-day health costs but may lack robust travel or medical evacuation benefits.
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International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI): This is the most comprehensive and highly recommended option for UK expats. An IPMI policy is specifically designed for people living outside their home country.
- All-in-One Solution: It can act as your primary cover during the waiting period and then become your comprehensive supplementary cover.
- High Levels of Cover: Offers generous annual limits, often in the millions of pounds.
- Flexibility and Choice: Allows you to choose where you receive treatment, both in Canada and often globally.
- Expat-Specific Benefits: Includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and often support services like 24/7 medical helplines.
A leading PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare options from top international insurers to find an IPMI plan that perfectly suits your new life in Canada.
What to Look For: Key Features of a Good Expat Health Policy
When comparing policies, it's easy to get lost in the jargon. Here are the key features to focus on, explained in plain English.
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Area of Cover: Insurers typically offer two main options: "Worldwide" or "Worldwide excluding USA". Because healthcare in the USA is exceptionally expensive, excluding it from your policy can reduce your premium significantly. If you don't plan on travelling to or receiving treatment in the US, this is a great way to save money.
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Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cover:
- Inpatient Cover: This is the core of any policy. It covers costs when you are admitted to hospital, such as surgery, accommodation, and tests.
- Outpatient Cover: This covers medical care that doesn't require a hospital stay. This includes things like GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic scans, and prescription drugs. A comprehensive plan will include both.
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Deductible / Excess: An excess (often called a deductible in North America) is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer starts paying. For example, if you have a £500 excess and a medical bill of £3,000, you pay the first £500, and the insurer pays the remaining £2,500. Choosing a higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
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The Critical Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions This is one of the most important aspects to understand. Standard private medical insurance, both in the UK and internationally, is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. An acute condition is a disease or illness that is likely to respond quickly to treatment, such as a broken bone, appendicitis, or an infection.
It is not designed to cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any medical issue you knew about, had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for before the policy started.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term, ongoing illnesses that require management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or Crohn's disease.
When you apply, you will go through underwriting. Be prepared to declare your full medical history. Hiding a condition can lead to your policy being voided when you need it most.
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Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: As an expat, this is a must-have. It ensures that if you have a medical emergency in a place without adequate facilities, your insurance will cover the cost of moving you to a suitable hospital, or even back to the UK.
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Dental and Vision Add-ons: These are rarely included in core plans but are hugely valuable in Canada where these services are private and expensive. Check the limits and what is covered (e.g., routine check-ups vs. major restorative work).
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Wellness and Digital Health Benefits: Modern insurers are increasingly focused on preventative health. Many policies now include benefits like:
- Access to mental health support and virtual counselling.
- Discounts on gym memberships.
- Wellness apps and health tracking tools. At WeCovr, we go a step further by providing our health and life insurance customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you stay healthy in your new home.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance for Canada Cost?
The cost of your premium depends on several factors:
- Your age and health: Premiums increase with age.
- The level of cover: A basic inpatient-only plan is cheaper than a comprehensive plan with outpatient, dental, and vision cover.
- Your chosen excess: A higher excess means a lower premium.
- Area of cover: Excluding the USA will reduce the cost.
To give you a rough idea, here are some illustrative monthly costs for a UK expat in Canada. Please note these are estimates and your actual quote will vary.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums for International PMI in Canada (2025)
| Profile | Basic Cover (Inpatient, Worldwide ex. USA) | Comprehensive Cover (Inpatient & Outpatient, Dental, Worldwide ex. USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, 30-year-old | £90 – £160 | £220 – £380 |
| Couple, 45-year-olds | £250 – £400 | £500 – £800 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) | £350 – £600 | £800 – £1,300 |
The best way to get an accurate figure is to speak with an expert broker. At WeCovr, we compare the market for you, breaking down the costs and benefits of policies from leading providers like Bupa Global, AXA, and Cigna, ensuring you get the best value at no extra cost to you.
Practical Wellness Tips for Your New Life in Canada
Staying healthy isn't just about having the right insurance. It's about embracing your new environment and building a healthy lifestyle.
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Embrace the Great Outdoors: Canada's natural beauty is world-renowned. From hiking the Rockies in Alberta to kayaking on the Great Lakes in Ontario or skiing in Whistler, staying active is easy and enjoyable. Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being.
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Navigate the Seasons: Canadian winters can be a shock for a Brit. The cold and shorter days can lead to a dip in mood (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Combat this by:
- Investing in proper winter clothing so you can still get outside.
- Trying winter sports like cross-country skiing or ice skating.
- Ensuring your home is bright and cosy.
- Considering a Vitamin D supplement (check with a doctor first).
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Eat Well: Explore Canada's diverse food scene. Visit local farmers' markets for fresh, seasonal produce. From Pacific salmon in BC to poutine in Quebec and lobster in the Maritimes, there's a world of new food to discover.
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Build Your Community: Moving thousands of miles from home can be lonely at first. Proactively build a social network. Join local clubs, volunteer, connect with other expats through online groups, and get to know your neighbours. Strong social ties are a cornerstone of good mental health.
How WeCovr Supports UK Expats
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance can be daunting. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr makes the process simple and transparent.
- Expert, Impartial Advice: We're not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you. We listen to your needs and find the policy that fits you, not the other way around.
- Market-Wide Comparison: We save you the time and effort of researching dozens of policies by doing the legwork for you, comparing benefits and prices from the best PMI providers.
- No Cost to You: Our service is completely free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a penny extra.
- Added Value: When you purchase a health or life insurance policy through us, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app and may also receive discounts on other insurance products you need, such as home or travel cover.
Do I still need to pay National Insurance in the UK if I live in Canada?
Can I use my existing UK private medical insurance policy in Canada?
What happens if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Is dental treatment covered by private health insurance for expats in Canada?
Ready to secure your peace of mind for your Canadian adventure? The friendly, expert team at WeCovr is here to help you navigate your options.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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