Navigating Health Insurance For Retirees Moving From The US To Canada

Planning to retire in Canada? Learn how U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems compare, and prepare for a seamless transition.
Planning to retire in Canada? Learn how U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems compare, and prepare for a seamless transition.
Canada is renowned for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture, making it a popular destination for expatriates from around the world. Canada’s healthcare system is often lauded for its accessibility and comprehensive coverage. However, navigating the healthcare landscape as an expat can be complex, given the various provincial regulations, waiting periods, … Read more
Canada, with its vast landscapes and commitment to environmental stewardship, is increasingly becoming a hub for sustainable living. For expats who wish to align their lives with eco-friendly practices, Canada offers abundant opportunities to do so. This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of sustainable living in Canada, from transportation and housing to food and waste … Read more
Understanding the tax system of a new country can be daunting. In Canada, the tax system is progressive, meaning individuals with higher income pay a higher tax rate. The tax system comprises federal, provincial, and municipal levels, each with their own respective areas of jurisdiction and revenue sources. Income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, and … Read more
If you’re moving to Canada from the USA, it can be easy to fall into a sense of security. Surely, being just next door, the healthcare system will be practically the same? There is a lot of truth to this assumption, but there are still some elements you will need to consider when you decide … Read more
The process of moving to Canada and finding a job as an expat is relatively simple providing you meet the criteria for a working visa. Visas for non-nationals are a necessity and divided into subsections, including working holiday and temporary work visas; you may also find that you qualify for the Express Entry Scheme.Additionally, you … Read more
Moving abroad can be an overwhelming process, with many different things to think about, including arranging your visa, finding somewhere to stay, and adjusting to your new climate. Fortunately, however, once you’ve taken care of the most complicated part, i.e. your immigration papers, the rest should be plain sailing, especially when it comes to opening … Read more
Canada’s healthcare system has always been a point of Canadian pride, and it stands as a testament to the differences between Canada and America. The government first established a provincial health insurance programme in 1947, covering universal hospital fees, and then later extended this to cover doctors’ fees in 1962.The Canadian healthcare system was based … Read more
A chronic illness is not necessarily a debilitating disease. The term includes conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and asthma, which are commonplace around the world. Many of us give them little thought, especially if we are living in our home country, but they require ongoing care, including medication and regular checkups with a healthcare professional. … Read more
Amateur sports participation in Canada is at an all time high, with around 76% of the country’s youth taking part in organised sports. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, approximately two out of three injuries among adolescents were linked to sports.Many organised sports clubs will have their own general liability insurance, but additional supplementary … Read more
Support for women during active labour and birth significantly increases a family’s satisfaction with the birth experience as a whole. It also helps enhance the positive attitude women will need to care for their newborn babies. It is essential that women have supportive care throughout the entire pregnancy, labour, birth and post-pregnancy periods. In Canada, … Read more
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for public health insurance, for subsidised low-cost healthcare. The public healthcare system in Canada is funded through taxes, although some provinces charge a monthly premium. The monthly premium is waived for low income families. You will need to apply for a health insurance … Read more
It’s incredibly important to take care of yourself and get the most out of life. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding and focus on self-care and mental health. There are many things that can cause damage to your mental health, and for some expatriates, moving to a new country is one of … Read more
The cost of advanced chemotherapy can be twice as much in Washington as it is in British Columbia, which is just next door. Scientists at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in conjunction with colleagues from Vancouver and British Columbia, discovered just how much the cost varies. A month’s worth of chemotherapy treatment costs roughly … Read more
Complementary therapies offer an alternative approach to conventional or mainstream medicine. Such therapies aren’t usually part of conventional medical care, but have plenty of purported benefits. However, their benefits are not always backed by science, and should complement conventional therapy, rather than replace it. Examples of complementary therapies can include yoga, meditation, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, … Read more
It will depend on your nationality whether or not you require a visa to enter Canada. Those who do not require a visa, will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (also known as an eTA). Even if you are only transiting through Canada, you will still require an eTA. If you have Canadian dual nationality, you … Read more
The process of moving to Canada and finding a job as an expat is relatively simple, provided that you meet the criteria for a working visa. Visas for non-nationals are a necessity and divided into subsections, including working holiday and temporary work visas; you may also find that you qualify for the Express Entry Scheme.Additionally, … Read more
