Photo above: Pexels
Coming to a new country is a brave endeavour, but you quickly realize that things are much different here than what you’re used to. It’s a lot of new information to learn!
To avoid getting overwhelmed, think of your learning journey as taking small steps toward success, like hopping from one stepping stone to the next across a river of challenges toward your destination. In this new regular series, Stepping Stones, we will navigate the settlement information every newcomer has questions about together, starting with some health care basics.
A young refugee from Myanmar, Moses, of the Karen ethnic minority, fled the violence in his country with his family, finding refuge on the Thai border before being relocated to Canada as government-assisted refugees. “I had mixed emotions of relief and gratitude for finding safety and a sense of loss from leaving my community behind,” he says. While dealing with this emotional settlement journey in Surrey, B.C., Moses received life-altering news — he had a brain tumour. He now faced another daunting journey ahead — navigating the health care system while facing cultural and language barriers. Not sure what to do, Moses leaned on DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society caseworker Hermon Lay, who shares the Myanmar heritage and Karen language.
Lay supported Moses through the process of accessing cancer treatment while building a new life in Canada. “Moses going through settlement and a new brain cancer diagnosis was by all definitions a tough situation,” says Lay, explaining that a newcomer needs information and orientation to help them navigate Canadian systems like health care, especially in times of crisis. “My goal is to bridge cultural gaps and promote integration, while providing emotional support and practical assistance to help them through tough situations.” Moses says, “Hermon helped me access 22 important services and resources in the community. With his support, I received treatment at the hospital and am now a cancer survivor.”
Canadians are fortunate to have access to free medical care; this includes everything from free doctor visits, to emergency care, to maternity care, to treatment of illnesses like Moses’ diagnosis. It’s why Canada’s universal health care system is known worldwide and is often a factor in people’s decision to immigrate here. But, like any complex, free public system, there are challenges and criticisms. Over the last decade, it has been incredibly difficult to find a family doctor. And wait times at hospital emergency rooms, for specialist appointments and for surgeries can be too long. There are systemic issues that need to be addressed, of course, but it’s critical that newcomers learn about Canada’s health care system and how to navigate it, one step at a time.
Start by ensuring you have coverage
Health care in Canada is administered provincially, and your access to it as a newcomer may vary depending on where you settle. Did you know that in some provinces, you have to be a permanent resident for three months before being eligible to get your medical card? Some provinces, like British Columbia and Ontario, offer coverage from the day you arrive, while others, like Quebec or Manitoba, may have a three-month waiting period for permanent residents. In some provinces, you may also have to pay a monthly premium or health fee. And what you’re covered for may slightly differ between provinces, too — for example, ambulance services, dental care for children, or mental health counselling may or may not be included depending on where you live.
So, your first step is to contact your province’s health ministry to get enrolled in the health system. If you’re getting newcomer settlement support through a non-profit organization, like DIVERSEcity, they can help you do this. Doing it yourself? Here’s a tip: Google your province name and the words “health card.” To apply, you will have to show proof of residency and your ID. After applying, you will then receive a health card, which you will have to show when you go to medical appointments and hospitals. Important: If there’s a waiting period before your provincial coverage starts, be sure to buy private insurance through a provider like Blue Cross, CAA or Manulife. Emergencies can happen anytime — if your child breaks their arm or you need hospital care while still uninsured, the out-of-pocket cost could be financially overwhelming.
Find a family doctor — if you can
Next on your agenda will be to find a family doctor in your community. Unfortunately, this may be a challenge as many doctors are not accepting new patients. Canada is facing a shortage of family physicians, especially in rural or rapidly growing areas. Demand on the health care system is greater than its resources. As work is being done to address this, what can you do in the meantime? Your provincial health ministry website is a good starting point — it often includes tools to help you search for doctors or nurse practitioners accepting new patients.
Some provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, have centralized waitlists you can join. It may take some time to finally find a regular doctor to oversee your and your family’s care. If you’re able to find a nurse practitioner accepting new patients, they can act as your primary care provider, much like a family doctor. They can diagnose illnesses, write prescriptions, order tests and refer you to specialists. Overall, health care is still available to you even without a family doctor, so it’s important to know what other services are available and how to access them.
Not feeling well? Here’s where to go
Don’t have a family doctor yet? If you’re feeling sick or have a minor injury that’s not life threatening — for example, you have a sore throat, fever, nausea, headache, small injury, rash, need a prescription and more — then you can search for a walk-in clinic nearby. The term “walk-in” may be a little misleading, however. Due to high demand, it’s not as simple as arriving at one of these clinics and expecting to be served quickly. There may be long wait times and understaffing. In many cases, slots to see a doctor the same day, are filled up by 9 or 10 am. The best thing to do is to line up early or call in the morning to book a time. Websites like Medimap.ca or your provincial health portal can help you check clinic availability and wait times in real-time. Can’t get in to see someone today? Provinces may also have a health advice phone line staffed by registered nurses, often in multiple languages that you can call to access non-emergency health information, including services like HealthLink BC (811) or Ontario’s Health Connect.
For more severe — but not life-threatening — issues like sprains, strains, high fever, vomiting, a cut requiring stitches, and minor burns or infections, some communities have urgent and primary care centres (UPCC). These are designed to ease the burden on emergency departments and offer faster care. Again, like walk-in clinics, appointments may get booked up early, so try calling ahead. Both walk-in clinics and urgent care centres can refer you to other services you may need like X-rays, bloodwork or specialist care, which are generally covered by your health card. Getting an appointment at these labs for these services may also require some waiting and patience.
In case of emergency
Finally, in cases of true emergencies, such as trouble breathing, severe pain or injury, signs of heart attack or stroke, inability to speak, nonstop or intense bleeding, broken bones and loss of consciousness, you should go to your nearest hospital emergency room (ER) or call 9-1-1- for an ambulance. (Note: this service is available across Canada, but ambulance transport may not be fully covered in every province. In some areas, you may receive a bill for ambulance service after the fact.
At the ER, patients are assessed and treated based on urgency, not arrival time. So, there are often long wait times at emergency rooms, especially if you only have a minor concern. It’s up to all of us to help improve the system by going to emergency rooms only for serious or life-threatening conditions.
Stepping Stones is a series created and written by DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society. See www.dcrs.ca.
