What is the most recommended city in Ontario for a single 32 year old immigrant to start in?

[TOM_1900]

Not sure what sort of treatment and exams you need in hospitals. Specialists can take years to see. Regular meds can be prescribed through walk in. You need a job in Ontario to even qualify for OHIP. You pay out of pocket for prescriptions.

Years?! OMG.. so what people do? Go to the US to see a doctor?

Yes, I understand that meds will be an issue, because I understood that for the 6 first months I need to be on International private insurance which doesn’t cover nothing basically except emergency, and even after that when I can apply for the local insurance- I’ve been told that no meds covered in Canda, is that true?

 

[scylla]

Years?! OMG.. so what people do? Go to the US to see a doctor?

Yes, I understand that meds will be an issue, because I understood that for the 6 first months I need to be on International private insurance which doesn’t cover nothing basically except emergency, and even after that when I can apply for the local insurance- I’ve been told that no meds covered in Canda, is that true?

My experience has been that specialists can take a few months but not years. But I've also had instances where it's only taken a few days. It can depend on the circumstances and severity.

Prescription medications are not covered in Canada. You pay for these out of pocket. Some employers (but not all) provide additional coverage that may cover a portion of prescription medication costs.

 

[TOM_1900]

If you are OK having around a 2.5 hour commute to Toronto, then go for a place like Waterloo or Burlington. If you want to be closer, then you would need to aim for places like Richmond Hill, Markham, Oakville, etc. which will be more expensive from a rent perspecitve. Without a car, it's also going to be important to consider where you are living (i.e. to make sure you are living right by public transit). There are places in Oakville, for example, that really aren't manageable via public transit and a car is a must. Other are doable without a car.

Good luck.

Yeah, 2.5 is a no go. Also, because I depend on public transportation, I have to live very close to my job and cetra, with a great public transportation. I heard getting a Candian license can be complex and probably to own a car will be expensive for start.

I would say I need to be 30 min drive in public transportation tops from my work, whenever it will be.

 

[TOM_1900]

My experience has been that specialists can take a few months but not years. But I've also had instances where it's only taken a few days. It can depend on the circumstances and severity.

Prescription medications are not covered in Canada. You pay for these out of pocket. Some employers (but not all) provide additional coverage that may cover a portion of prescription medication costs.

So for example If I have a very expensive med, (which in my country is almost fully covered) there’s nothing I can do but pay the full price?

 

[scylla]

Years?! OMG.. so what people do? Go to the US to see a doctor?

Yes, I understand that meds will be an issue, because I understood that for the 6 first months I need to be on International private insurance which doesn’t cover nothing basically except emergency, and even after that when I can apply for the local insurance- I’ve been told that no meds covered in Canda, is that true?

BTW - it's not at all clear if you are asking about prescription medication or non-prescription medication. So hard to comment with certainty on whether it would be covered or not. Prescription meds are not covered. Other treatments may be. Again, impossible to say without knowing exactly what you are asking about / what treatments you need.

 

[scylla]

So for example If I have a very expensive med, (which in my country is almost fully covered) there’s nothing I can do but pay the full price?

See my new post. Impossible to say because we don't know what it is and how it would be classified here.

 

[Copingwithlife]

I already know that medicine in Canada is generally not that good, a lot because of private medicine is illegal, so I come with a low expectations as it is, it’s more important to me that I can get my regular meds in time, see a good professional doctors if needed or get a good treatment/ exams in a hospital and cetra if needed. Still, I saw an accurate wating times list in all the provinces, and Ontario ranked in the first places also with the most large numbers of doctors in general, so if it’s bad there, I don’t want to think what is the situation in the worst provinces.

Also, globally speaking, Toronto has some of the hospitals that rank as the best in the world.

But to see any specialist you’ll need to be referred by a GP. So first you need to see a GP, which as mentioned wait times can be lengthy .
As mentioned to see a specialist can take awhile dependant upon urgency . Example I had an ear infection. Turned out it was life threatening. Who knew a ear infection could kill you ? Yes they can . I was seen immediately by an ENT. Same day . Left my GP, went directly to an ENT office .
And yes the hospitals in Toronto are world class , but that doesn’t mean you’ll be referred to them .
Case in point . Friend of mine living in Oakville was diagnosed with breast cancer . That doesn’t mean she’s referred to Princess Margaret in Toronto . She was treated / operated on , in coordination with hospitals in Oakville, Mississauga

 

[TOM_1900]

BTW - it's not at all clear if you are asking about prescription medication or non-prescription medication. So hard to comment with certainty on whether it would be covered or not. Prescription meds are not covered. Other treatments may be. Again, impossible to say without knowing exactly what you are asking about / what treatments you need.

its all prescriptions medications, migraines injections which are insanely expensive, and allergy immunotherapy which is expensive too but bearable.

 

[TOM_1900]

But to see any specialist you’ll need to be referred by a GP. So first you need to see a GP, which as mentioned wait times can be lengthy .
As mentioned to see a specialist can take awhile dependant upon urgency . Example I had an ear infection. Turned out it was life threatening. Who knew a ear infection could kill you ? Yes they can . I was seen immediately by an ENT. Same day . Left my GP, went directly to an ENT office .
And yes the hospitals in Toronto are world class , but that doesn’t mean you’ll be referred to them .
Case in point . Friend of mine living in Oakville was diagnosed with breast cancer . That doesn’t mean she’s referred to Princess Margaret in Toronto . She was treated / operated on , in coordination with hospitals in Oakville, Mississauga

Oh god. That’s bad.. and I thought Israel medicine is problematic.

 

[Copingwithlife]

So for example If I have a very expensive med, (which in my country is almost fully covered) there’s nothing I can do but pay the full price?

You have to see if you qualify to get them covered . Friend in question that has breast cancer . Medication is $5500/month. She’s working with the hospital, who works with the manufacturer to get this covered . However she’s covered by ohip and this drug helps hinder the reoccurrence of the cancer

 

[Copingwithlife]

Oh god. That’s bad.. and I thought Israel medicine is problematic.

It is what it is is the rule I go by . I needed to get a ultrasound. I was quoted an appointment a month out . I started calling different ultrasound clinics . Got one the next day . Be polite , never demand .

 

[TOM_1900]

It is what it is . I needed to get a ultrasound. I was quoted an appointment a month out . I started calling different ultrasound clinics . Got one the next day .

Yes sounds exactly like in Israel. Thanks.

 

[scylla]

its all prescriptions medications, migraines injections which are insanely expensive, and allergy immunotherapy which is expensive too but bearable.

So it sounds like this is all stuff you would have to pay for out of pocket. Also make sure you do your research on the availability of these medications in Canada. As I'm sure you know, different countries have different processes for certifying meds.

 

[Copingwithlife]

Yes sounds exactly like in Israel. Thanks.

Good luck in your search.

 

[TOM_1900]

So it sounds like this is all stuff you would have to pay for out of pocket. Also make sure you do your research on the availability of these medications in Canada. As I'm sure you know, different countries have different processes for certifying meds.

Thanks. Yes, I’m aware, fortunately in this case, there’s no generic versions of this meds, that’s why there so expensive, so I’ll check but I’m assuming its available in Canada if it’s available in Israel.