CanadaCanada Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips
Content about Canada on WorldSupporter
Why study in Canada, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Canada?
Why study in Canada, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Canada?
Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Canada?
- Because the teaching is of very high quality.
- Because you will find a wide range of study and internship opportunities.
- Because it helps you improve and professionalize your English and/or French.
- Because you can gain insight into a multicultural environment, which is valuable in a globalized job market.
- Because you can gain high-quality practical skills.
What should you pay attention to?
- That tuition fees can be very high.
- That you know (some of) the language of the area you are going to.
- That equality, fair treatment and inclusiveness are very important values.
Why live in Canada, why emigrate to Canada or stay for a long time?
Why live in Canada, why emigrate to Canada or stay for a long time?
Why should you live in Canada as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?
- Because Canada is one of the most favorite countries for longer stays and emigration.
- Because there is a tremendous amount of outdoor adventures.
- Because the amenities are good, and the people are incredibly kind.
- Because environmental awareness is high.
- Because health care is a fundamental right in Canada.
- Because you can learn a lot about kindness, respect for others and equality in a multicultural society.
- Because you can give your English and possibly French language skills a big boost.
- Because Canada is open to immigrants.
What should you pay attention to?
- That the cost of living is relatively high in the big cities.
- That it can get very cold in the winter.
- That the distances are great so you may be far away from friends or public transportation options.
Canada: Updates & Travel
Canada: Updates & Travel
Travel in Canada?
- Go whale watching or learn about the Inuit lifestyle. Or get cultural in Vancouver or Montreal, for example. Canada is the second largest country in the world and has a more European feel than the United States. Because it is quite sparsely populated, you will still find many unspoiled natural areas here.
- Cruise to Alaska where you can spot whales along the way, and take a sleigh ride. Here, as in the province of Northwest territories, you can see the Northern Lights.
- Go kayaking on one of the many lakes. For example, on Lake Ontario.
- Go for Canadian nature at its best, with dramatic mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests and a variety of wildlife in Banff National Park or Kluane National Park (where Mount Logan is Canada's highest mountain at nearly 6,000 feet). Watch out for grizzly bears!
- Baffin Island: Cold but so immensely beautiful. Canada's largest island is home to caribou and musk oxen in addition to Inuit (be careful not to call them eskimos).
- If you like winter sports, Whistler is the place to be.
Updates Canada
- More about Canada, updates and contributions, see the link below.
How does healthcare work in Canada, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does healthcare work in Canada, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
- How does the healthcare system work in Canada?
- How does the public healthcare system work in Canada?
- How does the private healthcare system work in Canada?
- How is the GP arranged in Canada?
- How is the dentist arranged in Canada?
- How is pregnancy care arranged in Canada?
- How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Canada?
- What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Canada?
- What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Canada if you are going to live there for a while?
How does the healthcare system work in Canada?
- Canada is known for its universal healthcare system, which means that basic healthcare is funded by the government through tax money. This system is called the Medicare system (just like in the USA) and offers free or very affordable access to many medical services for residents and permanent residents. The system is organized provincially, so there are variations per province and territory.
- In Canada, healthcare is guaranteed for every resident. In general, medical costs are lower compared to the US. For example, medical consultations are free for Canadians and the patient does not always need a referral from a GP to see a specialist.
- Although medication in the hospital is free, medication from a pharmacy is not. For this you often have to pay for it yourself, or arrange your own insurance.
- The most common diseases are for example those of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and cancer.
- In Canada, medical students already have a degree before they start medical school. Many of the students even have a PhD. For this reason, the first preclinical years are very clinically oriented. Instead of three clinical years, as in the Netherlands, Canadian students only have two. They are immediately given their own patients to care for. Taking out professional liability (malpractice) insurance is therefore vital for students who are going to work in Canada.
- Call 911 for emergency medical services.
How does the public healthcare system work in Canada?
- Everyone who legally resides in Canada and is registered in a province has access to Medicare.
- Expats with a work permit of at least 6 months can usually also apply, depending on the province. Note that there is often a waiting period (e.g., no access in the first three months). Students and tourists are often not covered.
