Moving to a new country is exciting, but can also be challenging—especially if you’re looking for healthcare in a language you’re still learning. Many newcomers worry about being able to access public services and how to find accurate health information. They also want to connect with healthcare professionals who speak their language.
At Remitly, we understand the importance of feeling supported in a new environment. In this guide, we’ll explore helpful resources so that you can access health services in multiple languages.
Overview of language services in Canadian healthcare
Canada is home to a diverse population, and its healthcare sector works to meet different language needs. Many provinces provide translation or interpreter services to help patients and health professionals communicate. However, the availability and scope of language support can vary from one region to another.
In big cities like Toronto and Vancouver, hospitals often offer on-site language help. This includes staff or volunteers who can speak different languages. Smaller communities often use phone or video translation services to help with communication gaps.
If you’re a refugee or a permanent resident still learning English or French, don’t be afraid to ask about your right to request an interpreter.
Importance of multilingual services for speakers of English as an additional language
For newcomers whose first language is not English or French, clear health advice in a familiar language can be a game-changer. When you get health information in your own language, you can understand diagnoses, medication instructions, and follow-up care better. This lowers stress and helps ensure you’re taking the right steps for a healthier life in Canada.
Multilingual services can help prevent misunderstandings about prescription dosages, treatment plans, or mental health support needs. Canada’s healthcare system wants to break down language barriers. This helps provide fair care and improve outcomes for people from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Understanding medical services in Canada
Canada’s universal healthcare model provides a foundation for public insurance across most provinces and territories. If you’re new to the country, it’s helpful to understand how the system works, especially if you need healthcare in multiple languages.
How to access medical services in Canada
Each province runs its own health insurance scheme, such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia. These plans often cover essential services, but coverage specifics vary between provinces.
Follow these steps to get started:
- Apply for provincial health insurance: Once you’re eligible, fill out an application and provide proof of residency, identification, and immigration documents.
- Wait period: Some provinces have a waiting period (e.g. three months) before coverage begins. During this time, consider budgeting for private insurance to cover medical expenses.
- Register with a family doctor: Also known as a general practitioner (GP). A family doctor is your first point of contact for non-emergency health concerns.
- Use walk-in clinics: If you haven’t found a family doctor yet, walk-in clinics offer basic healthcare services.
General healthcare access and language barriers
Language barriers can occur when trying to book appointments, describe symptoms, or follow instructions when you’re discharged from a hospital. You can overcome these challenges by:
- Asking for an interpreter: Hospitals and clinics often maintain a roster of on-call interpreters for common languages.
- Bringing a friend or family member: If professional translation is unavailable, a trusted person fluent in English or French can help.
- Using phone or video interpretation: Many healthcare facilities work with telephone or digital translation services, enabling real-time interpretation.
If you find terms or health topics that are confusing, ask for translated materials or a bilingual pamphlet. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel about making health decisions for yourself and your family.
Canada’s language policies and healthcare
Contrary to popular belief, Canada isn’t just bilingual in English and French, even though those are the two official languages at the federal level. Many communities and government agencies offer services in different languages. They recognize the needs of a multicultural society.
Is Canada officially multilingual?
At the federal level, Canada is officially bilingual. However, provincial and territorial policies can support additional languages. Some provinces, like New Brunswick, have constitutional mandates ensuring bilingual services.
Others, including Ontario and British Columbia, support translation initiatives to support the needs of large immigrant communities speaking Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi, Punjabi, or Spanish.
As a newcomer, you may notice that many government websites offer content in other languages. For example, you might see a “Skip to main content” link in both English and French or a drop-down menu listing options for “translated pages.” These options reflect Canada’s ongoing effort to serve its diverse residents.
Legal requirements for language services
Canada doesn’t have one national law for multilingual healthcare. However, some programs and guidelines urge healthcare providers to offer interpreter services. One example is the Official Languages Health Program, which helps minority-language communities get healthcare in their preferred official language.
In multicultural areas, healthcare authorities often use more than just English and French. They also include languages like Spanish, Punjabi, and Mandarin. When applying for or renewing your health card, ask about language options available in your area so you can be proactive about your care.
Language support in hospitals and clinics
Real-time access to health interpreters can make the difference between confusion and clarity. Knowing your rights and the resources available can help you speak up for yourself and your loved ones.
Availability of interpreters in Canadian hospitals
Many hospitals across the country offer free interpreter services. Common methods include:
- On-site interpreters: Larger facilities may have staff interpreters for frequently spoken languages.
- Phone interpretation: A healthcare provider calls a special number to reach an interpreter who speaks your language.
