Originally Posted by
Puppycow
Let me tell you how it works in Japan in my experience. When you arrive at a doctor's office you are asked for your insurance card, not cash up front. That happens only after you've seen the doctor. So medical care is provided before they ask for payment every time I've ever encountered the system.
In Canada you're simply not asked for payment, except in private clinics of course, and for specific treatments. Anything that's even mildly expensive is covered.