- Public health care covers basic services such as visits to general practitioners and specialists, emergency hospital care, and surgeries and diagnostic tests.
- Because the system is regulated by province/territory, the exact coverage and conditions depend on where you live. In British Columbia, for example, the system is called Health BC, in Ontario it is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and RAMQ in Quebec.
- RAMQ also has agreements with several countries, which may be of particular interest to students and people with certain work visas.
- For other medical services and costs, such as dental care, physiotherapy, glasses, you can take out supplementary or private insurance.
- Problems in public health care include long wait times for non-urgent surgeries or specialist care, a lack of general practitioners in some areas and limited coverage for dental care, physiotherapy, medicines and optometry.
- Depending on where you arrive in Canada, there are information desks that can connect you with organizations that help with immigration: CUIAS at Toronto Airport and SUCCESS at Vancouver Airport.
How does the private healthcare system work in Canada?
- Although most healthcare is covered by Medicare, there are also private options, especially for services not covered by the public system. This is useful for expats, newcomers, or those who want additional coverage.
- About 25 percent of the population in Canada chooses private health care.
- Why choose private care? For faster access to specialist care; if you need coverage for services such as dental care, physiotherapy, optometry, and alternative therapies (such as acupuncture); for medications, as Medicare usually only covers medications in hospitals.
- Private care and medications can be quite expensive.
- Many employers offer additional insurance as part of their employment conditions.
- Some tips:
- Pay close attention to the waiting time for access to the public health care system.
- Check with your employer to see if they offer additional insurance.
- Find a family doctor as soon as you arrive in Canada; this can take time in areas with doctor shortages.
- Expect additional costs for medications and dental care.
- From a medical perspective, choose a province with a good balance between wait times and access to care (e.g., Ontario or British Columbia).
How is the GP arranged in Canada?
- Family doctors are the gatekeepers of the system. You usually need a referral to see a specialist.
- It is not always easy to visit a family doctor, for example in the North of Canada it is more difficult. Many Canadians go to the emergency room of the hospital for basic care, even if you have the flu. This can cause waiting times to be very long.
- Waiting times for a visit to the family doctor can be shorter in large cities than in rural areas.
How is the dentist arranged in Canada?
- Dental care is largely private, and the costs can be high. So check which dental care is covered by your insurance.
- A standard check-up can cost between 75 and 150 CAD.
- For extensive treatments such as a root canal, the costs can quickly rise to 1000 CAD or more.
- Many expats choose to have dental care abroad (for example the US or Mexico) because it can be a lot cheaper.
How is pregnancy care arranged in Canada?
- Pregnancy care is covered by Medicare and is completely free for residents and those with a valid health card.
- Pregnancy care includes prenatal checkups, hospital deliveries, and choices of obstetricians or gynecologists for guidance.
- Breastfeeding in public is completely accepted in Canada. There are even laws to protect women from discrimination.
- Home births are possible with a midwife (depending on the province).
- In some provinces, such as British Columbia, midwives have a lot of autonomy and you can give birth with them without a doctor.
- Maternity leave is generous: parents can take up to 18 months of leave, partially paid through a government program.
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Canada?
What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Canada?
- Canada is known as one of the safest countries in the world, but there are a few things to consider.
- Crime is low, but incidents such as theft or burglary do occasionally occur in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Don’t leave valuables in your car and avoid remote areas at night.
- In rural areas and national parks, you may encounter bears, moose, and coyotes. Follow wildlife regulations: store food and garbage in sealed containers, wear bear spray when hiking in bear country, and avoid contact with animals, even if they seem tame.
- Canada has strict driving laws and enforces them rigorously.
- Snowstorms and icy conditions can be dangerous in the winter; wear snow tires and follow weather reports.
What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Canada?
- Summer heat waves can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion.
- Lyme disease is prevalent in forested areas; wear long clothing and check for ticks after hiking.
- Respiratory conditions can be aggravated in the winter due to dry air and cold temperatures.
- Tap water in Canada is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated in remote areas. Some expats prefer filtered water for its taste.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Canada?
- The roads are generally of good quality, but can be dangerous in winter due to snow and ice.