- Video conferencing: Particularly useful for sign language interpretation. It also helps smaller hospitals or clinics that don’t have in-person language support.
To find out if a particular hospital has on-site interpreters, check its website or call ahead. If you’re facing a mental health issue, interpreter services can be critical to help you express your emotions and experiences accurately.
The role of language access programs
In some provinces, specific agencies coordinate language access across multiple healthcare facilities. For example, Provincial Language Services in British Columbia arranges interpretation for public health authorities. Other areas might have similar programs that support not only interpretation but also translation of vital documents.
These programs often cover:
- Medical translations: Converting lab results, procedure guidelines, or mental health information into your preferred language.
- Health navigator assistance: Sometimes, a bilingual staff member can guide you through local clinics, therapy options, or community health fairs.
- Training for healthcare staff: Teaching doctors and nurses how to work effectively with multilingual patients, to ensure cultural competence and respect.
Online health information in multiple languages
If you like to research health topics by yourself, many websites and online libraries provide trustworthy health information in various languages. This is handy if in-person interpreters aren’t available. It also helps you learn about a condition before your doctor’s appointment.
Health information sites in multiple languages
Below are a few reputable online resources:
- HealthLink BC: Offers translated content for residents in British Columbia. This includes guides on nutrition, physical activity, and chronic illnesses. Visit their ‘Translated resources’ page to browse materials in over 130 languages.
- Medline Plus: A US-based resource with health content in multiple languages, useful for general health advice and disease overviews.
- Ethnomed: Focuses on clinical topics for immigrant and refugee communities. It provides culturally informed data on conditions and treatments.
- MMHRC (Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre): Offers mental health information in a variety of languages, plus community resources for culturally diverse populations.
Many municipal or provincial health departments also post bilingual or Multilingual PDFs covering subjects like vaccinations, child development, and nutritional guidelines.
Finding information and service topics
When searching for health information online, keep these tips in mind:
- Use official health websites: Focus on government or academically affiliated sites (e.g., .gov, .edu, .org) for credibility.
- Look for ‘Multiple Languages’ sections: Check if the website has a dedicated section or a language switch in the top menu.
- Read thoroughly: Ensure you understand the main content. Some translations may be simplified, so verify by comparing with English or French pages if possible.
- Check the publication date: Health recommendations can change quickly, so look for recent materials.
If you’re unsure whether the information you’ve found applies to your unique situation, write down your questions and discuss them with a healthcare professional.
Additional resources and contacts
Beyond hospitals and official government sites, community centres and nonprofit organizations can offer help with navigating healthcare services. For instance, the Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre or Access Alliance in Toronto often help newcomers find interpreters, arrange appointments, and offer culturally sensitive care options.
Contact information for multilingual support services
- Provincial Health Lines: Most provinces have 24/7 phone lines for non-emergency health inquiries. For example, dial 811 in many parts of Canada, then request an interpreter for your language if needed.
- Community Centres: Look for ‘Multilingual Resources’ or ‘Newcomer services’ on local websites. For instance, Ottawa Public Health has a ‘Multilingual Resources for Diverse Communities’ page.
Questions? Need more information?
If you’re still uncertain about local language support, consider reaching out to:
- Settlement agencies: Organisations like the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre or Immigrant Services Society of BC often connect immigrants with healthcare resources.
- Non-profit groups: Community-driven groups focused on certain cultural or linguistic communities may know of doctors or nurses who speak your mother tongue.
- Libraries: Public libraries sometimes hold health seminars in multiple languages, offering both general advice and specifics about local services.
Help in other languages
Don’t hesitate to let your healthcare provider know if you’re more comfortable speaking another language. Services are designed to help, but sometimes you have to specifically request them. Your well-being is a priority, and effective communication is central to quality care.
FAQs
How do I access medical services in Canada?
You usually need to apply for provincial health insurance (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in BC) to receive publicly funded healthcare. Once eligible, register with a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if you need immediate care. If language barriers arise, request an interpreter or seek out Multilingual resources online.
Is Canada officially multilingual?
Canada is officially bilingual at the federal level, recognizing English and French. However, many provinces also promote multilingual services, especially in healthcare, for a diverse population of immigrants.
Do hospitals have to provide interpreters in Canada?
There’s no single national law requiring hospitals to offer interpreters for all languages. However, many hospitals do provide free interpreter services, including on-site, by phone, or via video, to ensure patients can communicate effectively. Availability can vary by region, so call ahead or check your hospital’s website for details.
What is the official language health contribution program?
The Official Language Health Contribution Program is a federal initiative supporting Canada’s minority-language communities to access healthcare in their official language of choice. It also encourages healthcare providers to offer language services to patients who might otherwise face communication barriers.