Healthcare
Much of the healthcare provided in Canada is government-funded. Residents and citizens in each province pay taxes so that the government can provide basic quality health care services for free to eligible residents. In the Bay of Quinte Region, a wide range of health resources and services are available, many of which are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) depending on your immigration status.
IMPORTANT: At this time in Canada, it is common to experience long wait times at doctors’ offices and in hospital emergency rooms.
Am I eligible?
Not everyone who is a newcomer to Canada is eligible for Ontario Health Insurance. It’s important to find out about your eligibility so that you know what to do if you need health care quickly.
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
OHIP is Ontario’s health care plan. Through OHIP, the province pays for many of the health services you may need. You need to apply and, once you’re approved, you’ll get an Ontario health card. Your health card proves you’re covered by OHIP – that’s why you’ll need to show it every time you see your doctor, visit an emergency room, have a medical test or go for surgery.
Accessing Interpreters for Healthcare Appointments — If English is not your first language, healthcare providers should be able to arrange for a trained interpreter. It’s important to request an interpreter when you need one.
An interpreter service is also available through Central Eastern Ontario Translation and Interpretation Services.
Quinte Immigration Services is also a valuable resource for information to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare options.
Hospitals
Hospitals in Canada provide a wide range of services, but almost all hospitals have emergency departments and wards for staying in the hospital for treatment or surgery.
The Bay of Quinte has five hospitals – QHC Belleville General Hospital, QHC North Hastings Hospital, QHC Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, QHC Trenton Memorial Hospital, and Lennox and Addington County General Hospital — all with 24-hour-a-day emergency departments.
Family Doctors
Family medicine is the main primary care medical specialty in Canada. Family doctors/physicians (also called General Practioners) care for individuals within the family. Family physicians deliver services across the entire spectrum of care, regardless of patient age, sex or condition.
Getting a Doctor
Ontario’s Health Care Connect program is designed to connect you with a family healthcare provider in your community that is currently accepting patients. This may take some time because of a shortage of doctors accross the country. Use this service to ensure you find a primary care provider.
Community Health Centres
These are not-for-profit community-governed organizations with a focus on improving the health and well-being of populations who may face barriers in accessing health services.
Services include: physical assessments and treatment, prevention and screening clinics, pre-and post-natal care, chronic illness management, individual and family counselling, nutrition counselling, health promotion, immunizations and vaccinations.
Services are available to community members and some services are available only to rostered patients or clients.
There are two in the Bay of Quinte region — Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre and Napanee Area Community Health Centre.
Family Health Teams
Family Health Teams are primary healthcare organizations that include a team of family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians, and other professionals who work together to provide primary healthcare for their community.
There are three Family Health Teams in the Bay of Quinte region — The Queen’s Family Health Team (QFHT) – Belleville-Quinte Site, Prince Edward Family Health Team, and Lakeview Family Health Team.
To join a Family Health Team, you need to enroll with a physician who belongs to a physician group affiliated with a Family Health Team.
Some physicians may accept patients directly while some require interested patients to seek enrolment through Health Care Connect.
Public Health Units
Public Health Units provide healthy living programs and disease prevention information to all members of the community for free.
If you need information about healthy lifestyles, including sexual health, vaccinations, addictions, and healthy growth and development, visit a Public Health Unit.
There are three public health units in the Bay of Quinte region — Hastings Prince Edward County Health, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health.
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available for people who need immediate medical help. This includes hospital emergency rooms and ambulance services. In Canada, you may experience long wait times in emergency rooms, especially if your injury or illness is not life-threatening. Also, calling an ambulance can be expensive, so it’s best to only use it in serious situations.
An ambulance is a special vehicle designed to provide emergency medical care and transport injured or sick people to the nearest hospital. It is staffed by trained medical professionals who can give lifesaving treatment during the ride.
If you have a medical emergency in Canada, call 911. This number connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. Depending on your situation, OHIP may cover part or all of the costs of an ambulance.
Walk-in Clinics
Walk-in clinics are medical offices where you can see medical professionals without an appointment, whether or not you have a family doctor.
You can also receive free health advice by phone through Telehealth by calling 1-866-797-0000 or 1-866-797-0007.
Mental Health Services
Several organizations in Canada, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and local immigrant-serving agencies, offer support tailored to newcomers, which may include counseling and resources to help them adjust to life in Canada.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
If you struggle with drugs, alcohol, or chronic pain; reaching out for support is the most crucial step.
Long Term Care
Long-term care in Canada helps people who can’t take care of themselves because they are old, sick, or disabled. This care can happen in nursing homes, special living places, or at home. It includes help with things like bathing, dressing, eating, and getting medical care to make sure they are safe and healthy.
Optometry (Eye Care)
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide eye and vision care. It’s important to note that OHIP coverage for eye care is limited.
Dentistry (Teeth)
Dentists are oral health professionals who diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. Dental services provided in a dentist’s office are not covered under OHIP but most in-hospital dental surgeries are covered.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies fill drug prescriptions and offer medication counselling on some issues to all members of the community. Pharmacists are able to prescribe certain treatment options for some common medical issues. You may need an Ontario health card for some advising services.
