Canada has a multi-faceted and complex healthcare system. Generally speaking, there are three types of healthcare plans in Canada: public plans that are funded publicly, private plans that are provided through private firms or institutions, and provincial-based plans that are administered by provincial governments.
Public plans are the most comprehensive of systems, and are often referred to as Medicare. These plans are funded through taxes and cover medically necessary hospital and doctor care. Depending on the province, they may also cover essential prescription drugs, medically necessary vision and dental care, and home care and long-term care services.
Private plans are individual plans and group plans offered by employers, unions, and associations. Although they are not funded by the government, they may cover items that are not covered by the public plans, such as drugs, vision care, and private duty nursing.
Lastly, provincial-based plans are administered by provincial governments, and provide coverage for certain provincial-specific programs, such as medication for individuals with chronic illnesses. These plans are designed to supplement public plans, and may include copayments for select services.
In total, Canada has approximately 800 registered healthcare plans. Each province, and even different regions within provinces, have different plans. Furthermore, there are many different types of plans available from different insurers, so it's important to do your research and compare plans before making a decision.