Medical tourism in the West is often seen as a luxury: traveling to a destination with top-tier doctors, faster appointments, and comprehensive assessments. For the developing world, Canada has become an equivalent destination for asylum seekers. Until recently, a free, all-inclusive health-care package was provided to anyone filing a refugee claim, covering years-long processing times—even for those ultimately denied. This included doctor visits, eye and dental care, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, mobility aids, and prescriptions—benefits not fully available to Canadian citizens.
Recent Changes to the Program
Last fall, the Carney government announced adjustments to address public concern over the program's optics. Effective May 1, 2026, asylum claimants now pay 30% of costs for some services like eye exams, glasses, dental care, counseling, physiotherapy, and home care, plus a $4 co-pay for prescriptions. However, emergency room visits, doctor appointments, hospital stays, surgery, vaccinations, birthing care, scans, tests, and X-rays remain free.
Rising Costs and Fraud Concerns
Canadians have become aware of the program's financial burden, which the Parliamentary Budget Officer projected to exceed $1 billion annually. From 2016 to 2024, the number of claimants multiplied sevenfold, and average per-person costs tripled. Without further changes, costs could reach $1.5 billion by 2029. Fraud has also emerged, such as a therapist who subcontracted counseling to interns and double-billed, receiving only a $4,700 penalty.
The increase in claims includes students from India claiming refugee status after study permits expire, individuals from Nigeria alleging persecution based on sexual orientation (some with families), former gang members from Mexico and Latin America, and European residents citing inadequate local police protection. Despite the modest fee adjustments, Canada continues to offer a form of medical tourism to the developing world, albeit at a slightly higher price than zero.
