Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all,
Vanilla are planning an update to the site on April 24th (next Wednesday). It is a major PHP8 update which is expected to boost performance across the site. The site will be down from 7pm and it is expected to take about an hour to complete. We appreciate your patience during the update.
Thanks all.

FYI: Emergency healthcare costs in Canada

Options
  • 27-03-2015 6:36pm
    #1
    Faith
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,655 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I'm horrified by the number of posts here advising people on the IEC not to buy insurance. Firstly, it violates the terms of your visa and you leave yourself open to being refused a visa, or subsequently deported if you were found to not have insurance.

    Secondly, insurance costs €300 - €400 for two years. It sounds like a lot, but let me assure you, a trip to the hospital will cost you a LOT more if you need it.

    Here are some costs in Vancouver (as of 2012; they've more than likely escalated since):

    Non-Resident Rates

    Hospital Name| Emergency Room |Daily Ward| Intensive Care
    Vancouver General| $765| $3,235| $8,120

    Un-Insured Resident Rates

    Hospital Name |Emergency Room| Daily Ward |Intensive Care
    Vancouver General| $385| $1,332 | $5,096


    Test | Non-Residents |Un-Insured Residents
    MRI Scan| $1,750| $641
    CAT Scan| $1,325 |$650
    Out Patient Diagnostic Tests| $400| $260
    Day Care Surgery |$1,625 |$1,107

    BC Ambulance

    Ground - $530
    Helicopter - $2,746 /hr

    Saving €300 isn't going to be so satisfying if you trip walking down the street and have to spend $765 on a quick visit to the ER. It's going to be even worse if you had to spend a couple of nights on a ward.

    So when you're trying to decide whether or not you'll buy insurance, remember: It's not just a minor hurdle to jump over with immigration. Healthcare without insurance is not free, and you could potentially end up in a serious amount of debt from a minor injury. Is it really not buying it?


Comments

Advertisement