Is any treatment needed for a minor tear or dissection in a blood vessel of the chest (not an emergency)? i do not want to pay for scans, etc., if the only treatment needed is monitoring, blood thinners, or blood pressure medication?

Would you be referring to a dissection of the thoracic aorta? If so it has to be monitored & followed closely by a thoracic surgeon during conservative treatment such as blood pressure control & reduction of the force of heart muscle contractions with beta blockers. I am under the impression that the Canadian health coverage of medical treatment , including all testing, is free.

All details matter as to what type of vessel is involved and what is the actual size of the tear. Monitoring can only be done through scans and treatment may be needed based on current details. Have a thorough discussion about it with your primary care doc or any other doc that you trust.