Seeing a Doctor

• Need a Doctor ASAP? We can help
• Walk-In Clinics have a large number of doctors and nurses available to see patients in the order that they arrive. At a typical walk-in clinic, you could be seen the moment you arrive, or you might find yourself waiting (usually no longer than an hour). Many walk-in clinics are conveniently open on nights and weekends. The doctors at walk-in clinics can provide you with the same types of services and treatment that you would receive at a regular doctor's office. These doctors can:
  • order x-rays and blood tests
  • prescribe medication
  • conduct minor surgeries and treat burns
  • refer you to specialists or paramedical practitioners
• Many walk-in clinics have labs in-house, so you can receive necessary testing on the same day! If you don't have a regular family doctor, a walk-in clinic is your best option for minor to moderate health issues.
• Doctor's Offices have a smaller number of available doctors (called "family doctors"), and you must make an appointment to see one. Unfortunately, many of these doctors have a very full schedule, and are not accepting new patients. Sometimes you need to see a doctor sooner than he or she is available; in this case, you may choose to go to a walk-in clinic.
• A Hospital Emergency Room is the place to go for serious, life-threatening emergencies. Doctors and nurses will see you based on their evaluation of the urgency of your condition. If your medical concern is not critical, you may have to wait several hours-even all night-to see a doctor.
• Use our Find a Doctor tool to find the right medical facility for your needs.

For life-threatening emergencies that require immediate attention, your policy covers transportation by ambulance to the hospital. A taxi ride is also covered by your policy-this may help you reach the hospital faster, depending on where you are when the emergency occurs. Of course, if you are with a family member or friend who can drive you to the hospital, that's an option too. Once you get to the hospital, you'll be seen based on the urgency of your condition-it doesn't matter if you arrived by ambulance, taxi, or car.

Depending on your location, a taxi can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 (or possibly more if you have a long way to go). Don't worry! You will be reimbursed if the taxi was required for an emergency, so make sure to keep your receipt! The cost of getting to a hospital by ambulance can cost up to $900.

For less serious medical issues, follow-up appointments, or outpatient visits, you are responsible for your own transportation, as well as the cost of getting there.

We have Canada's largest pay-direct network of medical facilities.

Check our Doctor Search to find facilities near you. If you choose to visit one of these clinics or doctor's offices, they will bill us directly.

This means that you don't have to pay anything! Don't forget to bring a claim form with you and fill it out anyway! If you don't have a claim form with you, please visit our Claims Section for information on how to download your claims form..

If you'd rather see a doctor who is not currently in our pay-direct network, you will be asked to pay at the reception desk and fill out a claim form to submit to us. Walk-in clinics and doctor's offices will typically charge anywhere from $40 to $75 for a basic visit. We will reimburse you within one to two weeks. A visit to a hospital emergency room can cost up to $1,000!

*Always remember to fill out a claim form no matter which type of health care you've received. If you lose your form, you can download a new one here.

Call or email us anytime! We would be happy to help you find a health care provider near you.