- In rural areas, gravel roads and remote roads are common; take a 4x4 if you are going to drive a lot here.
- Canada has strict traffic laws, such as a speed limit and mandatory use of child seats.
- Avoid driving during snowstorms and be careful in areas where there is a lot of wildlife crossing the road.
- Public transport in large cities is reliable, but in rural areas cars are essential.
What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Canada?
Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Canada if you are going to live there for a while?
- Most people with a long-term visa are entitled to access the Medicare system after a waiting period of 3 (but often 4) months. Especially for this period, but also for the period afterwards, it is wise to take out your own international insurance.
- As an alternative to many basic Western health insurances, an international emigration or expat insurance is a frequently used replacement. Such insurance offers a number of advantages compared to local coverage: international coverage, reimbursements and conditions often according to Western standards, focused on coverage that a "foreigner" needs, and flexibility when moving to Canada. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Packing list for Canada, travel insurance for Canada, and taking your belongings
Packing list for Canada, travel insurance for Canada, and taking your belongings
To pack and bring to Canada
- What to take with you to Canada: spotlighted
- What are some other options to pack as well?
- What should you keep in mind when traveling to Canada with your belongings?
- Are there mosquitoes in Canada?
- Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Canada?
- Can you buy a joint or weed in Canada, or take it with you to Canada?
What to take with you to Canada: spotlighted
Featured items:
- Documents: Passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). An online and/or offline copy of your passport is always useful.
- Money: Canadian dollars (CAD) for tipping and for remote areas. Debit and credit cards (essential if you want to rent a car) both work fine.
- Care: High factor sunscreen and lip balm for winter (more on sunscreen and sunblock).
- Outdoor and practical: Rain jacket (more on rain gear and waterproofs), backpack rain cover.
- Clothing: Weather comes in all shapes and sizes. Layers, layers, layers from warm to cold are best! Think shirt/thermal shirt, fleece, rain jacket.
- Shoes: Comfortable everyday shoes and good hiking shoes if you're going into the wild (more on mountain boots or trekking shoes).
- Reusable water bottle, because you'll need to drink a lot of water!
- Medicines and travel kit: toilet paper and hand sanitizer (see also DEET mosquito repellent).
- Safety: money belt or fanny pack for your valuables.
- Technology and equipment: world plug type A/B (see also world plug or travel plug). Power bank for long train and bus rides.
What are some other options to pack as well?
- Reusable water bottle (possibly with filter for remote areas).
- International driving license for that mega road trip.
- a small first aid kit for when you go hiking.
- Bear bell, if you have one.
- Reusable mug - Canadians love coffee-on-the-go.
- Hiking and camping gear, such as a compass and headlamp.
- Quick-drying travel towel
What should you keep in mind when traveling to Canada with your belongings?
- That you can sometimes be on the road for a long time without encountering anything or anyone, and you will be far removed from convenience stores.
- Dress according to province and season: you’ll be in your bikini one place, your snowshoes the next.
- Whether there are bears in the area you’re going to.
Are there mosquitoes in Canada?
- Yes, mosquitoes are a seasonal nuisance, especially in the summer (June to August) in wooded areas or around lakes.
- In some areas, such as Ontario or Manitoba, there are also black flies – small, biting and annoying.
- More about mosquito and insect protection.
Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Canada?
- Yes, plenty! You can find DEET and icaridin products in any drugstore, supermarket or outdoor store (such as Canadian Tire, MEC, or Shoppers Drug Mart).
Can you buy a joint or weed in Canada, or take it with you to Canada?
- Yes, cannabis has been legal for recreational use since 2018. You can buy it from official shops (such as the Ontario Cannabis Store or in licensed stores).
- Check the recent amounts you can carry with you.
- You are not allowed to smoke in public places, schools or in your rental car – and this monitored.
- As a tourist, you can buy and use weed, but you cannot export or import it, not even to/from the US – that is a federal-prohibited zone!
Canada: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Canada: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Content about Canada shared by WorldSupporters
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Canada: selectie van blogs en bijdragen van Wereldsupporters - Bundel
Canada: selectie van blogs en bijdragen van Wereldsupporters - Bundel
Selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WereldSupporters over Canada
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