Medication and dental care

Many newcomers are surprised that Canada's public health insurance doesn't pay for drugs bought at a pharmacy or most dental care.

Medication

• Drugs given in hospital are provided free to people with public coverage.
• Drugs from a pharmacy are not free. In most cases, public insurance doesn't cover prescription drugs.
• Many Canadians have other coverage that pays part of the cost: provincial drug programs (if eligible) or group plans from their employer.
• According to Health Canada, provinces offer extra coverage to certain groups such as seniors, children and people on social assistance.

Dental care

• Public insurance doesn't cover most dental services. Check with your provincial health authority or private insurer.
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents; applications for 2026–2027 are open. See the program's official page for eligibility.
• Dentists check and clean teeth, treat gum disease and explain home care.

Before you leave

• Have a dental check-up and any needed treatment in Vietnam before you go.
• Bring enough of your regular medication for the first weeks, with a prescription or doctor's note naming the active ingredients (in English or French if possible).
• Ask your employer whether the group plan covers drugs, dental and vision care, and from when.

Note Over-the-counter medicines in Canada may have different brand names from those in Vietnam. Ask the pharmacist by active ingredient, not brand name.