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 may also be covered by your insurance plan (check your policy!) if your illness or injury is an emergency, but not life-threatening. A taxi may be faster than public transport 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), but no matter what the cost, you will need a taxi receipt if you want to be reimbursed. The cost of getting to a hospital by ambulance can cost up to $900 and is usually listed on your hospital bill.

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

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

Use our Find-A-Doctor tool to locate facilities near you. If you choose to visit a Direct-Pay hospital, clinic, or doctor's office, they will bill us directly which means that you will not have to pay out-of-pocket!

Don't forget to bring a claim form with you to fill it out and sign. If you don't have a claim form with you, please visit our Claims Section for information on how to download one.

If you'd rather see a doctor who is not currently in our direct-pay network, you will be asked to pay at the reception desk. Walk-in clinics and doctor's offices will typically charge anywhere from $40 to $100 for a basic visit whereas a hospital will charge a lot more. After you complete your claim form, make sure to sign it and submit it with your receipts. If your claim is approved, we will reimburse you within 10 business days.

*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.