Do Not Ever Get Injured in Canada! How we spent our last Day at Homcoming

[SpyderCruiser]

First, I want to say we thoroughly enjoyed homecoming, BRP and their employees were friendly and informative. If I asked a question they could not answer, they found someone that could. We also had a great time meeting many of you at the dinners. Overall it was a nice affair and hope we can attend the 20 year homecoming (if they have one).

Things we hated Canada for, the crappy pot holed roads, their health care system.

While we were there Meg sustained and injury in her arm that required stiches.

It was almost impossible to communicate with anyone in the hospital as no one spoke English. Pulling the towel off and let blood drip all over the floor of the hospital gave them some clue. Still had to wait about a half hour for a nurse to at least bandage it up. You have to actually pick up a number tag like you are getting cold cuts at a grocery store.Then there was the issue of payment, so before they would even place Meg on a waiting list to be seen by the doctor, payment had to be resolved.

Had to give them a $5,000 (yes that is 5 thousand dollars) down payment in advance before Meg was to be seen. That was resolved by 2:30 PM. Hours and hours went by and we still were not called. Trying to ask them when Meg would be seen was futile, no one spoke English. But we can see no one that came in behind us was called either.

By 9:30 PM Meg had had enough and went back into the triage section. Fortunately a nurse came over that spoke very little English and explained that there was still 10 patients ahead of her! Finally at 12:30 AM she got treated by the doctor who spoke English and sewed her up with 7 stitches. Have no idea what the hospital bill is actually going to be, they do not do billing right away. But boy they wasted no time collecting that $5000.00 Dollars.

I know the USA has some issues with healthcare as well and is not perfect, but I have to wonder how many Canadian citizens die in that waiting room!

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: I hope that Meg heals up quickly and completely! :thumbup:

We all like to complain about our healthcare system (I pay over $1700 bucks a Month!); but it's still better than a lot of the others!

 

[cuznjohn]

i have several friends that live in canada. they all say it sucks with hospitals and medical care. one friend, mark, hurt his knee at work. he needed surgery before he was able to go back to work, it was close to 1 year before he was able to have the surgery. if you read about their health care, you will see that some of their people that have some sort of money, come to the states for any type of major surgery. i hope your wife is well, and doesn't end up with a scar from the injury

 

[Deanna777]

Louie,

I hope that Meg heals quickly from her injury.

Deanna

 

[gkamer]

I wonder if you'll get a refund

I wonder if the bill is going to come out to less than 5 grand. I'm guess it won't but you never know.

 

[RinconRyder]

All of Canada is not like Quebec. In fact, Quebec is unto itself almost completely. Here are some suggestions:

Temporary health coverage for travelers is available. It probably makes sense to investigate that when visiting areas where language may be a problem and/or your domestic insurance policy may not be honored. And it seems to make more sense when participating in a "dangerous" activity (I know, I know, but motorcycling isn't exactly a cruise ship.)

There are smartphone apps which can do simple language translations. Might be a good idea to practice with one of those before heading into an area where English is either not spoken or is not tolerated (Quebecers are notorious for refusing to speak English even if they know it).

And lastly, it tends to happen all over and not just in Canada. My wife went to a local ER with a simple fracture of her wrist and waited over 9 hours for treatment (which was botched and required remedial surgery to correct) and that was here in the States and with insurance.

 

[UtahPete]

Cross-border experiences just ain't what they used to be

First, I want to say we thoroughly enjoyed homecoming, BRP and their employees were friendly and informative. If I asked a question they could not answer, they found someone that could. We also had a great time meeting many of you at the dinners. Overall it was a nice affair and hope we can attend the 20 year homecoming (if they have one).

Things we hated Canada for, the crappy pot holed roads, their health care system.

I know the USA has some issues with healthcare as well and is not perfect, but I have to wonder how many Canadian citizens die in that waiting room!

Interesting experience. As far as wait time goes, I'm not sure it was that much worse than you would have experienced getting non-life-threatening attention at an emergency room in a major US city where you were a visitor. No telling how many real emergencies they had to deal with, or whether within their system you would have been better off going to something like an urgent care system. That's part of the challenge and adventure of traveling in other countries - learning how to navigate their customs and institutions.

I'm reluctant to go back to Canada after the brief, 1/2 day experience we had a few years back going thru a short stretch of Canada at the Michigan Upper Peninsula. Dogs with us, no cell phone service (didn't want to pay international roaming fees), trying to find fuel, etc. But the worst part was the border check; we were held for over an hour while the border cops did a thorough search of our van and travel trailer, consulted their computers and each other, never knowing why we had been selected for such a thorough going-over. Cops were not unpleasant, but weren't very helpful or friendly either. Finally, I was asked where we were hiding our guns! They just would not believe that, as Utah residents, we didn't own and carry guns everywhere we went. Finally let us go, but when we went to re-enter the US, realized they had kept my driver's license at the Canadian border station. US border agents tried to contact Canadian, but to no avail. Altogether an unpleasant experience that unfortunately left me to this day with the conviction not to cross that border again.

