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Positive healthcare experiences don’t tell the full story

Our survey of more than 2,000 Canadians reveals that while most people continue to report positive healthcare experiences, many women face additional challenges navigating their care.

The study explores what happens before, during and after appointments, uncovering the hidden work many women undertake to coordinate, communicate and advocate for their health.

0

%

Describe their doctor as supportive

0

%

Of women say there are health topics they find difficult to raise with their doctor

0

%

Of women report living with a chronic condition, either currently or in the past

The gender divide is largest among Gen Z Canadians

 

  • Young women report the greatest divergence from their male peers of any generation studied
  • The gap between Gen Z women and men is more than twice the size of the gap among Millennials (13% vs. 5%)
  • While 95% of Gen Z men expect a positive outcome from a doctor’s visit, only 82% of Gen Z women say the same
  • The difference is even greater when it comes to feeling supported by a family doctor (82% of Gen Z men versus 66% of Gen Z women)

Feeling supported influences communication and confidence

Positive experiences begin with support

Canadians who feel supported by their doctor are significantly more likely to anticipate a positive doctor visit (98%) than those who feel unsupported (25%).

Communication improves with support

While 66% of Canadians overall say they describe their symptoms accurately, this falls to 48% among those who feel unsupported by their doctor.

Feeling heard matters

Placating or dismissive language leaves 53% of Canadians feeling upset rather than reassured, highlighting the importance of supportive healthcare interactions.

Learn more about the Study

Women are adapting how they navigate healthcare

  • 42% of women who feel they need to prove themselves emphasize how their symptoms affect their daily life to help communicate the impact of their concerns
  • 30% repeatedly describe or justify their symptoms, suggesting many women feel they need to reinforce their concerns during appointments
  • 29% research medical information before appointments to help support conversations with their healthcare provider
  • 24% return for multiple visits about the same concern, while 21% bring notes, timelines or written documentation to appointments

Why women hold back health concerns

  • 81% of Gen Z women say there are health topics they find difficult to raise with their doctor, compared with 46% of Boomer women
  • Fear of dismissal (30%) and fear of judgement (29%) are the leading reasons Gen Z women hold back health concerns
  • Embarrassment becomes the leading barrier for older generations, affecting 29% of Millennial women, 27% of Gen X women and 35% of Boomer women

Women with chronic conditions are carrying more of the burden of care

Many women report repeatedly coordinating and reconnecting their healthcare experiences across providers

71% repeated their full health history more than once in the past year, averaging three complete retellings annually

92% of Gen Z women living with chronic conditions repeated their health history multiple times over the past year

Women with chronic conditions report repeatedly restating symptoms, reconstructing timelines, and reconnecting fragmented care experiences across providers

53% of women report living with a chronic condition, either currently or in the past

We’re here to help

Women’s health needs evolve across every stage of life. That’s why Blue Cross® is committed to supporting more accessible, personalized, and preventative health benefits, resources, and coverage.

By better understanding women’s healthcare experiences, we can help foster more informed conversations about women’s health.

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