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 place where you can see a doctor without an appointment. These clinics provide medical care for people who do not have a family doctor or cannot reach one. You might go to a walk-in clinic for a quick treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, such as bruises, sore throat, 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 get you access to medical care, but they’re not similar.
The following section summarizes the key differences between the two options:
| Aspect | Family Doctor | Walk-in Clinic |
| Continuity of Care | Family doctors know about your medical history and offer long-term care and health monitoring. | 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. | Clinic visits are usually short and often cover only one or two problems. |
| Doctor-Patient Relationship | You build trust with the same family doctor, and improve comfort and communication. | You might not see the same doctor in walk-in clinics, as they change from visit to visit—no long-term relationship. |
| 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. | No appointments are needed. You can walk in anytime, but wait times can be long, and services vary between clinics. |
| 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 fully covered by provincial health insurance as well. 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 right now, you may consider walk-in clinics and virtual care 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 where you go. 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.
Some medical services that are not covered by provincial insurance include doctor’s notes for school, medical certificates for work, or private nursing services. For more information, you can visit the Canada Health Plan. It’s best to check with the clinic before your visit. We offer 24/7 access to licensed Canadian doctors. Whether you have a health card or not, you can talk to a doctor anytime without insurance.
How do I find a family doctor in my province?
Finding a family doctor in Canada is difficult, especially in provinces with long 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 is a significant change from 2019, when this number was about 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 call your local health authority or ask nearby clinics 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.
- Call provincial health lines (like 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 get care depends on your health needs, how quickly you need help, and what options are available 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 a 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 can’t reach a family doctor. Whether in a rural or suburban area, our telehealth services can help save you time, travel, and 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 like infections, prescription refills, or health concerns. We can also help with doctor’s notes, online doctor prescriptions, and specialist referrals (when appropriate). 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. Anything outside of their scope, they will likely refer you to another specialist, like 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.
