How to Book a Private Surgeon in Canada: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide

1. Before You Start: Is Private Surgery Right for You?

Before you begin searching for a private surgeon, it helps to be clear on why you are doing this and what private care can and cannot do.

1.1 How private surgery fits with the public system

Canada’s public healthcare system covers most medically necessary hospital and physician services. However:

• Many Canadians wait months or years for non‑emergency surgeries.
• Some procedures or parts of care (for example, certain tests, or extra services) may not be fully covered.

Private surgery in Canada generally:

• Focuses on elective or non‑emergency procedures‍
• Is paid for out‑of‑pocket, with extended health benefits, or with financing
• Operates alongside the public system, not instead of it

Using private options does not cancel your public coverage. Public insurance is tied to your status as a Canadian in your province/territory, not whether or not you've used private services. You still keep your provincial health card and can still access public care when you need it.

Always check specific rules for your province and situation with a health professional.

For more information on How Private Surgery Works in Canada, see our Guide.

1.2 When it may make sense to consider private options

Patients and families often look at private surgery when:

• They face wait times in excess of 1-2 years.
• Pain or loss of function is affecting work, school, or family life.
• There is a risk that waiting longer could lead to deterioration (e.g. worsening joint damage).
• They want more control over timing, surgeon, procedure.
• They have savings, family support, or extended insurance that can help with the cost.

Private surgery is not always the right choice for everyone. It depends on your health, finances, and personal circumstances. The goal is not to replace the public system, but to give you more options.

1.3 When you still need public emergency or urgent care

If you have:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or signs of stroke
• Heavy bleeding
• A serious injury or rapidly worsening symptoms

you should go to the emergency department or call emergency services. Emergency care belongs in the public system. Private surgery is for planned, elective and non‑emergency procedures.

1.4 Who this guide is for

This guide is for:

• Patients who are on a surgical waitlist or expect to be.
• Older adults who are struggling with pain or disability and want faster options.
• Family members or caregivers trying to help a loved one.
• Anyone in Canada who is curious about what private surgery actually involves.

1.5 Basic terms in plain language

Here are a few terms you will see:

• Specialist: A doctor who focuses on one area of medicine (for example, an ENT doctor for ears, nose, and throat, or an orthopedic surgeon for bones and joints).
• Referral: A letter or form from a doctor asking a specialist to see you.
• Elective surgery: A planned surgery that is important, but not an emergency.
• Out‑of‑pocket: Money you pay yourself, not through your provincial plan.
• Uninsured service: A service not covered by your provincial health plan.
• Extended health benefits: Extra insurance from work or a private plan that may cover some services (for example, some tests, medications, or physiotherapy).

If you do not understand a term a doctor uses, you are allowed to say, “Could you explain that in simpler words?” That is part of safe care.

2. Confirm Your Diagnosis and Medical Need

The first step in any surgery journey is knowing what is wrong and whether surgery is actually needed.

2.1 Start with your family doctor or current specialist

Most people start here:

• You see your family doctor or a walk‑in doctor because of pain or other symptoms.
• The doctor examines you, orders tests, or refers you to a specialist.
• The specialist may try non‑surgical treatments first (medications, physiotherapy, injections, etc.).
• If those do not help enough, surgery may be recommended.

Even if you are planning to go private, it is helpful to have:

• A clear diagnosis
• Notes on what treatments you have already tried
• Copies of any imaging or test results

This makes your private consultation more efficient.

That said, many Canadians struggle to even get a diagnosis—feeling 'passed around' with no clear answers. In these cases, you can reach out to a private surgeon directly (no referrals needed), but they will likely require diagnostics (imaging, bloodwork, tests), which could involve more costs.

2.2 What “confirming the need for surgery” looks like

Confirming the need for surgery often involves:

• A medical history: when symptoms started, how they have changed, which activities you cannot do.
• A physical exam.
• Imaging, such as x‑rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds.
• Other tests, like bloodwork or vision tests.
• A trial of non‑surgical care, when appropriate.

Ask your doctor/specialist directly:

• “Do you think surgery is likely to help my condition?”
• “Is there any serious risk if I wait longer?”
• “Are there signs that we should move faster?”

2.3 If you do not have a family doctor

Some 17% of Canadians do not have a regular family doctor. In that case, you can:

• Use walk‑in clinics (in‑person or virtual).
• Ask if the clinic can help coordinate tests or referrals.
• Keep your own record of visits and results.
• Reach out to a private surgeon directly (depending on the extent of your diagnosis, they may help coordinate initial diagnostics and/or recommend non-surgical measures first).

