Tens of thousands of Canadians died waiting for medical care in the past year: report

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10. AI overview

There is no single, official 2023 figure for deaths due to lack of healthcare, as it's difficult to quantify directly. However, studies and analyses from related to 2023 or recent years suggest thousands to tens of thousands of deaths are linked to inadequate healthcare access annually. Estimates vary widely, with some studies showing over 26,000 to 45,000 preventable deaths, and a 2025 analysis of policy changes projected around 22,000 annual deaths due to loss of coverage.

Estimated annual deaths: Studies have estimated that hundreds of thousands of excess deaths are linked to insurance gaps each year, with specific figures ranging from 26,000 to over 45,000 in different analyses. A more recent analysis predicted an additional 22,000 deaths annually from a loss of health coverage.
Contributing factors: The lack of insurance is linked to several negative health outcomes, including the inability to get needed care, a lack of a regular doctor, and a loss of continuity in coverage.
Mental health care access: An estimated 55% of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment, and 42% of those who don't cite cost as the primary barrier.
Other factors: Other factors contributing to these deaths include the use of poor-quality health services, lack of access to timely preventive care, and challenges in accessing behavioral health service