The future of medicine is here. Virtual healthcare has been long considered as a system that embodies how the future of healthcare would look like. The method has been used in European countries including Canada some years now, but it was not until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that its importance was finally recognized.
Before the global pandemic, only a measly .15% of medical consultations in Canada are done online. But the stringent health protocols and movement restrictions because of the COVID-19 threat prompted the massive shift to telemedicine and online consultations as doctors and healthcare providers aim to curb the spread of the infectious disease. So it is not a surprise if you are hearing more about virtual healthcare nowadays. Even the government of Canada allotted budget to support the shift to online healthcare.
If you are interested in looking for online doctors in Canada where you can get quality medical advice at the comfort of your home, here are ten sites that we recommend:
Maple
This virtual healthcare site boasts of an instant connection to a physician at any time and any day of the week. You have the option to pay per visit, apply for a medical membership plan, or avail of discount and credit packages. Their basic rate is $49 per visit and the fee includes 24/7 coverage, direct consultation with a doctor, triage, virtual prescription, medicine delivery, family access, record and information keeping, consultation summaries, and customer support.
Tia Health
Tia Health brings online consultation via phone call, video call, or chat messages on your mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices. They offer free consultations in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia provided the patient has a health card. For other provinces, the basic fee is $30.
Virtual Clinics+
This online clinic emphasizes quick doctor’s booking, free service to those with OHIP, MSP, or AHCIP. Those without healthcare coverage can pay a minimal amount of $30 per consultation. The Virtual Clinics+ website also gives you the choice to visit an actual clinic, where you can view opening hours, wait times, and contact information, or a virtual one, where you can reserve a telehealth appointment.
GoeVisit
GoEvisit highlights 24/7 access to diagnostic interviews, and fast diagnosis and treatment. The virtual clinic also covers more than 450 minor illnesses and charges only $10 per month for Canadian residents and $15 per month for Canadian families.
Rocket Doctor
Quality healthcare is now at the tip of your fingertips with Rocket Doctor. It is a community of fully-licensed board-certified physicians that can serve patients 24/7. It also features free consultation through OHIP, MSP, or AHCIP coverage. The site can connect you to an online Doctor in Canada in a matter of minutes. It also allows you to fill your medical form in advance so that you can put your full attention to the conversation with your online physician.
Apple Tree Medical Group
The Apple Tree Medical Group has more than 75 licensed medical professionals for walk-in and family medicine services, 25 specialists, and one dentist. Using technology, this online clinic offers flexible healthcare seven days a week. It also offers free consultation to Ontarians via OHIP.
Teladoc
Like other online healthcare providers, Teladoc offers a fast, convenient, 24/7 service. The clinic can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses like allergies, arthritis, backache, lung problems, digestive problems, constipation, diarrhea, chills, fever, flu, rash, pink eye, and sinusitis.
iCliniq
iCliniq positions itself as a virtual hospital and it provides a directory of physicians in Canada whom you can consult for second opinions or quick medical advice. You can talk to the doctors via video call or phone. Its directory contains a roster of more than 3,500 doctors with varying specialties.
Cover Health
Cover Health also provides access to healthcare without leaving home. It is open seven days a week and consultations are 100% covered by OHIP. The site highlights telemedicine in catering clients remotely. The site lets you start by registering with your OHIP card. If you are not covered under public insurance, you can still get a free consultation as long as you are from Ontario.
EQ Care
EQ care has been in the healthcare industry for more than 30 years and it boasts as the pioneer of virtual care in Canada. It provides convenient access to doctors anytime and anywhere. It is available in English and French and can be accessed through a mobile device, computer, or tablet.
Online doctors are surely now in demand since virtual consultations are now proving to be a faster, more convenient way to access quality healthcare in Canada. These ten online clinics are only some of the many healthcare providers available in the country right now. You can check them for yourself so you can choose which one is more suitable for you and your family.