When you see any doctor/specialist, ask for:

• A copy of the consultation note, if possible.
• Copies of imaging reports.
• A simple summary: “What do you think is going on?”

You can bring these to a private specialist later.

2.4 When a private surgeon can help confirm the diagnosis

In some cases, you may not have a full workup yet, but you can still:

• Book a private consultation with a surgeon (no referral needed).
• Use that visit to clarify the diagnosis and next steps.
• Get advice on which tests are truly needed.

The surgeon might:

• Review your symptoms.
• Look at any tests you have.
• Order additional imaging if needed.
• Explain whether surgery is likely to help.

You can still choose to have surgery in the public system after this, if that is what you prefer.

Note: private surgeons are bound by the same ethical and legal duties of all Canadian medical professionals (e.g. Canadian Medical Association Code, provincial college codes, specialty codes) which means they won't recommend unnecessary surgery. If you are still worried, we do recommend reaching out to multiple surgeons for consults to get 2-5 opinions.

2.5 What medical records to collect

Start a simple folder (paper or digital) with:

• Referrals or consultation letters.
• Imaging reports (x‑rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Lab results.
• A list of your medications and doses.
• A brief symptom timeline (for example, “Knee pain for 2 years, worse in the last 6 months, trouble walking more than 10 minutes”).

This folder will save time and reduce repeated tests.

3. Learn the Rules for Private Surgery in Canada

Understanding the rules helps you feel safer and more in control.

3.1 The basics: public and private working together

In Canada:

• Provinces fund most hospital and doctor services.
• Some services can also be offered privately, as long as providers follow provincial laws and regulations.
• Clinics that provide private surgery must be licensed, inspected, and compliant with safety standards.

Private care should complement the public system, not replace it. Many surgeons work in both public hospitals and private clinics.

3.2 What is generally allowed privately

While rules differ by province, private options often include:

• Elective procedures that are not emergencies (for example, some orthopedic, ENT, or eye surgeries).
• Surgeries done outside of a publicly funded hospital setting.
• Certain upgrades or add‑ons that are not covered by provincial plans.

A private clinic or surgeon should be able to explain clearly:

• Which parts of your care are insured by the public plan.
• Which parts are private and billed directly to you.

3.3 What is usually still done in the public system

Under the Canada Health Act, medically necessary services must be covered across all provinces and territories.

Practically speaking, this means that any surgery covered by public healthcare in your home province cannot be paid for out of pocket within your home province. This is why Canadians must generally travel out-of-province in order to receive private surgery in Canada.

This is an odd quirk to our system to say the least. It may change in coming years, but for now, it’s the system we have.

The one exception is if you see a surgeon who has opted out of the public healthcare system. The unenrolled surgeon may perform a ‘medically necessary’ surgery within the home province of the patient for private pay. This is relatively rare. 98% of physicians are enrolled in the public system, and Ontario outright prohibits the ability to opt-out.

3.4 What is usually still done in the public system

Emergency and urgent surgeries (such as for heart attacks, strokes, major trauma, or life‑threatening infections) are handled in the public system and are not usually part of private surgery offerings.

Complex cases that require intensive care or large hospital teams may also be done only in public hospitals.

3.5 Provincial differences

Because healthcare is managed provincially:

• The same procedure might be offered privately in one province and not in another.
• The rules about what can be billed privately vary.

If your surgery is in a different province than where you live, you need to:

• Travel for care.
• Understand the local regulations.
• Ask the clinic to explain how they comply with those rules.

3.6 How private surgery affects your public coverage

In most cases:

• Choosing private surgery does not remove your right to public healthcare.
• You can still see your family doctor, use emergency departments, and access public hospital care.

You can ask directly:

• “If I have this surgery privately, does it change my status with my provincial plan in any way?”

3.7 Red flags to watch for

Be cautious if you see:

• Promises that sound too good to be true (“guaranteed results,” “miracle cures,” “risk‑free”).
• Pressure tactics (this shouldn’t ever happen).
• Confusing or hidden fees.
• No clear information about licensing, accreditation, or the surgeon’s qualifications.
• Lack of emphasis on non-surgical measures (e.g. medication, physio, lifestyle changes) before surgery.

Reputable providers should welcome your questions, encourage conservative treatments first, and generally treat in an objective manner.

4. Research and Shortlist Surgeons

Once you understand your diagnosis and possible costs, the next step is to find potential surgeons.