 

[MurrayBrown]

Canadian Health Care

First, I want to say we thoroughly enjoyed homecoming, BRP and their employees were friendly and informative. If I asked a question they could not answer, they found someone that could. We also had a great time meeting many of you at the dinners. Overall it was a nice affair and hope we can attend the 20 year homecoming (if they have one). Things we hated Canada for, the crappy pot holed roads, their health care system. While we were there Meg sustained and injury in her arm that required stiches. It was almost impossible to communicate with anyone in the hospital as no one spoke English. Pulling the towel off and let blood drip all over the floor of the hospital gave them some clue. Still had to wait about a half hour for a nurse to at least bandage it up. You have to actually pick up a number tag like you are getting cold cuts at a grocery store.Then there was the issue of payment, so before they would even place Meg on a waiting list to be seen by the doctor, payment had to be resolved. Had to give them a $5,000 (yes that is 5 thousand dollars) down payment in advance before Meg was to be seen. That was resolved by 2:30 PM. Hours and hours went by and we still were not called. Trying to ask them when Meg would be seen was futile, no one spoke English. But we can see no one that came in behind us was called either. By 9:30 PM Meg had had enough and went back into the triage section. Fortunately a nurse came over that spoke very little English and explained that there was still 10 patients ahead of her! Finally at 12:30 AM she got treated by the doctor who spoke English and sewed her up with 7 stitches. Have no idea what the hospital bill is actually going to be, they do not do billing right away. But boy they wasted no time collecting that $5000.00 Dollars. I know the USA has some issues with healthcare as well and is not perfect, but I have to wonder how many Canadian citizens die in that waiting room!

Thanks for this. I'm pleased to note that with the horrible exception you did enjoy your stay here. Your comments are well understood but also require just a little bit of explanation. If you were to be a visitor to the USA, you would not like what would be before you in terms of payments up front and the HORRID amounts asked for. Seriously, it verges on criminal. However, having said that, I can let you know that those of us in Canada do not like our health care system at all. Many Canadians are under the assumption that it is free. Yes, it is ... sort of. You pay nothing when you go see a doctor, nor when you are in the hospital. Acute care, such as cancer treatments, heart bypasses, etc. are "free". What many Canadians forget completely is that they are paying ... dearly ... through many, many, taxes. The GST (Goods and Services Tax), also known as VAT in European and other countries, is 5% on every single purchase except groceries (snacks and sodas are taxed). Add on the Provincial (your equivalent State) tax, and that can range from 7% here in Manitoba to upwards of 12% or so in other Provinces. We can't purchase private insurance as you can. The "up" side is that everybody ... poor or rich ... are covered, unlike in the USA. However, under the laws that govern the Canadian health care, no private hospitals or day clinics can be implemented. As an example, I need to have a cataract in my right eye fixed. I waited almost 1 year to see an eye surgeon. After that, I will be waiting for at least 6 to 8 months for the actual surgery. No eye surgeons can open a day clinic to do what is, essentially, as simple 15-minute surgery. Emergency waiting room time waits? You experienced what we have to put up with every day.

So, again, thanks for coming to Canada and especially the Homecoming. I am sorry to learn of your health care experience, but rest assured that there are many of us here who can well empathize.

 

[Tazzel]

Next time take some super glue. This is about what they use at the hospitals these days for the liquid stitching. Might work until you can get back to the US. My Brother was on a business trip in China when at 55 his appendix decided to suddenly rupture. Its was an experience he will never forget!!!

 

[Chupaca]

Wow...!!

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate situation. Hope recovery is going well. Have not heard good things about health care over there and I guess it varies with other countries with their system. Had an experience in France and it was the complete opposite. Charged me nothing saw me right away gave me persciptions that the pharmacy did not charge me and a few week back from the trip I got all x-rays and medical files in the mail...Glad you did finally get taken care of....

 

[Netminder]

Speaking from experience (throat cancer 6yrs ago) if you have something life threatening the care provided is excellent, but none life threatening and it can be a long wait. Also getting a family doctor is near impossible, mine retired two years ago , and I have been unable to find one that is taking new patients!:gaah:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

MEG'S INJURY PLUS THE BS

:yikes: .... very sorry to hear about this , I hope she's feeling better ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

