Originally Posted by Barefoot

De Lis, as a Canadian, I know what you mean. It is true that there are waiting times for elective surgery, and some of the wealthier Canadians choose to pay to have surgery in the US.

However the statement "all the Canadians come to the US for surgery" is not accurate. In Canada, if you have a life-threatening condition, like a stroke or heart attack, you will get the best free medical care. I've had a life-threatening condition, and I was immediately parachuted to the head of the line. I was in hospital for three months. I received surgeries I required with no delay. The medical treatment I received was incredible, and the specialists involved were top notch.

However if you need "elective" surgery, you may have to wait for a few months. My interpretation of elective surgery is surgery for a condition that doesn't have to happen immediately. I'm referring to procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, knee replacement, hip replacement, etc. Again, those in serious need of replacement operations will be parachuted to the head of the line. Unfortunately this means that some less serious cases may have a longer wait time.