10-04-2013, 08:09 AM
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Apocalypse
Industry Role:
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Limbo
Posts: 3,043
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Not everything is free in countries with free medical care like Canada. For example:
http://www.torontoems.ca/main-site/s...chor-Why-49425
Quote:
Why am I receiving a bill for ambulance service; isn?t the service free?
No. Service isn?t free, but the majority of your ambulance bill is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (O.H.I.P.). When transported in a licensed ambulance, Ontario residents receive a bill only for that portion of the bill that is not covered by your health insurance. This fee is normally $45.00. How much does ambulance service cost?
Normal land ambulance costs are billed at a rate of $240.00, of which all but $45.00 is covered by your provincial health insurance. I am covered by O.H.I.P., but received a bill for $240.00. Why?
O.H.I.P. insures ambulance transportation only for those trips that are medically essential. The hospital to which you were transported makes the determination as to whether your ambulance trip was medically necessary. If the doctor decides that you could have made your way to hospital by another means, you will be billed for the full amount of the ambulance bill. This is necessary in order to ensure that the system is not abused, and that the service is available to those who really need it. I am visiting from the United States, or from another country, and am not insured under O.H.I.P. How will I be billed?
Anyone who is not a resident of Ontario, or is not insured under O.H.I.P., will be billed at the full, uninsured rate of $240.00. Some private health insurance carriers and travel insurance carriers may reimburse you for these costs. It is up to you to discuss this with your insurance carrier.
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And nothing is free if you are from another country:
http://canada.usembassy.gov/travelin...formation.html
Quote:
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Good medical care is widely available. The Canadian health care system is run on a provincial basis (e.g., the province of Ontario has its own hospital insurance plan; as does each of the other provinces and territories) and is funded by Canadian taxpayers. Tourists and temporary visitors do not qualify for this health care plan and should have their own insurance to cover medical expenses.
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