Healthcare
Canada — Healthcare: Emergency Numbers
Emergency medical services (EMS) in Canada are highly responsive and accessible nationwide through the universal emergency telephone network. Emergency departments, located at regional public hospitals, operate 24 hours a day to provide immediate, life-saving care to any individual regardless of their residency or insurance status. While emergency medical treatments inside a hospital are fully covered under public health insurance, the ground or air ambulance transportation used to reach the hospital is not fully covered under federal mandates — provincial governments often charge a co-pay fee for ambulance services, though these fees are heavily subsidized for local residents.
Key facts
- The universal emergency telephone number 911 is operational across Canada.
- Emergency hospital departments provide immediate medical stabilization regardless of insurance status.
- Patients in emergency departments are treated based on a standardized medical triage severity scale.
- Ambulance transportation is not fully covered by the federal Canada Health Act.
- Provincial health plans charge co-pay fees for ambulance services, ranging from $45 to over $380.
- Ambulance transport fees are commonly covered by private, supplementary employee health plans.
- Air ambulance transport is utilized for remote communities and is coordinated by provincial health units.
- Coverage and billing rules for emergency care may differ for visitors compared to residents.