4.1 What to look for in a surgeon

Key factors to consider:

• Credentials: recognized medical degree, LMCC, active provincial license, relevant FRCSC
• Experience: Procedure volume disclosed for the past year; outcomes shared and benchmarked.
• Facility standards: Clinic accreditation confirmed; infection and complication rates provided; anesthesia/emergency protocols clear.
• Aftercare plan: written discharge plan; direct contact provided; coordination with family doctor, physio.
• Communication style: do they explain clearly and listen to your concerns?

Thoroughly understand surgeon credentials in Canada by reading our resource, How to Understand Surgeon Credentials in Canada.

4.2 Checking credentials and clinic accreditation

You can:

• Search the provincial college of physicians and surgeons website to confirm the surgeon’s licence and discipline history.

• Ask the clinic directly:
  
  • “Are you an accredited facility?”
  • “Which organization accredits you?”
  • “How often are you inspected?”

4.3 Using Surgency.ca to explore options

Surgency.ca is a physician‑founded platform that allows you to:

• Browse private surgical providers in cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal.
• Filter by procedure type and location.
• Compare surgeons based on:
  
  • Qualifications and certifications
  • Years of experience
  • Price ranges (if available)

This helps you see, in one place, options that are usually hard to find or compare.

4.4 Choosing the right location

Many Canadians travel to another province or city for private surgery. When you consider location, think about:

• Travel distance and cost.
• Whether someone can travel with you to help.
• Where you will stay before and after surgery.
• How soon you can get a surgery date there.

Sometimes, going a bit farther can shorten your wait. Other times, being closer to home for follow‑up is more important.

4.5 Narrowing your list

A practical approach is to:

1. Make a long list of surgeons who offer your procedure.
2. Check credentials and clinic information.
3. Narrow to 2–4 surgeons who seem like a good fit.

You can then book consultations with each of them to understand your options better.

5. Book Your Initial Consultations

Consultations are your chance to ask questions, share your goals, and see if a surgeon feels right for you.

5.1 Why speak with more than one surgeon

Different surgeons may:

• Suggest slightly different techniques.
• Offer different timelines or facility settings.
• Have different communication styles.

Seeing more than one surgeon:

• Gives you a broader view of what is reasonable.
• Helps you feel more confident in your final choice.

5.2 In‑person vs virtual consultations

In‑person consults may allow:

• A physical exam.
• On‑site imaging or tests.

Virtual consults (video or phone) may:

• Be easier to schedule quickly.
• Save travel time and money, especially if you live far away.

Sometimes you can start virtually and then have an in‑person assessment closer to surgery.

5.3 Typical wait time and fees

Private consultations are often available:

• Within days to a few weeks, depending on demand and the specialty.

Expect:

• A consultation fee, often in the range of about $150–$350 (although they can range over $700 in some cases).

5.4 How to book through Surgency.ca

In general, the process looks like this:

1. Go to Surgency.ca.
2. Search by procedure type and location.
3. Open surgeon or clinic profiles to review qualifications, experience, and price ranges.
4. Choose a provider and select available consultation times (in‑person or virtual, when offered).
5. Confirm your information and any required payment method for the consult.

You can repeat this with 2–4 surgeons to compare.

5.5 Documents to prepare before each consultation

Before your appointment, gather:

• Referral notes or letters (if you have them).
• Imaging reports (x‑rays, MRIs, CT, ultrasound).
• A medication list (including over‑the‑counter and supplements).
• A brief symptom summary:
  
  • When the problem started
  • Activities you cannot do now
  • What makes it better or worse
  • What you hope to get back to (work, sports, daily life)

Having this ready saves time and helps the surgeon focus on your main concerns.

6. What Happens During the Consultation

Knowing what to expect can help you get the most value from each visit.

6.1 How the surgeon will review your case

During the consultation, the surgeon will typically:

• Review your medical history and symptoms.
• Examine the affected area (if in‑person).
• Look at any imaging or test results.
• Ask about treatments you have already tried.
• Ask about your goals and daily activities.

6.2 Common questions you may be asked

Be prepared to answer:

• “On a scale of 0–10, how bad is your pain?”
• “How has this affected your work, school, or family life?”
• “What have you tried so far?” (medications, therapy, lifestyle changes)
• “Do you have any other medical conditions?” (for example, diabetes, heart disease)
• “Do you smoke, vape, or drink alcohol?”

Honest answers help the surgeon estimate risks and benefits more accurately.

6.3 Key questions you should ask every surgeon

You might bring a printed list and tick items off as you go. For example:

• “How many of these surgeries do you perform each year?”
• “What are the main benefits I can realistically expect?”
• “What are the main risks and complications I should know about?”
• “What type of anaesthesia will be used?”
• “Where will the surgery take place, and what is that facility’s accreditation?”
• “How long is the recovery time, and what will I be able or not able to do?”
• “What follow‑up visits are included?”

