Although the Canadian healthcare system is free, long waiting times have led many patients to seek medical treatment abroad in order to save their lives. CTV News today shares the stories of five Canadian female patients to explain the reasons behind this.

Toronto Woman: "I had started saying goodbye"

Allison Vandenberg, a woman from Toronto, said that she was refused back surgery by doctors even before entering the clinic, as her pain had become unbearable.

"A doctor agreed to see me, but after waiting eight months, I was rejected before even stepping inside," she wrote in an email to CTV News.

In excruciating pain, she began to consider medically assisted death for help.

"I had started saying goodbye," she said.

Luckily, a Mexican friend helped her connect with a doctor, and this introduction may have changed her life.

"We chatted on the phone and WhatsApp until I felt comfortable. I had the tests done on Monday and the surgery on Thursday."

Vandenberg is one of several patients interviewed by CTV News who are turning to overseas medical care, not out of luxury or convenience, but out of necessity.

According to the Canadian Medical Association, some non-emergency surgeries that can be scheduled in advance are being postponed, such as hip replacements, knee replacements, and cataract surgeries, while more and more Canadians (over 6.5 million) cannot access family doctor services.

Ontario Woman: "I am afraid of spending my whole life in a wheelchair"

Ronna Hoogstraten from Glen Morris, Ontario, said that after suffering from six years of painful back and sacroiliac joint pain, the Canadian healthcare system left her feeling stuck between two choices.

"My L5-S1 disc has degenerated by 15%, and other discs are beginning to slip," she stated. "I am afraid of eventually being confined to a wheelchair for life."

Through research, she found a German clinic and was able to schedule surgery just six days after providing MRI results.

"I haven't even received a referral date from a Canadian surgeon, yet I was able to schedule surgery so quickly in Germany," she said.

Montreal Woman: "To save my life, I had to go abroad."

Celyn Harding-Jones, a resident of Montreal, said that she has been suffering from a rare brain tumor for 20 years and was forced to seek treatment abroad.

"To save my life, I had to go abroad," she wrote in an email to CTV.

"I couldn't find a neurosurgeon in Canada with experience in treating this type of tumor or willing to perform the surgery."

"By the time I turned 35, I developed cerebral palsy and could barely take care of my children," she said, adding that the process for applying for provincial treatment outside the province was opaque and unsuitable for seriously ill patients.

Jones's difficult experience highlights the troubles faced by many Canadian patients with rare diseases, who often find themselves caught in loopholes within the Canadian healthcare system.

"Due to limited healthcare services, we can only rely on the qualifications of local doctors, leaving us isolated," she said, emphasizing how difficult it is to find specialized doctors when needed most.

Alberta Woman: Bureaucracy in Canadian Healthcare

Even when Canadians are told to seek treatment abroad, the path is not easy.

Louise Zuke from Alberta said that Alberta Health Services suggested she consider paying out-of-pocket for surgery abroad, with reimbursement only possible after the procedure.

She could not guarantee medical coverage or subsequent care locally.

She was also told she could consider treatment in Ontario or British Columbia, but there was no clear timeline or outcome.

Canadian Woman: Same Situation for Veterans

This situation is equally frustrating for veterans.

Jody Beckett, a former captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, also faced similar difficulties. Due to delays by Veterans Affairs Canada, she ultimately underwent cervical spine surgery in Germany.

"It took them months to assess my case before they could approve my reimbursement," she said. "I didn’t have months to wait for bureaucratic approval."

The surgery included spinal reconstruction and cost approximately CAD 100,000.

Toronto Residents: Overseas Treatment is Cheaper

Professor Valerie Crooks from Simon Fraser University said that due to affordability, convenient transportation, and strong cultural ties, certain countries have become popular destinations for Canadians.

"Mexico is an important medical tourism destination because of its geographical advantages, low entry barriers—there are existing flights, Canadians don’t need visas, and costs are relatively controllable," she said in an interview with CTV.

India is also popular, especially for Canadians with cultural or family ties. "Many second-generation and third-generation Indian Canadians visit India for medical care when visiting relatives or friends."

However, Professor Crooks pointed out that some emerging medical tourism destinations are gaining attention, particularly in Eastern Europe, where clinics are actively promoting themselves to international patients.

Turkey has also become a popular destination for dental and cosmetic treatments, with clinics often bundling medical services with hotel accommodations and airport transfers, and costs still only a fraction of what they would be in Canada.

For example, Michelle F. Renaud from the Toronto area is traveling to Turkey for two dental implants.

"Including round-trip flights, my total cost will be less than CAD 5,500," she said.

In Canada, even with workers' compensation, the cost of this surgery would exceed CAD 10,000.

Additionally, Ken Hadall from Toronto recently returned from Istanbul, where he underwent full mouth rehabilitation including crowns, bridges, and veneers for just USD 3,500, approximately CAD 4,800.

"My Oakville dentist quoted me CAD 100,000 for the same procedure."

Some countries are even targeting expatriate communities or adding medical care options to existing tourism industries.

"Some Caribbean countries are building health and wellness tourism platforms aimed at attracting tourists who also purchase medical services, whether minor or major surgeries," said Professor Crooks.

Things to Know Before Traveling

Although foreign clinics may offer faster service, Professor Crooks urges Canadians to think twice before scheduling overseas surgeries.

"People usually focus on the upfront costs of medical services," she said. "But they don’t always consider all the expenses, including travel, accommodation, and unforeseen complications."

She also recommends consulting with a family doctor first. "Understanding the entire process is crucial. Doctors can provide important advice on recovery and follow-up care."

Another major issue facing medical tourism is how to obtain subsequent care in Canada.

"Patients traveling abroad often disconnect from their domestic healthcare networks," she explained. "Not all Canadian doctors are familiar with surgical procedures abroad, making it difficult for them to provide adequate follow-up care."

This is especially challenging if the surgery performed abroad is uncommon in Canada.

For many, going abroad is a way to regain control over their health after encountering obstacles domestically. But Professor Crooks warns that every situation is unique, and traveling abroad for treatment comes at a high cost.

"There is no one-size-fits-all answer," she said. "Weighing potential benefits and risks and planning carefully for future journeys is crucial."

Source:

https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2025/05/10/i-had-started-saying-goodbye-why-some-canadians-go-abroad-for-medical-care/

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503064428783354431/

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