Canada

Canada scores 79.8 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2026, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 82.5 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 12.20% of GDP on health services.

GP / doctor visits in Canada are free for residents covered by the public health system (100.0% of the population). Private consultations typically cost more. A hospital stay averages $1,200 USD per day.

Canada has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 12.20% of GDP in health spending.

Average private health insurance in Canada costs approximately $150 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

Canada operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 100.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.

Canada has 2.4 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

Life expectancy in Canada is 82.5 years in 2026, compared to the Americas average of 77.6 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The infant mortality rate in Canada is 4.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.

Canada ranks 1 out of 8 Americas countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 79.8/100 is +18.1pp above the Americas average of 61.7/100. Life expectancy is +4.9 years versus the regional average.

Expats who obtain legal residency in Canada generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.

Canada is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

A hospital stay in Canada costs approximately $1,200 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Canada's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 77.3/100 to 79.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 81.8 to 82.5 years over the same period.

Canada has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 2.50 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.