Quote:
Originally Posted by ria
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help answer a query I have. I have tried to phone/email Canadian offices where I live and checked CIC website but got nowhere. I am 24 years old and a qualified primary school teacher. I would like to move and work in Ontario under the skilled worker visa. The problem I have is I am an insulin dependent diabetic. In UK I can get my prescriptions readily and easily. I know to get healthcare in Ontario you have to be a PR, which I wouldnt qualify for, until few years down the line. My question is if I secure a job before coming over would i be covered by medical insurance? I was aware I could come over on that visa without a job but with enough funds to see me through until I secure employment, but would that mean I cant get prescriptions until I have a job? I know I cannot be the first diabetic to go over to Canada but I just cant find any answers regarding the steps I would need to take, I would be grateful for any info. Thanks |
Hello Ria and welcome to the site,
If I may I will try and explain some of the difficulties in emi/immigrating to Canada. For most people there are only three legal ways to enter the country, either on a two-year TWP (Temporary Work Permit) which requires an employer to offer you employment under a LMO (Labour Market Opinion), as a
PR (Permanent Resident) which requires that your occupation be on the LIST of 38 occupations regarded as important to Canada's advancement and which are in short supply in the country, or under the BUNAC programme. Your occupation is not on the LIST. If you are planning to come under the BUNAC umbrella you can, of course, work during the year but you will not receive medical coverage. You would require to insure yourself privately. If this is your plan and you do work while here on BUNAC you will still require a LMO if you are to stay here after expiry of your BUNAC visa.
Now, the healthcare in Ontario.
Everyone in Ontario legally automatically receives "free" healthcare after three months of legal residence. This coverage is for doctor visits, specialists and hospital visits/care. It does not cover prescription drugs or dental care. Many of the larger employers, such as school boards, do provide as a benefit supplementary health/dental coverage. This would cover things such as prescription drugs, semi-private/private hospital care and other more minor health items. Be aware that many, perhaps most people do not receive supplementary coverage from their employers, so require to buy their own drugs. If you come on a two-year TWP you will be eligible for healthcare after the three month waiting period.