COVERED RICH AND POOR

Thanks for this. I'm pleased to note that with the horrible exception you did enjoy your stay here. Your comments are well understood but also require just a little bit of explanation. If you were to be a visitor to the USA, you would not like what would be before you in terms of payments up front and the HORRID amounts asked for. Seriously, it verges on criminal. However, having said that, I can let you know that those of us in Canada do not like our health care system at all. Many Canadians are under the assumption that it is free. Yes, it is ... sort of. You pay nothing when you go see a doctor, nor when you are in the hospital. Acute care, such as cancer treatments, heart bypasses, etc. are "free". What many Canadians forget completely is that they are paying ... dearly ... through many, many, taxes. The GST (Goods and Services Tax), also known as VAT in European and other countries, is 5% on every single purchase except groceries (snacks and sodas are taxed). Add on the Provincial (your equivalent State) tax, and that can range from 7% here in Manitoba to upwards of 12% or so in other Provinces. We can't purchase private insurance as you can. The "up" side is that everybody ... poor or rich ... are covered, unlike in the USA. However, under the laws that govern the Canadian health care, no private hospitals or day clinics can be implemented. As an example, I need to have a cataract in my right eye fixed. I waited almost 1 year to see an eye surgeon. After that, I will be waiting for at least 6 to 8 months for the actual surgery. No eye surgeons can open a day clinic to do what is, essentially, as simple 15-minute surgery. Emergency waiting room time waits? You experienced what we have to put up with every day.

So, again, thanks for coming to Canada and especially the Homecoming. I am sorry to learn of your health care experience, but rest assured that there are many of us here who can well empathize.

Mr .Brown you are mis-informed about who pays in the USA vs. Canada ..... if you as a Canadian appeared at an Emergency room in the US and had no money you would be treated as if you had money coming out your *** .... No one would have DEMANDED $5,000 up front before treatment :banghead::banghead::banghead: .... like Meg & Lou were ....... I'm not an expert in either Health care system .... but in the US , you CAN'T BE REFUSED ( for lack of funds )- at a public hospital PERIOD ....... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Saluda]

Wish her the best.

 

[wyliec]

I hope she is on the mend.

Won't you get some reimbursement from your insurance? Before we left for the Cayman Islands, I checked to see what I might have to do, if by chance I had an accident while on vacation. I just had to get detailed dr's bills, and submit. Here's hoping you get some reimbursement.

 

[jcthorne]

Just a bit of information that may help others in this situation.

Most motorist assistance programs like AAA and AARP have a medical insurance bond certificate with the information on the back of the card. It actually works. A few phone calls and the medical bills are guaranteed for payment. You are not off the hook for payment but in most cases, your US based medical insurance will help after the fact. This bond works in Canada and in some of Mexico depending on your plan.

There are also global versions of this. I carry one from my employer as it can get much more involved if you are hurt in a third world country and need evac.

 

[SpyderCruiser]

Thank You All

Thank you all for your get well wishes, and other helpful information. Meg is doing great, changed her bandage today and she is no longer bleeding. The Canadian female doctor did a wonderful job sewing her up, Meg has no pain at all.

My USA Horizon blue cross blue shield insurance (costs a little less then Bob is paying) says on the card limited out of USA coverage.
I called them as suggested, and was told they pay out of USA claims on a case by case basis. So when I receive the bill, will send it along and see what happens. If they even pay part of it, I will be happy.

Called the Hospital in Drummondville today and found out the bill was $849 Cad, about $628 US. They are suppose to refund my credit card the balance of the 5 grand deposit. I have no idea what this bill would be in the US, but I bet it would be more then $628.

Sorry to hear that you Canadians have long waits for the health care you need. I did some quick calculations and your health care costs less then what we pay here. I do think it is crazy that doctors are not allowed to have there own practice there. I guess the Canadian government does not want any competition with the government run health care system. Be glad you have health insurance, we had none for 2 1/2 years and it sucked.

Take Care,
Louie and Meg

 

[rogerb]

You can't compare Quebec to the rest of Canada. The Maritime Provinces are great. I have been in the hospitals twice in Nova Scotia. The first time it took me ten minutes to be checked out. I don't even remember how much it cost me. The second time was an accident had to ride in an ambulance. The emergency room was $114.00. The ambulance was $900. My auto insurance paid for the ambulance. They do check on you to make sure your doing fine. Heck the RMCP officer called me at home to see how I was doing. The biggest plus is they only speak English. It would be interesting to listen to a Scotsman speak French.

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

:shocked: I hope that Meg heals up quickly and completely! :thumbup:

We all like to complain about our healthcare system (I pay over $1700 bucks a Month!); but it's still better than a lot of the others!

Same thing can be said for America and our government. It's far from perfect, "but it's still better than a lot of the others!" :clap:

 

[Firefly]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, but to judge the entire Canadian healthcare system by your bad experience is unfair. I thought it was common knowledge that you should obtain travelers health coverage when going to a foreign country.... guess not all are aware of this. I didn't get it, but I also wouldn't expect a foreign county to accept my USA based healthcare insurance.

Over the years of Spyder ownership, and having relatives in Canada, I've heard good things about their healthcare system. Most Canadians seem to like it. Perhaps not perfect, much of this due to lack of decent infrastructure... face it.. they have 40 million people in a country larger than the USA... not a problem we'd have here as we already have the infrastructure in place.

Last time I went to an ER in the USA with a bleeding cut to the head from a chainsaw I had to wait 6 hours to be seen. Yeah.. so things suck here in the USA too....