A temporary visa for Canada is called a TRV (temporary resident visa). You can apply for it in seven steps.1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit as required.2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken. 3. Submit your application for processing.4. Wait for a decision to be made on your application.5. If … Read more
One of the more frustrating elements of visa applications is the fact that the criteria and processes can change so often. Sometimes it can feel difficult to keep up with current changes and to know where you stand. One such visa is the Canadian family reunification visa, which over the years has seen some backlash … Read more
Canada is famous for the beautiful Niagara Falls in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario as well as the production and exportation of the natural sweetener maple syrup. This friendly country is the second largest in the world after Russia, and is currently 19th in the Top Expat Destinations for 2018, according to a … Read more
In the developed world, the leading causes of death are usually preventable diseases linked to lifestyle. Cancers and heart diseases connected to poor diet and obesity have been the subject of public awareness and education campaigns. Heart disease is a leading cause of death around the world. According to a 2017 study published in the … Read more
The Canadian province of Quebec is an interesting option for would-be expats who are looking for someplace outside of their home country to settle. Quebec is experiencing a labour shortage that has led it to becoming more welcoming of migrants, while its long and complicated history has resulted in beautiful architecture, delicious food and a … Read more
Pulling up roots and moving to another country is always a challenge, and being transgender makes everything more complicated. Transgender people face persecution and even prosecution in much of the world, leading many of us to flee to more permissive countries when we can.Canada is a particularly popular choice, with comparatively welcoming immigration laws, but … Read more
The Canadian province of Nova Scotia is desperate for doctors. So desperate in fact that they are launching a new visa to entice foreign-trained physicians. The scheme applies to the 29 jurisdictions currently accepted for Canadian residency, but the new visa makes it easier than ever to make the move. Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced … Read more
Half of all new migrants entering Canada each year head to Ontario. Sitting at the centre of the country, this is the second-largest and most populous of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. Toronto and Ottawa are large, bustling, cosmopolitan cities where expats can enjoy satisfying careers and a huge range of leisure pursuits. … Read more
Canada is one of the preferred countries for expats looking to retire. The country’s economy is thriving, its healthcare system is well-established, and the government provides various incentives to senior citizens to ensure they live comfortably in their golden days. There is a choice of cities in Canada that fit the expat retiree life.Immigration laws … Read more
Expats moving back home to Canada have many wonderful things to look forward to. The country is known to be a safe destination with efficient public services, abundant nature and a renowned healthcare system. There is also the joy of being close to family and friends again. However, returning to one’s home country does involve … Read more
One of the most complex aspects of emigrating to a new country is the visa process – which visa to choose, what the criteria are, and whether it covers your family. It can certainly be an overwhelming and stressful period amongst all the preparation for your move, so we’ve compiled this guide to provide you … Read more
Canada has topped the lists and surveys of the best countries to live in (such as “the better life index”, “livability ranking report” and the “human development report”) for quite some time now. With an average lower cost of living and housing prices compared to the United States and some European countries, a high quality … Read more
There are many ways to gain citizenship in Canada, one of the most popular being through the Skilled Workers programme. A ‘skilled worker’ is someone with suitable education and work experience, and who is fluent in one of Canada’s official languages.The concept of the skilled worker programme is to invite people who have a skill … Read more
The second largest country in the world, Canada is bordered by three oceans: the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west. Canada also shares borders with the United States in the northwest and south. Canada is a land with varied landscapes. It has regions … Read more
Buying a property is very appealing to many people who move to Canada, as it is a cost-effective long-term option and quite a straightforward process. Canada has a welcoming policy when it comes to home ownership, and its prices are good value for money compared to house prices globally. Canadians and non-residents have the same … Read more
Moving to Canada is perfect for entrepreneurs who are looking to get into the business industry. It is known to be one of the most favourable countries due to the ease of doing business there. In order to successfully open a business in Canada, it is a requirement to have a permanent residence permit or … Read more
Canada is a popular choice for many expats from around the world. It is a country of great diversity and it invites people from all walks of life. It’s the sense of community between people from different nations that makes it a special place to live. Canada is known for its natural beauty, with Niagara … Read more
We’ve written before about how Canada has thrown its doors wide open, welcoming expats, immigrants and refugees with warmth and the promise of a better life. Canada’s policies are in sharp contrast to other nations around the world. The USA, UK, Australia and countries across Europe are bending to populist policies, often contravening their own … Read more
In the build-up to the 2016 US presidential elections, the number of Americans looking to become citizens of Canada rocketed. It’s not just Americans that consider thinking of moving there; the country has a well-established immigration system, though the criteria is prone to frequent changing, it offers expats excellent employment opportunities, low rates of crime … Read more
