Canada’s healthcare system is often seen as a symbol of national pride—a system where healthcare is supposedly free and accessible to all. However, for many individuals, this idealistic portrayal doesn't match reality. Fortunately, there are more efficient, affordable, and flexible healthcare options abroad that offer superior quality care, often at a fraction of the cost.
The Real Costs of "Free" Healthcare
Though Canada’s healthcare system is celebrated for being “free” at the point of use, it is actually funded by exorbitant taxes—often exceeding 50% for high-income earners. This makes it far from free for those who contribute the most. Worse yet, Canada’s system is designed more for reactive care than preventive care. Many serious conditions, such as cancer, are often diagnosed only at advanced stages, like stage 4, because early screenings are not prioritized unless symptoms are present. At this critical point, treatment options are limited and can lead to devastating health consequences, including the loss of years of life. In many cases, the delays in diagnosis and treatment have tragically resulted in the loss of life that could have been preventable with earlier intervention.
Exploring Better Options Abroad
Time is one of the most valuable resources, and waiting weeks or months for treatment is simply unacceptable. This is why international private healthcare has become an attractive alternative. In many countries, private insurance is more affordable than one might expect, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000 per month depending on coverage. Private insurance plans can be tailored to include not only standard medical services but also treatments that are excluded by Canada’s public system, such as dental care, vision services, chiropractic care, massages, podiatry, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture. Basic plans cover essential services, while more comprehensive plans include extras, featuring minimal or no wait times and access to world-class facilities.
Global Coverage for the Modern Entrepreneur
One of the key advantages of international private health insurance is the availability of worldwide coverage. Many private insurance plans extend their coverage globally, meaning individuals are not confined to healthcare in their country of residence. This is particularly valuable for frequent travelers, ensuring they can receive quality medical care wherever they are in the world—whether for emergencies or routine check-ups.
Specialized Care Without Delays
For those facing complex health issues, such as cancer, international private healthcare offers the advantage of rapid access to specialists. In many countries, you can walk into a hospital and receive treatment almost immediately. In contrast, Canada’s healthcare system usually forces patients to endure prolonged wait times—spanning months or even years—, even for urgent treatments, which can have serious implications for those dealing with critical conditions.
Affordable Healthcare for Expats
For those with pre-existing conditions, there’s no need to worry. Many countries offer public healthcare systems that expats can easily access without issue. For example, Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, CCSS, is available to residents—including those with pre-existing conditions—at an affordable monthly rate, ranging from $0 to $1200, covering the entire household, including spouse and children, based solely on local income. This grants access to major surgeries, cancer treatments, and other critical services, with a level of care comparable to that in Canada. The combination of affordable public healthcare and the option to supplement it with private insurance offers expats a flexible and cost-effective healthcare solution abroad.
The Choice Is Clear
Given the low value provided by Canada’s healthcare system, more high-net-worth individuals are looking abroad for better options. With international private healthcare, not only do they get faster and more efficient care, but it also costs significantly less than what they pay in taxes to fund Canada’s system. The freedom to choose where and how they receive care, without being tied down by long waitlists or bureaucratic inefficiencies, gives entrepreneurs and expats greater control over their health and time.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is simplified for general informational purposes and contains exceptions. Readers should not take or refrain from taking any action based on the information provided without first consulting a lawyer. For personalized advice on your situation, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us below.