6.4 Additional tests or imaging

Sometimes, the surgeon may:

• Order new imaging or repeat existing tests.
• Ask you to see another specialist before surgery.

Ask:

• “Why is this test necessary?”
• “Will there be any extra costs?”

6.5 Getting clear, written information

Before you leave, make sure you have:

• A written summary of the surgeon’s recommendation (if possible).
• Any educational materials they provide.
• A quote that lists what is included in the surgical package.

If you feel rushed or confused, it is okay to ask for a follow‑up call or email.

7. Understand Costs and How People Pay

Private surgery involves substantial costs. It is important to know what you are agreeing to before you commit.

For an in-depth review of costs, check out our Private Surgery Costs Resource. For information on surgery-specific costs, you can find estimates in each of our published Procedure Guides.

7.1 What makes up the total cost

The total price of a private surgery usually includes:

• Surgeon fees
• Anaesthesiologist fees (the specialist who manages pain and sedation)
• Facility fees (operating room, nursing staff, equipment, supplies)
• Pre‑operative tests (if done through the clinic)
• Post‑operative follow‑up visits

Ask for a written quote that lists:

• What is included.
• What is not included.
• How long the quote is valid.

7.2 Why prices vary

Costs vary considerably depending on:

• Type and complexity of the surgery.
• Province and city.
• Whether it is done in a clinic, a surgical centre, or a private hospital setting.
• Length of time in the operating room.
• Need for special equipment or implants.

Comparing two quotes is only helpful if you know exactly what each one covers.

7.3 Extra costs to consider

In addition to the surgery itself, factor in:

• Travel (flights, gas, parking, taxis).
• Accommodation (hotel, short term rental, staying with family).
• Time off work for you
• Possibly a caregiver.
• Childcare or eldercare at home.
• Medications and medical supplies after surgery.
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation, if needed.

7.4 Ways people pay

Common payment methods include:

• Out‑of‑pocket: Using savings or family support.
• Extended health benefits: Some workplace or private plans may cover parts of the care (for example, certain tests, some professional fees, or post‑operative rehab).
• Financing or payment plans: Some clinics or third‑party companies offer structured payment options.

For more information on financing, read 7 Options for Canadians.

Canadians may also be eligible to reduce some of their financial burden through the Medical Expense Tax Credit. See here for more information on what’s covered and how to navigate the METC.

7.5 How to compare quotes 

When you receive quotes from different clinics, ask yourself:

• Are the procedures being quoted the same (same technique, same implants or devices)?
  
  • Are there any non-procedural add-ons in one that aren’t in the other (e.g. accommodation, transportation, caregiver, etc.)
• Does each quote include pre‑op tests, follow‑up visits, and any imaging?
• What happens if there is a complication? Is that covered or billed separately?

Choosing the cheapest option is not always best. You want a balance of:

• Safety
• Experience
• Clear communication
• Reasonable, transparent costs

8. Compare Your Options After the Consults

After you have spoken with more than one surgeon, the next step is to compare.

8.1 Organizing your notes

You can make a simple comparison table with columns like:

• Surgeon’s name and location
• Suggested procedure
• Wait time to surgery
• Facility type
• Total quoted price
• What is included (tests, follow‑up)
• Your comfort level (1–10)

This turns a stressful decision into something more concrete.

8.2 Weighing clinical factors

Consider:

• Does the proposed plan match what other surgeons suggested, or is it very different?
• Does the surgeon have strong experience with your specific surgery?
• Is the facility clearly accredited and focused on your type of procedure?

If one plan seems very different, it can be worth asking why.

8.3 Weighing personal factors

Ask yourself:

• Did I feel heard and respected?
• Did they explain things in words I understood?
• Is communication easy (access to staff by phone, email, or portal)?

These “soft” factors matter a lot during recovery.

8.4 Reviewing quotes and payment options

Check:

• Are all quotes talking about the same operation (same technique, same implants)?
• Are payment schedules and cancellation policies clear?
• Are there extra fees if surgery needs to be rescheduled?

If something is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.

8.5 When to ask for follow‑up questions

You can contact the clinic and say:

• “I have a few follow‑up questions after my consultation. Is there a way to review them by email or phone?”

A transparent clinic will answer within reasonable limits, even before you commit.

8.6 Deciding if private surgery still feels right

After comparing, you may decide:

• To go ahead with private surgery.
• To stay on the public waitlist while you think more.
• To focus on non‑surgical care for now.