Moving abroad is generally a daunting subject, especially as there are so many different laws and rules that may be different to your current home country. Customs, visas, work permits and tests that need to be undergone before you can make your move and make a living are all things you’ll need to think about. … Read more
Sprawling forests, epic mountains, glass lakes, tumbling rivers and sunny cities are just some of the reasons why Canada’s landscape is so fantastic. The country is sparsely populated with friendly locals and there are plenty of French speaking regions to give you a chance to flex your language skills. Canada spans 9,984,670km and is so … Read more
At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Canada and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Scottish Expats in Canada Facebook Group Maintaining … Read more
Canada is a modern and well-developed country that offers a diverse lifestyle. It is the second largest country in the world, and has always been a magnet for immigrants from different parts of the world. It is easy for expats to buy property in Canada, especially for those who will be living in the country … Read more
We’ve written before about how Canada has thrown its doors wide open, welcoming expats, immigrants and refugees with warmth and the promise of a better life. Canada’s policies are in sharp contrast to those of other nations around the world. The USA, UK, Australia and countries across Europe are bending to populist policies, often contravening … Read more
The term ‘indigenous people in Canada’ refers to three categories of peoples – First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The indigenous or aboriginal people are the ones who originally inhabited the territory that is now Canada. The population of Aboriginal people living in communities across the country was over 1.8 million in 2011. The history of … Read more
Canada has a rich wilderness heritage. The country’s remote northern region and vast forests are home to various species of wildlife such as bears, wolves, deer and mountain lions. Canada’s lakes and rivers, which are home to a number of species of fish, contain nearly 20 percent of all the fresh water on the earth. … Read more
The US and Canada are two of the largest and most developed nations in the world. They are friendly neighbors that share a large border. The Niagara Falls is on the border of both the nations. Living next to one of the greatest superpowers in world is bound to have its pros and cons, but … Read more
There’s a lot to love about Canada. The world’s second largest country is home to a vast, pristine wilderness of rugged woodlands, snow capped peaks and glittering lakes. The cities too have a lot to offer, with a vibrant cultural scene and a booming jobs market. On top of that, Canada enjoys some of the … Read more
Any time expats meet, be it in bars, the workplace or online, conversation will inevitably turn to the same subject: visas. The visa is the ticket to a life overseas. It doesn’t matter if you have the job, the house and an account full of local money; without that slip of paper in your passport, … Read more
At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Canada and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. Eat. Live. Travel. Write.http://www.eatlivetravelwrite.com/ Now calling Toronto home, Australian Mardi somehow … Read more
Maple syrup and Mounties, polar bears and politeness; we all think we know Canada already. It’s just like America, but with fewer guns and the Queen in charge, right? Not quite. Canada is both booming economy and an untouched wilderness. The country manages to keep centuries old traditions alive, but also embrace waves of new … Read more
Living in Canada can be a highly enriching experience for people of all ages, nationalities, and genders. The nation boasts a spectacular countryside complemented by developed cities, and gives you the opportunity to bask in its natural beauty while you enjoy all modern conveniences. Moreover, Canada has one of the strongest and most stable economies … Read more
Francois, can you tell us a bit about your background before you started 2VancouverBC.com? I was born and raised in France but I have been living overseas for the past six years now. I completed my Engineering degree at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) in 2004 as a student on exchange. I then spent … Read more
Canada is the second largest nation in the world in terms of landmass, and is also among the world’s top ten economies by size. The stable economy is primarily thanks to the country’s abundant natural resources. Canada ranks highly on various measures such as education, healthcare, civil rights, and overall quality of life. There is … Read more
Rural Canada is home to more than six million of the country’s population. Much of this population is concentrated in regions such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec. Canada’s rural areas provide the benefit of living in wide-open spaces with plenty of fresh air. Rural living enables one to enjoy the outdoors, while … Read more
There’s a long list of reasons why Canada is a great draw for expats from across the world, but there’s one factor that makes many of them think twice about moving: the cost of living. Of course this depends on many factors – where in Canada you choose (or need) to live is one – … Read more
Canada is a great country for expats – as long as you’re able to handle the long, cold winter, there’s much to appreciate and enjoy. From the great Canadian outdoors, to the healthcare and educational facilities, the strong economy and job market, and the excellent infrastructure, Canada provides an excellent new home country for anyone … Read more
Canada is a welcoming country that offers its residents a high quality of life. Expats are drawn to the lush natural beauty, modern cities, stable economy and low crime rate that have always been hallmarks of the country. Canada shares a border with the United States, which only adds to its appeal. The state funded … Read more
