The perception of Canadian healthcare as "free" collides with reality the moment you need something the system doesn't cover. Dental implants, IVF, LASIK, cosmetic surgery, and many specialist services are entirely out-of-pocket — and Canadian private pricing is often higher than equivalent cash-pay rates in the US, let alone Colombia.
The cost surprise
| Procedure | Canada (Private) | US Cash-Pay | Colombia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental implant (single) | C$4,500–$7,000 | $4,000–$6,500 | $800–$1,600 |
| All-on-4 (per arch) | C$25,000–$35,000 | $20,000–$30,000 | $6,500–$11,000 |
| IVF (per cycle) | C$10,000–$20,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | $4,000–$7,000 |
| LASIK (both eyes) | C$4,000–$6,000 | $4,000–$6,000 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Gastric sleeve | C$16,000–$22,000 | $16,000–$25,000 | $4,500–$6,500 |
Canadian private pricing matches or exceeds US pricing because the private surgical market in Canada is small (most capacity is absorbed by the public system), competition is limited, and overhead is comparable. Meanwhile, Colombia's pricing reflects genuine cost advantages in labor, facility overhead, and market structure — not a compromise in quality.
For the complete Canadian medical tourism guide, see medicaltourismabroad.com's Canadian guide. For wait-time alternatives on publicly covered procedures, see surgerywaittimes.com.
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Talk to Someone →Frequently asked questions
Is fertility treatment covered in any province?
Ontario covers one IVF cycle through OHIP for eligible patients. Quebec previously covered IVF but ended universal coverage in 2015, replacing it with a tax credit. Other provinces offer no IVF coverage. Check your province's specific program.
Can I use my employer benefits for surgery abroad?
Many Canadian employer extended health plans cover procedures performed abroad if they would be covered domestically. Check your plan's terms for out-of-country benefit provisions.