Public VS Private Healthcare Debate

In 2005 Canada spent an estimated $142 billion on health care, which on average would be about $4,411 per person, according to Health Care in Canada.

The question is: Can this type of public health care system sustain itself, taking into account the fact that this amount is three times what Canada spent in 1975?

How many people have stories about long wait times in the emergency room of a hospital or health clinic; and how many are on the wait list for months before obtaining an appointment for a health service?

On June 9, 2005 The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on a case brought against Quebec Health Insurance by a patient (backed by his doctor) who had had to wait a year to get hip-replacement surgery. The ruling revealed that the majority of sufferers claim that long waiting lists for health care services cause patients to have to endure undue pain and/or be impaired for unreasonable lengths of time. As to this particular case, a 4 to 3 vote to invalidate the long-standing prohibition on private insurance for services covered under the Quebec public health care plan resulted.

Since 2006 Quebec has made modifications to its public health care system. For example, if a patient requires hip surgery (recommended by a specialist) and he or she has not been scheduled for surgery after 6 months by a government funded hospital, then Quebec will pay the costs for the patient to receive medical attention at an affiliated private clinic within the province. After nine months, the patient will be able to receive care at a private clinic outside Quebec, or Canada if need be.

A public opinion poll revealed that 43 percent of the public would like to have more control over management of their healthcare, while 54 percent believe that such measures would weaken a system that many people need to rely on.

Given that Canada’s public health care system is not perfect, there are many good reasons why it’s a smart decision to get a supplemental health insurance plan. Should you ever need immediate medical attention, having a supplemental health insurance plan in place can make all the difference in the world!

What does your province provide coverage for?