Is there a way to reduce the waiting time?

[1978bubun]

Can having a private insurance (employer provided or otherwise) help in seeing a specialist (or having an MRI scan done) somehow?

 

[k.h.p.]

If your private insurance will cover primary care, then it may. But private insurance in Canada typically only covers what the primary insurance (MSP, OHIP) will not.

What you're asking is if you can pay somewhere to have a needed medical scan done sooner. That's private health care, and only exists in very narrow circumstances. Your best bet would be to travel to the US and pay for it yourself, though with COVID, that's a large request.

 

[Copingwithlife]

Can having a private insurance (employer provided or otherwise) help in seeing a specialist (or having an MRI scan done) somehow?

Not if it’ll bump someone out of line that’s covered by the province
Some provinces have private pay . I flew out to Calgary to pay for a service . However they DONT accept private insurance , it was cash or credit card only
It is night & day though . Once they realize you’re private pay , you’re lead into a private waiting room, leather recliners , Evian water , cappuccinos, biscottis, pastries,fire place , private change rooms , showers, REAL cotton robes, none of those paper or flimsy ones, where you have literally not one shred of dignity left .Valet parking
It’s like a private club compared to the main waiting area . It was packed to the gills , people seated on the floors. Kids screaming . It was totally worth the $900

 

[canuck78]

Only executives really get private coverage for some things that are covered by OHIP and those are limited services. It looks like you haven’t lived in Canada for 5 years and have an expired PR card which can make getting a health card difficult.

 

[1978bubun]

Only executives really get private coverage for some things that are covered by OHIP and those are limited services. It looks like you haven’t lived in Canada for 5 years and have an expired PR card which can make getting a health card difficult.

I am applying for my PRTD. I had complex medical reasons which kept me out of Canada for 5 years.
So, what I understood from the discussion is there is practically little/no wayout to see a doctor sooner than a few months, unless it's a life-critical emergency. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[canuck78]

I am applying for my PRTD. I had complex medical reasons which kept me out of Canada for 5 years.
So, what I understood from the discussion is there is practically little/no wayout to see a doctor sooner than a few months, unless it's a life-critical emergency. Correct me if I am wrong.

If you passed your medical to become a PR 5 years ago you couldn't get approved with complex medical needs. You'll need to show that you have been sick since you did your brief soft landing and couldn't relocate even though you'd have access to healthcare.

The health system has been on pause for many months many people have had appoìntments, procedure, surgeries, etc. cancelled so wait times are even longer. Where are you moving? Some provinces have wait times until you qualify for health coverage. You'll need to see a family doctor to get referred to a specilist. You should also be aware that not everything ia covered in Canada so unless you have a jobs with an extended benefit plan things like meducation may not be covered. Yes there will be wait times to see a doctors. How long is unknown. Could be a month or could be a year. All depends on the doctor and the location. Would start with applying for your PRTD.

 

[canuck78]

Would add thar any children born in the US will not qualify for healthcare until they have been sponsored.