Expatriation in Australia and Canada

Are you interested in expatriation? Are you hesitating between Australia, land of the kangaroos, or Canada, land of the maple leaf? This article will help you to get a clearer idea of the lifestyles, healthcare systems… of these two countries.

pvtiste insurance

A different climate in Australia and Canada

In Australia, the sun shines all year round. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why thousands of people settle here. Nevertheless, tropical zones are subject to the rainy season. It snows in winter in the Australian Alps and around Melbourne. So it’s important to choose the right city for the climate.
It’s no secret that it’s very cold in Canada’s great white north, hence the nickname. But if you’re not put off by the sub-zero temperatures, you can enjoy snow-white landscapes. Also a beautiful summer season, as along the beaches of Brunswick.

Cost of living in Australia and Canada

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world. So you need to start with sufficient savings. This is particularly true when it comes to accommodation, which is quite high in both Sydney and Melbourne. The cost of living in Canada is not as high. It all depends on where you’re going. In terms of transport, a monthly pass costs 90 euros in Montreal, compared with an average of 115 euros in Australia (the fare varies from city to city; in Melbourne, the fare is 90 euros).

The job market in both countries

Canada is one of those countries where there’s work for everyone. The country is characterized by low unemployment and one of the highest employment rates amongOECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries.
Australia’s unemployment rate is among the lowest in the world. Its job market is dynamic and working conditions are particularly relaxed. Not every state is on an equal footing, and there are disparities between regions. Unemployment rates are highest in rural areas such as Tasmania. The capital, Canberra, has the lowest rate in the country (due to the large number of civil servants and expatriate workers).
Professional opportunities are therefore excellent on both sides.

Which country has the highest healthcare costs?

Les systèmes de santé australienne et canadienne sont considérés comme parmi les meilleures du monde. La qualité des soins proposés est réputée et les hôpitaux publics et privés sont bien équipés avec des technologies innovantes. Cependant, quoique réputés, ils restent chers.                                                                                                        A titre d’exemple :

Le coût de la santé en Australie

En Australie, les consultations doivent être réglées de suite.

  • An emergency admission costs between AUD 230 and 900 (€160 to €630).
  • Cost per night in hospital (single room): $1,200
  • Cost of appendicitis operation: $4,000
  • Delivery fee: $5,000 for 3 nights
  • Care rate for premature babies: $10990 / week

Le coût de la santé au Canada

  • Emergency service: $900
  • Glasses: $500
  • 2nd-degree burns: up to $900
  • In Quebec, consultation fees are generally in excess of $100.
  • Still in Quebec, a traveler spending two weeks in intensive care after an accident would have to pay $160,000.

Les points communs entre l’Australie et le Canada

In both countries, the language is English. Unless you decide to go to Quebec, where you’ll be able to communicate in French. Learning the language when you travel, whether to Canada or Australia, will help you improve your language skills.

Souscrire une assurance santé internationale

The aim of international health insurance is to replace the reimbursement system in your home country in the country of expatriation. It is therefore indispensable. As we have seen, the quality of care, whether public or private, is high in both Australia and Canada. What’s more, depending on your status abroad, you may not have local insurance. The local public system is not accessible to everyone. For example, if you are a French expatriate in Australia, you will not be entitled to local social security (Medicare) for your first two years in the country. You’ll need to take out your own expatriate health insurance.


Mondassur, an international health insurance broker for over 15 years, offers you the international health insurance best suited to your profile, depending on your country of expatriation, your age, your health budget and the level of coverage you wish to benefit from. Contact our advisors now to answer all your questions, or request a free online quote for health insurance abroad .

Australia and Canada hold no more secrets for you! In these countries, the cost of medical care is very high.
Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses don’t just happen to other people. So, if you find yourself in this type of situation, it’s essential to have an insurer to support you financially if you need medical care in these countries.

Scroll to Top