Patients travel to Mexico, India, and Germany after hitting roadblocks in Canada's health system
Thousands of Canadians are crossing borders not for leisure, but for life-altering medical procedures they say they cannot access at home.
The Medical Tourism Association estimates that around 432,000 Canadians are expected to seek treatment abroad in 2025 — a 44 percent increase from two years earlier — driven by rising costs, growing wait times, and limited access to specialists.
More than 6.5 million Canadians do not have a family doctor, and elective surgeries like hip, knee, and cataract procedures continue to face indefinite delays, reported by the Canadian Medical Association.
As patients encounter structural gaps in provincial coverage and encounter lengthy delays for referrals, many are funding their own procedures in countries such as Mexico, Germany, India, and Turkiye.
According to CTV News, Allyson Vandenberg of Toronto was rejected for back surgery before she could even consult a surgeon. “One doctor agreed to see me — with an eight-month wait — then rejected me before even entering the room,” she said.
A friend in Mexico connected her with a doctor, and she had tests on Monday and surgery by Thursday.
Ronna Hoogstraten from Glen Morris, Ontario, said her spinal issues were ignored for years.
She was able to book surgery in Germany six days after sending in her MRI scans — long before a Canadian surgeon appointment was even offered. “I was afraid I’d end up in a wheelchair,” she told CTV News.
Montreal’s Celyn Harding-Jones, who lives with a rare brain tumour, said no Canadian neurosurgeon was willing to operate.
“By the time I was 35, I had drop attacks and could barely care for my children,” she said.
She also noted that the process to request out-of-province care is not designed for seriously ill people and described how patients are “stuck in silos” due to provincial limits on access to specialist qualifications.
The burden of navigating provincial systems was echoed by Alberta’s Louise Zuke, who was advised to seek surgery abroad at her own cost. She was told to apply for reimbursement after the fact — with no guarantee of coverage or follow-up care.
Retired Canadian Forces captain Jody Beckett said she paid about $100,000 for cervical spine reconstruction in Germany after Veterans Affairs delayed reimbursement for months. “I didn’t have several months to wait for the red tape to clear,” she said.
As per Simon Fraser University professor Valerie Crooks, Mexico and India remain popular destinations for Canadians due to accessibility, affordability, and cultural connections. She said many second- and third-generation Indo-Canadians combine travel with medical care in India.
Turkiye is also gaining traction for dental and cosmetic work.
Michelle Renaud of Montreal is headed to Turkiye for two dental implants that will cost her under $5,500 — including two flights — compared to over $10,000 in Canada, even with insurance.
Ken Hadall paid US$3,500 in Istanbul for full dental reconstruction after receiving a $100,000 quote in Oakville.
Clinics abroad are targeting Canadians with bundled packages that include procedures, accommodations, and airport pickups.
As per the Globe and Mail, clinics are expanding operations to meet demand by building modern facilities with English-speaking staff.
Jonathan Edelheit, co-founder of the Medical Tourism Association, said the global industry is worth between US$100bn and US$120bn and growing 10 to 15 percent annually.
He added that Canadians can save between 30 and 90 percent depending on the destination and procedure.
Costa Rica is one of the countries scaling up medical services.
Ken Hagan travelled there three times for dental implants and crowns, paying $14,000 in total. He estimates the same treatment in Canada would have cost 40 percent more.
His dentist, Bernal Soto, said international patients account for up to 70 percent of his clientele during peak months. Clinics offer discounted hotel rates and transportation, with tourism encouraged only before procedures.
The Globe and Mail reported that Soto recommends video consultations, asking about procedures, materials, and verifying credentials before committing to care.
“You have to compare apples to apples. You can’t just look at the price,” he said. Patients should also independently check clinic and doctor reviews online.
Despite the potential savings, Health Canada advises seeking domestic treatment when possible due to varying medical standards.
According to The Globe and Mail, a spokesperson said those opting for care abroad should purchase insurance in case complications arise.
Crooks cautioned that many Canadians underestimate costs beyond the initial procedure, including travel for family, recovery, and post-operative care.
“People often focus on the upfront cost of medical care,” she said, “but they don’t always account for the full scope of expenses.”
One of the greatest challenges for returning patients is accessing follow-up care in Canada.
Crooks said Canadian physicians may not be familiar with overseas procedures, which can disrupt continuity of care.
According to The Globe and Mail, she also noted that some patients rush recovery or undergo procedures they wouldn’t be approved for at home.
While some Canadians are regaining control over their health abroad, Crooks added that outcomes vary. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to plan carefully for the journey ahead.”