Any of these choices can be reasonable. The important thing is that you feel informed and not pressured.

9. Confirm Your Surgery and Payment

Once you have chosen a surgeon and clinic, you will be asked to confirm.

9.1 What “informed consent” means

Informed consent means:

• You understand what surgery is being done and why.
• You understand the main risks and benefits.
• You know about reasonable alternatives, including doing nothing for now.
• You have had a chance to ask questions.

You will likely sign consent forms. Read them carefully and ask about anything you do not understand.

9.2 Signing clinic and financial agreements

You may sign:

• Medical consent forms.
• Facility consent forms.
• Financial agreements for the cost of surgery.
• Financing documents, if you choose a payment plan.

Before signing, ask:

• “What happens if surgery is delayed or cancelled?”
• “What if I become too sick to have surgery on the planned date?”
• “Are there any extra charges that might come up?”

9.3 Setting a surgery date

The clinic will work with you to:

• Choose a surgery date.
• Consider your work, school, and family schedule.
• Ensure enough time for pre‑operative tests.

Private surgery dates are often available within weeks, depending on the surgeon and procedure.

9.4 Protecting yourself against surprises

To avoid surprises:

• Keep copies of all quotes, emails, and signed forms.
• Confirm what is included in your package.
• Ask who you contact if you have billing questions.

Clear, written communication is a sign of a well‑run clinic.

9.5 Knowing who to contact

Before you leave the booking process, note:

• Name and contact details of your main contact person (for example, a surgical coordinator).
• A backup contact or general clinic line.
• How to reach someone after hours if you have urgent concerns.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Private Surgery in Canada

10.1 Is private surgery legal and safe in Canada?

Private surgery has always been legal under Canadian law. All private clinics should:

• Be licensed and inspected.
• Follow strict safety and infection‑control standards.
• Employ certified surgeons and anaesthesia staff.

Surgency only lists accredited providers who meet defined standards.

10.2 Will my public healthcare coverage change if I go private?

For most people, having a private surgery:

• Does not remove your public coverage.
• Does not stop you from seeing your family doctor or using emergency services.

If you are unsure, ask your provincial health plan or a trusted professional directly.

10.3 Can I go back to the public waitlist after going private?

Yes. If you explore private options and decide they are not for you, then you still have your spot on the public waitlist.

10.4 What if something goes wrong after a private surgery?

Complications can occur with any surgery, public or private. Depending on the situation:

• The private clinic may manage it.
• You may need to go to a public emergency department.

Ask your surgeon:

• “If I have a complication, where will I be treated?”
• “How do you coordinate with public hospitals if that is needed?”

10.5 Can I claim any of this on my taxes?

In Canada, some medical expenses, including certain out‑of‑pocket surgical costs, may be eligible as medical expense deductions for income tax purposes. To learn more, read out resource Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) for Private Surgeries in Canada.

It is best to check with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or a tax professional. 

Keep receipts and statements from the clinic.

10.6 Will I lost access to public healthcare if I have a private surgery?

No. Public healthcare is tied to your status as a Canadian citizen in your home province/territory. It 

11. How Surgency.ca Fits Into Your Journey

Surgery decisions are large and often emotional. Having clear, transparent information can make them less intimidating.

11.1 What Surgency is (and is not)

Surgency is:

• A physician‑founded platform that helps Canadians explore private surgical options.
• A directory of vetted, accredited private providers and clinics.
• A tool to compare surgeons based on price, location, qualifications.

Surgency.ca is not:

• A replacement for your doctor or specialist.
• A guarantee of a specific outcome.
• A source of emergency medical care.

11.2 How providers are vetted

To help you feel more confident, Surgency focuses on:

• Listing only licensed, accredited surgeons.
• Showing verified credentials and experience for surgeons.
• Sharing transparent information about pricing ranges and services.

11.3 Using the directory step by step

You can:

1. Visit the Surgency webapp.
2. Search by specialty or procedure (for example, knee replacement, tonsillectomy, hernia repair).
3. Filter by city or province (for example, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal).
4. Compare surgeon profiles.
5. Book consultations directly with your chosen providers, often within days or weeks.

11.4 When to contact Surgency support

You can reach out if you:

• Are unsure how to use the platform.
• Need help understanding listings.
• Want guidance on next steps after exploring options.

You deserve clear information, safe care, and a sense of control over your health journey. Private surgery is not the right path for everyone, but for some Canadians, it opens a door that once felt closed.

This guide is your starting point. The next step is yours.