Canada's public healthcare system covers medically necessary hospital and physician services. The problem is what falls outside that definition — and how long the wait is for what falls inside it.
Dental implants, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, LASIK, and most elective procedures are not covered by provincial health plans. And for the procedures that are covered — joint replacements, cataract surgery, bariatric surgery — the median wait from referral to treatment is 27.7 weeks nationally, with some provinces and procedures exceeding 48 weeks.
What the public system doesn't cover
The Canada Health Act mandates coverage for "medically necessary" services provided by physicians in hospitals. It does not mandate coverage for dental care (outside hospitals), vision care beyond medically necessary eye exams, prescription drugs (outside hospitals), physiotherapy, mental health counseling (outside physician referral), fertility treatments (varies by province), or cosmetic and elective procedures.
For a Canadian who needs dental implants, IVF, or LASIK, the experience is functionally identical to an uninsured American: you pay the full cost out of pocket, and Canadian private pricing is often higher than US cash-pay rates because the private market is smaller and less competitive.
What the public system covers — eventually
Joint replacements, cataract surgery, cardiac procedures, and cancer treatment are covered but subject to wait times that the Fraser Institute's annual survey consistently ranks among the worst in the developed world. The 2026 data shows a median wait of 48.6 weeks for orthopedic procedures and 18 to 106 months for bariatric surgery depending on province.
For the province-by-province wait time data, see surgerywaittimes.com's Fraser Report analysis. For the cost of waiting (lost wages, worsening conditions), see their lost wages calculator.
The option most Canadians don't know about
Most provinces will reimburse the provincial rate for medically necessary procedures obtained abroad — if you get prior approval. The reimbursement is typically below the full cost, but it offsets a meaningful portion. For details, see our guide to every province's out-of-country coverage rules.
Over 105,000 Canadians sought medical care abroad in 2025. The majority went to the US. An increasing number are discovering that Colombia offers the same procedures at 50 to 70 percent less than US private pricing, with direct flights from Toronto, the same timezone as Eastern Canada, and no jet lag.
Need help figuring out your next step?
We connect people whose insurance said no with verified surgeons in Colombia who perform the same procedures at 50–70% less. No obligation.
Talk to Someone →Frequently asked questions
Is it legal for Canadians to pay for surgery abroad?
Yes. There is no legal restriction on Canadians seeking medical care in other countries. See <a href='https://surgerywaittimes.com/blog/is-it-legal-canadians-pay-surgery-abroad.html'>surgerywaittimes.com's legal explainer</a>.
Does my province cover surgery abroad?
Most provinces have an out-of-country program that reimburses at the provincial rate for medically necessary care with prior approval. Coverage and approval processes vary by province.