Proactive care saves lives. So why are millions of Canadians waiting?

Canada’s healthcare system is built on the promise of universal access — but for over 6.5 million Canadians without a primary care provider, that promise feels out of reach. 

Many people delay seeking medical attention, often pushing aside symptoms until they can’t be ignored. By the time they do seek help, what could have been a simple checkup turns into a stressful, urgent situation — one that’s harder on their health and their peace of mind. Instead of feeling supported in staying well, too many Canadians find themselves caught in a cycle of waiting, worrying and reacting.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Research on universal healthcare systems, including Canada’s, shows that every $1 invested in preventative care saves an estimated $14 in future healthcare and economic costs. Even more striking, data from Statistics Canada suggests that at least 35% of deaths among Canadians under 75 could have been prevented through proactive care—things like routine checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and early treatment of chronic conditions.

Yet despite these benefits, many Canadians struggle to access proactive care. Nearly half of Canadians report facing barriers to proactive care, leaving them feeling disconnected from a system that’s meant to support them.

So, what’s holding Canadians back? And what can be done about it?

In our new report, Health on Hold: The Need to Unlock a Proactive Care Future in Canada, we explore why so many people delay care — and why fixing this issue is critical not just for individual health, but for the sustainability of our entire healthcare system. 

Why Canadians are ready for proactive care — but need a helping hand

Proactive care isn’t just about improving individual health outcomes; it has a ripple effect on the economy, reducing long-term healthcare costs and creating a healthier, more productive population. 

Canadians know proactive care saves lives. They understand that routine checkups, preventative screenings and early intervention matter. So why do so many still delay seeing a doctor, even when they have health concerns?

The reality is that Canadians face significant hurdles when it comes to accessing care. Nearly half of Canadians report challenges in accessing proactive healthcare services, while 47% of survey respondents say long wait times were the biggest deterrent to proactive care. Thirty-five percent say it is limited access to providers.

The perception that their concerns aren’t “serious enough” can also contribute to a cycle of postponing care until symptoms become too urgent to ignore. The common outcome is delayed care. 

Why women are delaying care

Our report found that Canadian women have unique needs and face unique challenges when seeking care. For many women, seeking healthcare isn’t just about making an appointment — it’s about navigating a system that too often dismisses their concerns.

Routine screenings and early consultations can make a significant difference in health outcomes for women. For example, routine blood tests mean catching elevated cholesterol levels early to reduce cardiovascular risk. But faced with long wait times, misdiagnoses, and past negative experiences, many women turn elsewhere for answers.

Eighty-two per cent of women in Canada have turned to Google to check serious health symptoms instead of consulting a doctor — a number even higher than the national average of 77%. While all Canadians face challenges accessing care, women are disproportionately affected. Studies show that they’re more likely to experience delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment, particularly when it comes to pain management.

The cost of delayed diagnoses and dismissed symptoms

Women are more likely to report severe, long-lasting pain, yet research shows they’re frequently denied pain relief or treated with less urgency than men. This systemic skepticism means many women hesitate to seek care, fearing they won’t be taken seriously, or that they’ll have to fight to be heard.

For those with complex or painful conditions, the delays can be devastating. A 2020 study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that women wait an average of five years for an endometriosis diagnosis, despite the condition’s debilitating impact on daily life. When care is delayed, so is treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering and long-term health consequences. 

The impact extends beyond reproductive health. Women’s College Hospital research reveals that while heart disease outcomes are improving for most groups, young women remain an exception — a concerning trend that underscores how systemic delays in care translate into real health risks. And as they age, women continue to face a greater burden of chronic illness: by age 80, twice as many women as men are living with two or more chronic conditions.

Why women feel discouraged from seeking care

These negative experiences don’t just delay treatment—they change behavior. The survey revealed that:

• 55% of Canadian women delay seeking medical advice even when they’re concerned, compared to 45% of men.
• 21% of women feel dissuaded from seeking care unless absolutely necessary, compared to 15% of men.
• 19% of women report having had negative experiences with healthcare providers, nearly double the rate of men (10%).

Health can wait, but at what cost?

The numbers paint a clear picture, and the consequences of delayed care and inaccessibility are severe. When Canadians delay seeking help for health concerns, treatable issues can become emergencies. The costs are not only financial — borne by an already stretched public healthcare system — but personal, with individuals facing challenges to their mental and physical health with worsened outcomes.

This pattern is troubling. Yet, the desire for a proactive approach remains strong: 74% of Canadians prioritize proactive care. 

They understand its benefits — early intervention saves lives and reduces the strain on the healthcare system. But the reality is that many feel shut out of their own health journey, struggling to access timely appointments or a consistent primary care provider. This is where technology can step in and transform the system.

Access to primary care providers and specialists at your fingertips

Virtual care platforms like Maple and digital tools can be the missing piece, providing access to licensed healthcare providers without the traditional hurdles. Apple and Android-compatible apps like Maple’s enable Canadians to schedule appointments, access test results, and receive medical advice online. These solutions can bring proactive care within reach — at home and abroad.

Virtual care doesn’t just improve access; it empowers patients to take control of their health the moment they need it, so they don’t have to worry if something is too “minor” of a concern.

By leveraging a digital platform for many healthcare needs, Canadians can stay on top of routine checkups, screenings, and ongoing care. This isn’t just convenient — it’s life-changing.

It’s time to empower Canadians with tools that make proactive care not just a goal but a reality. With the right innovations, we can create a healthcare system that’s easier to navigate, more accessible, and ultimately more human. It’s not just about saving costs — it’s about giving people control over their health and building a healthier, more resilient Canada. 

The path to proactive care

The path forward for Canada’s healthcare system lies in prioritizing proactive care and embracing innovative solutions like virtual care. The potential is immense, but it requires a commitment to integrating technology into the healthcare system. 

By addressing challenges and empowering Canadians with the tools to take control of their health, we can shift from a reactive approach to one that promotes long-term wellness. This transformation is essential for improving individual health outcomes and creating a sustainable, resilient healthcare system that benefits everyone. 

With virtual care and other tech-driven solutions, we can create a system that works for all. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving Canadians the tools they need to live healthier, longer lives while ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system. 

Read our full report on the benefits of proactive care in Canada.