How do I access healthcare in Canada?
As a newcomer in Canada, you will have to apply to your provincial or territorial government to be eligible for public health insurance. After your application is approved, you will receive a healthcare card in the mail. Any time you visit your doctor, the emergency room or other medical professionals, you must present your health card to prove that you are registered.
How long does it take to be approved for health care coverage?
In Canada, the healthcare system usually has a minimum waiting period. This means that an insured person must wait a certain amount of time before some or all of their medical coverage comes into effect. Because the minimum waiting period varies by province and territory, the time it takes to get approved depends on where you live. As a result, the Canadian government advises all newcomers to purchase private health insurance to be covered in the event of an emergency during the waiting period. Please check the official province and territory website where you live.
Official Province/Territory website links:
| Province/ Territory | How & Where to apply |
| Alberta | Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) |
| British Columbia | BC Services Card |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health Card |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Health |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Health Care Plan |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) |
| Nunavut | Health Care Card |
| Ontario | Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Health Card |
| Quebec | Quebec Health Insurance |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Health Cards |
| Yukon | Yukon Health Care Card |
What does the universal health care system cover?
Because Canada’s universal health care system does not cover all health care needs, many Canadians will have additional health and dental coverage through their employers, an individual health insurance plan, or even out-of-pocket. Supplemental insurance is a good idea because it provides a safety net in case you lose a tooth or need new glasses.
So what does the universal health care system cover, then? In general, it covers:
- Visits to the doctor
- Surgery and medical tests
- Emergency medical services
- Referrals to specialists
- Primary mental health care from hospital psychiatrists
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Healthy child development
- Primary maternity care
- Rehabilitation services
- Prescription drugs (although the coverage varies by province/territory)
It does not cover the following:
- Ambulance services
- Certain prescription drugs
- Dental checkups and care outside of emergencies
- Vision care
- Hearing care
- Medical equipment and appliances (wheelchairs, etc.)
- Professional health services by physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, etc.
- Consultation with and treatments from private medical professionals (ie. private psychologists)
- Independent living/home care
Am I eligible for free Canadian health care?
It depends! The Canadian healthcare system is designed in a way that makes it possible for all insured individuals to have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services on a prepaid basis. However, your eligibility is determined by your immigration status and the length of time you have lived in Canada. To be eligible for health insurance coverage, you must reside in a province or territory and be physically present in that province/territory for at least 183 days out of 365 days. So you must spend enough time in Canada to qualify for coverage.
Typically, the following groups are covered under Canada’s healthcare system:
- Permanent residents
- International students with a study permit
- Foreign workers with permits
- Protected persons and refugees
- Temporary residents (special cases)
How and where can I find a family doctor?
Many Canadians have family doctors whom they visit when they feel sick, require testing, or have general medical questions. Although having a family doctor is not required, many people prefer to do so because family doctors get to know their patients and their patients’ medical histories over time.
For example, if you have an ongoing medical issue, you can go to your family doctor because they already have a file on you, your family medical history, any previous medical issues, and a network of specialists whom they can refer you. Having a family doctor can also help you save money on medical bills and speed up the process of receiving medical attention.
One way to find a family doctor is to start locally. Ask your family members and friends if they can recommend someone who is taking new patients. You can also search your provincial government’s resources and tools for finding a family doctor and/or other primary care providers. Below is a list of the resources to find a doctor in each province/territory:
- Alberta: Find a Doctor
- British Columbia: HealthLink BC
- Manitoba: Family Doctor Finder
- New Brunswick: Patient Connect
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Find a Doctor
- Northwest Territories: Find a Doctor
- Nova Scotia: Need a Family Practice Registry
- Nunavut: Health Facilities Map
- Ontario: Doctor Search
- Prince Edward Island: Patient Registry Program
- Quebec: Family Doctor Finder
- Saskatchewan: Physician Search
- Yukon: Find a Family Doctor
Source: How to navigate the Canadian healthcare system
Disclaimer: The information is obtained directly from the websites that appear in the source section. The information has been gathered as accurately as possible at the time of writing, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the province and territory’s official website and digital channels.
