Useful Tips for Doctors Practicing in Canada

Life as a Doctor in Canada

These are some frequently asked questions and the answers we give doctors coming from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and the USA who want to practice as General Practitioners in Canada. We understand that each doctor immigrating to Canada will have his or her individual circumstances that may influence the information below.

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)

To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you will require a 9-digit
Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN is private and it is illegal for anyone else to use it.
You are responsible for protecting your SIN.

Service Canada issues your SIN, which will come in a paper format (ie Confirmation of SIN
letter).

You must visit the local Service Canada Office on your first business day upon arrival in
Canada. Bring your passport, work permit and any other documents. Most applicants will
receive their SIN immediately. It is also possible to apply online or by mail, but this may take
several weeks, and you will need a SIN right away.

Please refer to Government of Canada, Apply, Update or Obtain a SIN Confirmation for further
information; search “Service Canada locations near me”.

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

You will require a SIN to:

● Open a Bank Account – there are 5 major banks in Canada that offer the same service, which may also include obtaining a credit card right away. As well, ask if they have a special account for physicians or newcomers.

○ Bank of Montreal (BMO)
○ Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
○ Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
○ Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
○ Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

● Rent a Car – Google low-cost companies for best price
● Buy a Car – when deciding to buy a vehicle, ask if the company offers a discount for doctors. Most new doctors in Canada qualify for credit to buy a car.

As a physician, your income places you among Canada’s highest earners, making you a highly valued client. This often qualifies you for access to professional financial advisors (Wealth Advisors) and preferred rates on mortgages, bank loans, and other special offers.

Canadian currency includes images of Queen Elizabeth and King Charles on our coins and
paper currency. Canada no longer uses pennies, and purchases are rounded up or down. Canadians use coins for one-dollar and two-dollar denominations, affectionately known as “loonies” and “toonies,” respectively.

A common payment method in Canada is “e-transfer,” which allows you to send money from your bank account to another person using their cell phone number or email address. There is a daily limit, which can vary.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE - Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) - You will need your Provincial Medical Licence Number and bank account details to apply

The CMPA is a mutual medical defence organization for Canadian physicians. They protect the professional integrity of physicians and promote safe medical care in Canada. Physicians may apply for CMPA membership if you are licensed/registered with a Canadian provincial medical regulatory authority. Fees are determined by type of work and region. Fees can be paid monthly and your bank account information will be needed for monthly withdrawals.

APPLY FOR YOUR PROVINCIAL BILLING NUMBER - the clinic staff will assist you

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Canada has a single-payer medical system. You and your family will qualify upon application once you are in Canada. For most medical care, this means there is no cost to you or your family to visit a doctor, diagnostic tests or hospital visits. Each province has a different application system. Some may have immediate coverage, but others may take two or three months for coverage. Search “Medical Coverage (and the name of the province you will be residing”) for further information or see links below for the province you will be moving to:

● British Columbia – Medical Services Plan (MSP)
● Alberta – Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
● Manitoba – Manitoba Health
● Ontario – Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

PRIVATE INSURANCE

If you must wait for your provincial government insurance to begin, then another option is to purchase private insurance. The cost starts as low as $100 per month. Search “Private Health Insurance” (and the name of the province you will be residing in).

DRIVER'S LICENCE

In most provinces, you can go to a driver’s licence office and exchange your British Driver’s licence for a Canadian one. Please ensure you bring your UK driver’s licence, passport and work permit. It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of your driving extract/record. Some provinces may offer a discount if you have a clear history.

EXPERIAN CREDIT REPORT

You may be asked for a credit report for renting accommodations or to purchase a car. Therefore, it may be helpful to bring a credit report to demonstrate your credit worthiness, as this is also used in Canada.

Apply Now to Practice Medicine in Canada

We invite you to submit the simple, no-obligation, preliminary application below. Once we receive your application, we will be in touch within one business day, often immediately! For positions as a General Practitioner please apply only if you have the designations MRCGP, MICGP, FRACGP, FACRRM or DABFM (or an affiliate in the USA).