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Under Medicare, the Canadian provinces and territories must provide "medically necessary" services to their residents in accordance with the Canada Health Act, 1984. Coverage across the country varies as each province and territory has the ability to decide what this means beyond hospital and physician services. Notably, all recommend supplemental insurance to their residents. ****A spending breakdown by province and territory, including private sector expenditures, is available in ‣.
In general, medicare, through the provinces and territories, covers medically necessary services, including hospital, diagnostic, and physician costs. Hospital coverage typically includes the expenses accrued during the stay, including doctor and nurse services, ward accommodation and meals if necessary, lab and diagnostic tests, drugs prescribed for inpatient care, and medical procedures, including dental surgery when hospitalization is required. These services are largely standardized across the country. The chart above highlights some of the notable services covered by the provinces and territories across Canada; however, some may be worth exploring further.
Drug Plans and Services for Low-Income Residents
Vision Care
Ambulance Costs
Care Homes and Nursing
Mental Health, Addiction, and Substance Abuse Services
Sources