So I'm a 22 year old Canadian citizen, I left to travel in mid 2015 and haven't been home since. I know this is really dumb but my health card expired about 2 months ago and I'm still overseas. I now found out that I may have lymphoma which is a form of cancer, I get the biopsy done in a few days and will have the results shortly after, but so far a lot of stuff are pointing to something serious and the doctors look pretty concerned. If I need cancer treatment is there anyway I can get that in Canada if I renew my health card? Or am I done for? What options do I have if it turns out to be something bad? I know I'm really dumb for putting myself in this spot but I really can't afford to pay for something like that. Also does it make a difference if I get biopsy done in Canada or overseas?
I think Im in deep trouble, OHIP related.
- Thread starter JRT1
- Start date
You can absolutely get treatment in Canada. However since you have been out of the country for so long, there will be a three month waiting period when you return before you'll have coverage again. So during those first three months in Canada, you will have to pay for all medical care out of your own pocket.
Your lost your OHIP coverage a long time ago if you've been travelling for so long. The expiry date doesn't mean anything in this situation. You likely lost coverage in 2016.
If the worst comes to the worst you could move to Alberta... coverage has no waiting period...
However you would have to maintain Alberta residency for not less than six months every year
Would guess he will need to live with or near family for support during treatment. They may not be able to move to another province. Also there is the expense of setting up your life in a new province.