Canada Health Act

Canada has one of the best health care systems in the world. Governed by the Canada Health Act, its primary aim is to "protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers."

As a result, Canada has a publicly funded system. The Canada Health Act requires that a province’s health insurance plan be comprehensive and universal, meaning residents are entitled to coverage of all insured hospital, medical and surgical-dental services based on need rather than ability to pay. Additionally, residents must have reasonable access to these insured services.

Roles and responsibilities for Canada’s health care system are shared between the federal and provincial-territorial governments with an interlocking set of 10 provincial and 3 territorial health insurance plans. The provincial and territorial plans are administered and operated on a non-profit basis by a public authority whose records and accounts are publicly audited.

Residents moving from one territory to another continue to be covered for insured health services by the "home" jurisdiction during any waiting period imposed by the new province or territory. After the waiting period, the new province or territory of residence assumes responsibility.

Visit Health Canada for more information.