Some of you may know that at the end of July I contracted or had a bout of Bells Palsy. The right side of my face was paralysed it looks like I have had a stroke, very scary to discover it first thing in the morning. Anyway since then as you can imagine I have had quite a few dealings with the Canadian Healthcare system and I thought it would be useful for anyone heading to New Brunswick and perhaps other parts of Canada to know what happens.

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I went to the ER (Casualty) at our local hospital and was screened and taken straight into a cubicle. I had to present my medicare card and they booked me in. There were a few people waiting in the ER area but nothing like I have experienced in the UK. Anyway seen, diagnosed, 1 week supply of drugs handed over (no charge), discharged with information sent to my doctor within 30 minutes. I know we are lucky to have a doctor as there is a waiting list.

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Called my doctor and booked in an appointment for the beginning of the next week. During the visit she spends time talking to me about my condition and likely causes/treatments. She also asks about my family and we spend about 15-20 talking all in all. She gives me a prescription and asks me to book an appointment for 2 weeks time. I go to the pharmacy, collect prescription. My company Healthcare insurance covers 80% of the cost so I pay $10. (They also cover 90% on dental).

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This goes on for a few weeks, not much improvement after the initial burst. My company gives me a form to get the doctor to fill in for short term disability leave. The emphasis seems always on me getting well not getting back to work.  My doctor prescribed further tests to make sure there is nothing else going on with my Bells Palsy (MRI scan. done two weeks after request). Further blood tests all carried out with a week.  I have absolutely no complaints about the Canadian Healthcare system. I am sure others in major cities will have a different experience.

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After 35 days off work, my company sends me information on the Long Term Disability insurance benefits we get (50% of salary, and the company can decide how much more to make up). However I would have to be off work for 105 days before this kicks in. They are just giving me heads up on what Benefits are available. I start returning part time to work (being at home was driving me crazy as you will know from reading my earlier entries).

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My benefits package also includes 3 x salary life insurance, 1x salary accidental death or disability  payment I may we worth more dead than alive!!!!. The Optician costs for eye tests and glasses (upto $250 in one year). Physiotherapy such as massage and acupuncture (which I had last Monday and today more on that later ). The benefits coverage includes my family for medical and dental costs. This insurance coverage costs me about 7% of my salary. The company pays double that. I also pay 4.5% of my taxable pay Canadian Pension Plan, about 26% income tax and about 2% for EI (Employment Insurance). So you can see the taxation isnt that different from the UK in terms of amounts. See CRA for payroll deductions calculator.

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Of course this peace of mind is why North Americans always talk about their Healthcare Benefits with their job.

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One difference in the tax system here is we can split it between spouse. So as Julie hasnt been working we have been getting a refund each year of approx $2,500-3,000. This comes in April / May just in time to pay the yearly council tax (for want of a better word) which because we live out of the city is about $1,800. No water charges we are on a well. Sewage is via a septic tank which costs about $200 to empty every 3-4 years.