There are many reasons why Canada is considered to be one of the most livable countries in the world. It is a place of great natural beauty with its spectacular glaciers, forests and lakes. The country is also a highly modern destination and its cities are cosmopolitan, clean and safe. If you’re among the many … Read more
Canada has always performed remarkably well in measures of well-being. It scores highly on criteria such as safety, health, housing and income and remains one of the most popular expat destinations in the world. Expats moving to Canada can expect to experience a multicultural community that is friendly and welcoming towards foreigners. Here are some … Read more
Canada has always performed well in measures of wellbeing such as healthcare, income, housing and safety. The country’s immigration policies are also relatively friendly and since many different ethnicities live alongside each other, the society has evolved into a multicultural and tolerant one. For those about to re-locate to Canada, here are 5 things you … Read more
Canada offers the best of both worlds with its serene natural beauty and modern cities. It has always welcomed expats with lucrative career opportunities and a high quality of life. The country’s large multicultural population also makes it easy for expats to adjust to life in a new place. People move to Canada for many … Read more
Canada has one of the strongest Healthcare Systems in the western world, which offers a wide range of options to all its residents, including the expats. The standard of treatments, doctors, hospitals, insurance and medical services in this country are at par with The US and UK. Doctors and hospitals Almost all the cities in … Read more
Canada provides plenty of resources that can help you find a job in the country. Different provinces have different requirements and prefer certain skill sets. It is important to confirm that the qualifications you have obtained from your home country are recognized in Canada. The Canadian job marketEconomic growth in Canada occurs primarily in the … Read more
Canada is a country of great natural beauty and it offers much variety to those who wish to explore the land. Here are five uniquely Canadian experiences that every expat must have. Catch the Northern Lights The Aurora Borealis is nature’s very own light show in the sky. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs … Read more
Canada has some of the most livable destinations in the world. Everyone has heard of the big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ontario, amongst others, and most will agree that these are great places to move to for better employment, housing and overall quality of life. But Canada also has a few gems tucked … Read more
At Expat Focus, we like to keep an eye on the blogosphere and see who’s sharing interesting, up to date content about expatriate life around the world. In our internet travels, we come across blogs we’d like to recommend as excellent reads for anyone considering expat life. Today we’re focusing on Canada; here are five … Read more
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company I have been a realtor in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, for more than 25 years. To date, my team and I have achieved approximately $2.5 billion dollars in sales, with more than 7,000 homes having been sold. We help families, friends, and clients buy and sell … Read more
Canada benefits from a busy job market. A number of expats decide to make the move to Canada to work and live. It has similarities to other Western countries and feels like a home away from home in many ways. Despite the recent global recession, Canada remained unshaken and whereas other G8 economies crumbled, Canada … Read more
Since at least 2009, in which a survey sponsored by HSBC determined that “expats in Canada have the best quality of life” and “found it among the easiest places in the world to integrate with the local population,” the nation has been glowing with pride. Canada, which probably shouldn't be blamed for acting in its … Read more
Public education in Canada is free of charge for all citizens, though “free” should not be taken to mean – as it often can – a product or service of poor quality. In 2010, the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development] ranked Canada favorably among the rest of the industrialized world, with several Canadian … Read more
by John Rooney on behalf of Autoshippers Providing a fascinating mix of strong national identity with stunning natural beauty, it is no surprise that every year thousands of Brits make the decision to up sticks and move to Canada. Nearly 10,000 UK residents were admitted to the country in 2010, complimenting an already broad range … Read more
by Thelma O' Connor, Canada Wise Moving to Canada means leaving behind family, friends, familiar food, routines and your place in the community. In Canada, you have to start all over again, build a new life, make new friends and find your place in a new community. This is a challenge all newcomers face, but … Read more
by Thelma O' Connor, Canada Wise By now you may feel you know Canada well, from surfing the internet, or from travel books and news items you’ve read. You’ve applied for your Permanent Resident (PR) visa and know it could take up to 2 years to receive it. You’ve been waiting what seems like an … Read more
Some simple preparation and basic facts, however, can eliminate a lot of the anxiety from your move. It will also give you the best possible start to your new life in Canada. Here are a few helpful tips: Know where you’re going! Canada is an immense country. Many newcomers are not familiar with the geography … Read more
by Thelma O' Connor, President of Canada Wise This is a dilemma that many immigrants face when they arrive in Canada. New arrivals are eager and enthusiastic to join the Canadian work force and make a smooth transition to their new life. They suddenly find themselves faced with what seems like a no-win situation: no … Read more
by Thelma O' Connor, President of Canada Wise You’ve decided to move to Canada but before you go you must choose a destination in which to settle. Canada, with over 10 million square kilometers of territory, is the second largest country in the world, with many wonderful cities, towns and rural communities beckoning the newcomer. … Read more