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Health Service Navigator® Care and Support Resources
You don’t have to go it alone. There are many healthcare resources, organizations and support groups that can help you navigate your health journey.
Whether you need help finding a physician, improving your nutrition, stopping smoking, or locating a community support group, Health Services Navigator is here to help you.
About the Canadian health care system
The Canada Health Act (CHA) ensures care for Canadian residents.
Under the CHA, eligible Canadian residents have access to publicly funded medical insurance in order to help protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of Canadian residents. Each province or territory has their own health insurance plan. Plans, and what they cover, vary across the 13 provinces and territories. However, all include emergency health services, primary care, hospital-based care, and diagnostic services.
Where do you want to start?
Learn about Canada's public health plans
Learn about medical care options
Find caregiving and
community support
Health plan basics
Each Canadian province or territory offers its own health plan for residents. All plans provide access to publicly funded medical insurance and emergency care, but plans may vary in what they cover and costs.What is covered under your provincial or territorial plan?
Click on your province or territory below to learn more:
Options for medical care
There are several types of healthcare professionals and facilities that may be available to you depending on the level of care you need.
Primary care practices
These individuals are medical doctors (MDs) and nurse practitioners who have completed a minimum two-year post-graduate training program and have specialized in caring for individuals and families. Ideally, all Canadians should have a family physician who can provide comprehensive preventative and primary care on an ongoing basis.
When to use
For non-urgent issues and preventive interventions, chronic and acute medical conditions
Timing
Scheduled in-person or virtual appointments
Services and conditions
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Immunizations, cancer screening, annual physical exams
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Longer term focus: chronic conditions, pregnancy, mental health
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Acute problems that can be managed in an ambulatory setting
Walk-in clinics
Such facilities allow you to see a nurse or doctor with or without an appointment. They tend to focus on primary care, providing advice and treatment for most minor illnesses and injuries. Many people without a primary care practice rely on walk-in clinics as their initial point of contact when they need medical attention.
When to use
For non-urgent situations
Timing
Walk-in with shorter wait times
Services and conditions
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Minor conditions that can be managed in an ambulatory setting
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Minor trauma
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Prescription refills
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Upper respiratory infections not requiring hospitalization
Hospitals
Local and regional hospitals provide a wide range of health services ranging from diagnostic tests to surgery. These facilities have experienced medical and professional staff as well as emergency medical services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For urgent medical care, you should go to a hospital emergency room.
When to use
For urgent and complex situations
Timing
Longer wait times (can be many hours due to volumes or non-urgent issues)
Services and conditions
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Life-threatening conditions
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Conditions requiring medical specialists
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Surgical conditions
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Conditions requiring admission for observation and intervention
Call 911
Use 911 for emergency situations that require rapid response and transportation to a hospital by ambulance.
When to use
For emergency situations
Timing
Fast response by local ambulance
Services and conditions
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Rapid response brought to patient for critical illnesses and situations
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Transportation of patient to local hospital for care
Find a physician or specialist
Check out the following territory and province links to access physicians in your area.
If you need additional assistance or have questions and are an eligible Manulife customer contact the Health Service Navigator support line to speak with a health specialist at 1-800-875-1264 Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm EST.
Online resources to find a physician in your area:
Community resources for common serious conditions
Alcohol Addiction
Grief Support
Alzheimer's Disease
Hepatitis
Kidney Disease
Breast Cancer
Lupus
Cardiovascular Disease
Mental Health
Have questions?
Eligible Manulife customers can contact the Health Service Navigator Customer Service Team at 1-800-875-1264 weekdays (Monday – Friday) between 8am and 8pm.
Attention Manulife customers
If you are diagnosed with a serious or complex health condition, WorldCare can help you get an expert Medical Second Opinion (MSO) from a top medical research institution in the U.S via a multi-disciplinary team from The WorldCare Consortium®. The MSO will review your diagnosis and provide information on the optimal treatment plan for your condition, all without the need for travel or additional appointments with specialists.
Call Health Service Navigator at 1-800-875-1264 to request your WorldCare MSO (for eligible Manulife Customers)