Many Canadians are often stuck on long waitlists for a family doctor. Others rush to walk-in clinics for quick care. But how do you decide which is right for you? This blog explains the key differences between walk-in clinics and family doctors. Continue reading as we introduce a helpful third option: Your Doctors Online.
What is a family doctor?
A family doctor is a primary healthcare provider who provides medical care to people of all ages. They treat chronic conditions, evaluate symptoms, offer preventive care, and make specialist referrals when needed. These physicians often work in private offices or with other family practice doctors. They also work in community medicine clinics, hospital settings, and telemedicine platforms.
What is a walk-in clinic?
As the name suggests, a walk-in clinic is a healthcare facility where you can see a doctor without needing an appointment. These clinics offer medical care to individuals who lack a family doctor or are unable to access one. You may visit a walk-in clinic for quick treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, such as bruises, sore throats, minor infections, sprains, and skin complaints.
Key differences between a walk-in clinic and a family doctor
Your healthcare needs may vary from day to day. Whether you go to a family doctor or a walk-in clinic depends on your unique circumstances. Both family doctors and walk-in clinics provide access to medical care, but they’re not the same.
The following section summarizes the key differences between the two options:
| Aspect | Family Doctor | Walk-in Clinic |
| Continuity of Care | Clinic visits are typically brief and often address only one or two issues. | Walk-in doctors provide short-term care only. They usually don’t follow up or track your past medical history. |
| Time With Doctor | Consultation is longer, so patients get more time to ask questions and address their deeper health concerns. | No appointments are needed. You can walk in at any time, but please note that wait times can be long and services may vary between clinics. |
| Doctor-Patient Relationship | You might not see the same doctor in walk-in clinics, as they change from visit to visit, so there is no long-term relationship. | You build trust with the same family doctor, improving comfort and communication. |
| Access to Services | Family doctors can order lab tests, imaging, referrals, and prescribe most medications. | Walk-in clinics offer limited testing and services. Referrals and some prescriptions might not be available. |
| Appointment & Convenience | Family doctors usually require booking in advance. Same-day appointments are possible but not guaranteed. | Family doctors usually require appointments to be booked in advance. Same-day appointments are possible but not guaranteed. |
| Chances of being seen | If you have an appointment, you will be seen by the doctor even during a busy schedule. | Walk-in clinics are first-come, first-served. You may be turned away if the clinic is full. |
What services are available: Canadian walk-in clinic vs family doctor in Canada
A walk-in clinic serves the purpose when there is a shortage of family doctors. Both walk-in clinics and family doctors can treat common health concerns, but their services aren’t always the same.
The table below shows which services are typically available at each, so you can decide what’s best based on your health needs and how quickly you need care:
| Service (s) | Family Doctor | Walk-In Clinic |
| Chronic illness care | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Preventive care | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Acute infections (e.g., UTIs, and infections of the ear, nose, and throat) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Emergency contraception | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Minor injuries treatments (e.g. cuts, bruises, sprains) | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Doctor’s note/sick notes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (limited) |
| Specialist referrals | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Lab requisition | ✔ Yes | ✘ (Rare) |
| Medication refills | ✔ Yes | ✔ (limited) |
| Medical history tracking | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
Should every Canadian have a family doctor?
Having a family doctor is ideal for getting consistent care, monitoring chronic conditions, and preventing future health problems. For most Canadians, visits to a family doctor are also fully covered by provincial health insurance. However, finding a family doctor isn’t always easy, and some people are on waitlists for months or even years. If you don’t have a family doctor, you may consider walk-in clinics and virtual care options in your region.
Can I see a family doctor without a health card?
Yes, you can visit a doctor without a health card, but it depends on the location. Most walk-in clinics in Canada require a valid provincial health card. You might be asked to pay out of pocket if you don’t have one. However, telehealth services like Your Doctors Online allow you to speak with a doctor without a health card. We offer affordable pricing options, and our rates remain the same throughout the year. Find out more about virtual doctors in Ontario!
Are walk-in clinics free in Canada?
Each province and territory in Canada has its own health insurance plan for medically necessary services. The Canadian government sets the healthcare standards, while healthcare delivery is managed on the provincial level. If you have a valid health card from your province or territory, most walk-in clinic visits won’t charge you for any insured service.
How do I find a family doctor in my province?
Finding a family doctor in Canada can be challenging, especially in provinces with lengthy waitlists. According to a national survey, over 6.5 million Canadians (more than one in five) don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner they see regularly. This represents a significant change from 2019, when the number was approximately 4.5 million.
Each province has its family doctor registry to help residents connect with a primary care provider. These provincial primary care waitlist programs’ family doctor registries in Canada include:
- Health Connect Ontario (formerly Health Care Connect)
- Québec Family Doctor Finder
- Nova Scotia Health Registry
- Prince Edward Island Patient Registry
- Alberta Find a Doctor Tool
You can also contact your local health authority or inquire with nearby clinics to see if they’re accepting new patients.
Where can I get medical help if I don’t have a family doctor?
If you don’t have a family doctor, you’re not alone. Millions of Canadians are in the same situation. You still have options:
- Visit a walk-in clinic for quick, in-person help.
- Use virtual care through services like Your Doctors Online.
- Contact your provincial health line (such as Telehealth Ontario or 811) for advice.
- Go to the ER for emergencies only.
Things to consider before choosing between virtual care and a family doctor
Choosing where to receive care depends on your health needs, the urgency of your need for assistance, and the available options in your area. For instance:
- If you have a long-term condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, a family doctor is best for ongoing care and chronic condition management.
- If your condition is a one-time issue, such as pink eye, a sore throat, or a UTI, a walk-in clinic or virtual doctor visit might be faster and easier.
- If you’re not comfortable waiting a few days or even weeks for an appointment, walk-in clinics and virtual visits are same-day options.
- You can speak with a GP online if you’ve recently relocated and are unable to reach a family doctor. Whether in a rural or suburban area, our telehealth services can help you save time, reduce travel, and avoid long wait times.
Can I get a family doctor at Your Doctors Online?
While Your Doctors Online does not assign long-term family doctors, we offer fast, private, and secure access to Canadian-licensed physicians. You can chat with a doctor in under 5 minutes about everyday issues, such as infections, prescription refills, or health concerns. We can also help with doctor’s notes, online doctor prescriptions, and specialist referrals (when appropriate). Please think of us as your on-demand care partner while you wait for a permanent provider.
Final thoughts: Which option is best for you?
The best care option depends on your health needs, timing, and preferences. Whether you choose a family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or virtual care, remember that physicians may only provide services within their training and expertise. If anything falls outside their scope, they will likely refer you to another specialist, such as a neurologist or a general surgeon. If you’re still searching for a provider, consult a licensed physician at Your Doctors Online today.
Please note that this blog is for educational purposes only. The information provided here doesn’t mean to replace information from your medical professional. All medical treatment is provided at the sole discretion of the provider.
