A recent national survey reveals a growing crisis in women’s health care in Canada, exposing widespread delays, misdiagnoses, and a system that many feel simply isn’t built for them.
The findings come from Closing the Care Gap: The State of Women’s Health Care in Canada, a report published May 26, 2025, by Maple — one of Canada’s largest virtual care platforms. Surveying over 1,500 women across the country, the research paints a stark picture: 54 percent of women feel that the health care system fails to meet their needs.
“It’s not just about isolated incidents,” says Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO and co-founder of Maple. “Delays, missed diagnoses, and feeling dismissed are symptoms of a system designed for a different time, not for the realities women face today.”
The report highlights some alarming statistics. Over 60 percent of women have delayed or skipped medical care due to long wait times, and 43 percent reported delays in receiving appropriate treatment. Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) feel their health concerns aren’t taken seriously, while 35 percent say they have experienced misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses. These figures align with findings from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, which notes that wait times for specialists average 20.9 weeks — well above the recommended benchmark of four weeks for non-urgent care.
Dr. Monica Desai, a family physician and women’s health advocate in Ottawa, weighs in: “Women’s health is complex and often misunderstood. These delays and dismissals can have serious consequences. We need a system that listens to women’s experiences and adapts accordingly.”
The consequences are far-reaching. Women in the “sandwich generation”—those caring for aging parents while raising children—face added strain. In fact, 93 percent of these caregivers report that their dual responsibilities have negatively impacted their own health, and nearly one-third (31 percent) admit to postponing their own care. This reflects findings from Statistics Canada, which shows caregivers are 60 percent more likely to report poor health compared to non-caregivers.
“The emotional and physical toll on caregivers is often overlooked,” says Lisa Thompson, who specializes in caregiver support. “Supporting caregivers is critical, not just for their wellbeing, but for the health system overall.”
The economic ripple effects are significant too. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that inadequate access to timely care contributes to productivity losses exceeding \$15 billion annually, partly due to prolonged illness and missed workdays.
Yet there’s a silver lining: a growing openness to innovation in health care delivery. About 31 percent of women surveyed have already tried virtual care, and over half of those who haven’t (55 percent) are open to trying it. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and proactive care models offer the potential for faster, more continuous, and more personalized access to care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care usage in Canada surged by 56 percent, demonstrating its capacity to increase accessibility.
“At Maple, we’re focused on building modern healthcare experiences that reflect the reality of people’s lives,” says Amii Stepheson, vice-president who leads health systems partnerships with provincial governments at Maple. “For women, especially, that often means juggling their own health while caring for children, aging parents, or both. Our report found that 93 percent of sandwich generation caregivers say it’s taken a toll on their own health, and nearly a third have delayed care for themselves.
Maple’s virtual care solutions make it easier for those juggling work and personal lives at all ages and stages to get the support they need in minutes and overcome the barriers that prevent them from accessing care when they need it.”
Stepheson adds that the impact of virtual care is both measurable and meaningful: “For the last decade, Maple has been trusted by millions of Canadians and earned over one million 5-star reviews — a clear sign of how strongly virtual care is resonating. Among Canadian women, especially working moms, we consistently hear that Maple helps them reduce unnecessary travel, avoid long waits, address concerns they might otherwise delay, and manage their health with more confidence and less stress.
It’s not just about convenience. It’s about timely access, better continuity, and putting people in control of their care — and our satisfaction metrics reflect that.”
“As the demands on the system grow, patchwork solutions won’t be enough,” Belchetz explains. “We need a health care model that acts earlier, listens better, and builds trust. That’s the future we’re working toward.”
Maple’s report builds on previous research from 2024 showing that 81 percent of Canadians face barriers to early, proactive care. With virtual platforms breaking down some of these barriers, there’s hope that health care can evolve to better meet women’s—and all Canadians’—needs.
As the conversation about health care reform continues, Closing the Care Gap: The State of Women’s Health Care in Canada reminds us of the urgent need for systemic change. Women make up more than half of Canada’s population, yet their experiences and needs remain overlooked in too many aspects of the health system. Addressing this gap is not only a matter of fairness but of health, wellbeing, and economic stability for all.
Key Findings from Maple’s 2025 Report
54% of Canadian women say the health system does not meet their needs
62% have delayed or skipped care due to long wait times
74% feel their health concerns are not taken seriously
43% report delays in receiving appropriate treatment
35% say they have been misdiagnosed or received a delayed diagnosis
93% of sandwich generation caregivers say their dual roles have negatively affected their health
31% of those caregivers have delayed their own care
55% of women who have never used virtual care say they’re open to trying it
How to Access Virtual Care in Ottawa
Use Established Platforms:
Maple, Telus Health, and Babylon Health offer virtual consultations with licensed Canadian doctors. These services often cover everything from urgent care to chronic condition management.
Check Your Employer Benefits:
Many workplaces now include virtual care as part of their health benefits. Ask your HR department about available resources.
Explore Remote Monitoring Tools:
Devices like smart blood pressure monitors or glucose meters can connect to your healthcare provider, allowing for more personalized care between visits.
Prepare for Your Virtual Visit:
Have a quiet space, write down your symptoms and questions beforehand, and ensure a stable internet connection.
Know When to Seek In-Person Care:
Virtual care is convenient but not a substitute for emergencies or physical exams. If symptoms worsen or are severe, seek immediate medical attention.
For more information on Maple, visit www.getmaple.ca
Photo: iStock
