Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Lost Canadian" Seniors and Whether to Move to Canada - Or Not

This "Lost Canadian" is shockingly a "Senior Citizen". It seems so odd to say this, but it is true. It is much easier to think of myself as a grandma - which I am - happily so. After learning I am a "Lost Canadian", one of the big questions I have been thinking about is, what do I do with my Canadian citizenship when I receive it?

The past two days I have written about the benefits and the challenges of moving to Canada. I do think the benefits look like they are stronger if you are younger, but certainly there are benefits even for older, grandmas, senior citizens when it comes to moving to Canada. But there are also challenges - and these mostly center around health care . . .

Retired "Lost Canadians" who re-establish residency in Canada obtain prescription, dental, and optical coverage by combining public senior-focused government programs, the national dental plan, and private or employer-sponsored supplemental insurance. Standard provincial health cards cover doctor and hospital visits, but extras require navigating specific federal, provincial, and private options once residency is active. 

Prescription Drug Coverage (Rx)

Provincial Senior Drug Plans: Once you register for your province’s public health insurance plan (and usually turn 65), you qualify for provincial drug programs. For example, Ontario uses the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, which covers a vast majority of prescription costs for seniors after a modest deductible or co-pay. 
Private Supplemental Insurance: If your income is too high for low-income senior variations or you need drugs not listed on the provincial formulary, you can buy individual retiree plans through major providers like Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, or Manulife. 

Dental Care

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan provides coverage for Canadian residents aged 65 and older with an adjusted family net income under $90,000, provided you have no access to private dental insurance. It covers a substantial portion of cleanings, fillings, and dentures based on an income-scaled co-pay. 
Provincial Low-Income Programs: Provinces offer targeted relief for low-income seniors, such as the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, which provides free routine dental care for qualifying older adults. 

Optical and Vision Care

Provincial Gaps: Provincial health insurance plans rarely cover routine eye exams for adults aged 20 to 64, though many provinces restore partial coverage for basic eye exams once you turn 65. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are virtually never covered by public provincial care. 
Private Plans / Association Benefits: To cover optical needs (glasses, lenses, and specialized exams), retirees rely on private individual insurance plans or affinity/alumni packages offered through organizations like CARP or professional retiree groups. 

Crucial First Steps for Returnees

Residency Waiting Periods: Some provinces enforce a waiting period of up to three months before your public health card becomes active. You must purchase private "returning resident" or emergency medical insurance to cover any healthcare needs during this initial gap. 
Tax Filing: Because programs like the CDCP and provincial low-income senior supports rely entirely on income verification, you must file a Canadian tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency as soon as you return.

So, health coverage is something you will definitely need to consider if you are thinking about moving to Canada. It looks like there are options, but they will involve some work getting the details together.

But, with the way things are going in the USA, or if your family decides to move to Canada, you may feel like these challenges are worth the work. 

There are many things to love about Canada, but there are challenges to be aware of and to pay attention to if you decide to make the move. It is important to educate ourselves so we know what the challenges are and what our options are. Hopefully this gives you some information to help.