Health Card Application Guide (by Province)

How Healthcare Works in Canada

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system known as Medicare. Unlike a single national plan, healthcare is managed province by province. Each province and territory runs its own health insurance plan, sets its own rules for eligibility, and issues its own health card. When you have a valid provincial health card, you can visit doctors, walk-in clinics, and hospitals without paying out of pocket for most medically necessary services.

As a newcomer, enrolling in your province's health insurance plan should be a top priority. However, coverage does not always begin on the day you arrive. Several provinces impose a waiting period, typically up to three months, before your coverage starts. During that gap, you are responsible for your own medical costs unless you have private insurance.

This guide walks you through the application process for every major province, explains what is covered and what is not, and provides practical advice for managing the waiting period.

Province-by-Province Health Card Guide

Ontario (OHIP)

Ontario's health insurance plan is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit of at least six months. You must physically live in Ontario and be present in the province for at least 153 days in any 12-month period.

Waiting period: Up to three months from the date you establish residency in Ontario. Some newcomers may be exempt, including those who moved from another Canadian province with existing coverage.

Required documents:

• Completed Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (available at ServiceOntario locations or online)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status (passport, PR card, work permit)
• Proof of Ontario residency (lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement)
• Proof of identity (passport, driver's license)

How to apply: Visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. Find locations at https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario-locations.

Official info: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card

British Columbia (MSP)

British Columbia's plan is the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid study or work permit of at least six months. You must make your home in BC.

Waiting period: There is a waiting period of up to three months. Coverage typically begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency in BC.

Required documents:

• Completed MSP enrolment application (available online)
• Proof of immigration status (passport, PR card, work or study permit)
• Proof of BC residency

How to apply: Apply online through Health Insurance BC or by mailing the application form. Visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp.

Cost: MSP premiums were eliminated in BC in January 2020. There is no monthly premium.

Official info: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

Alberta (AHCIP)

Alberta's plan is the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work or study permit. You must be physically present in Alberta.

Waiting period: Alberta does not impose a waiting period for most newcomers. Coverage can begin as early as the date you establish residency, though it may take a few weeks to process your application and receive your Alberta Health Care card.

Required documents:

• Completed Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Registration form
• Proof of immigration status (passport, COPR, PR card, work permit, or study permit)
• Proof of Alberta residency (lease agreement, utility bill)

How to apply: Submit your application in person at an Alberta Registry Agent office. Find locations at https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-how-to-apply.

Official info: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-apply-for-coverage

Quebec (RAMQ)

Quebec's plan is managed by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit. International students may also be eligible depending on their country of origin (Quebec has reciprocal agreements with some countries). You must reside in Quebec.

Waiting period: Up to three months for most newcomers. Some categories, such as workers and their dependents, may be exempt from the waiting period.

Required documents:

• Completed RAMQ registration form
• Proof of immigration status (passport, COPR, PR card, work permit, or CSQ)
• Proof of Quebec residency (lease, utility bill)
• Two pieces of identification

How to apply: Visit a RAMQ office in person or apply online. Find details at https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/register.

Official info: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance

Manitoba

Manitoba's plan is managed by Manitoba Health.

Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid work or study permits who reside in Manitoba.

Waiting period: Up to three months. Coverage begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency.

Required documents:

• Completed Manitoba Health Registration form
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of Manitoba residency

How to apply: Submit your application by mail to Manitoba Health, Insured Benefits Branch, or in person. Visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/index.html.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's plan is managed by the Ministry of Health.

Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid work permits who reside in Saskatchewan.

Waiting period: Up to three months for newcomers from outside Canada. Newcomers from other Canadian provinces may have coverage begin sooner.

Required documents:

• Completed Saskatchewan Health Registration form
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of Saskatchewan residency

How to apply: Contact the Saskatchewan Health Registration office or apply by mail. Visit https://www.ehealthsask.ca/residents/health-cards.

Nova Scotia (MSI)

Nova Scotia's plan is Medical Services Insurance (MSI).

Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible temporary residents who reside in Nova Scotia.

Waiting period: Effective since 2015, Nova Scotia has eliminated the waiting period for most newcomers. Coverage can begin on your date of arrival if your application is submitted promptly.

Required documents:

• Completed MSI Registration form
• Proof of immigration status (passport, PR card, work permit)
• Proof of Nova Scotia residency

How to apply: Apply in person at an MSI office or by mail. Visit https://novascotia.ca/DHW/msi/.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick's plan is managed by Medicare NB.

Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible temporary residents who reside in New Brunswick.

Waiting period: Up to three months for some categories of newcomers, though this can vary. Check with Medicare NB for your specific situation.

Required documents:

• Completed New Brunswick Medicare Registration form
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of New Brunswick residency
• Two pieces of identification

How to apply: Apply by mail or in person. Visit https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/MedicarePrescriptionDrugPlan.html.

What Provincial Health Insurance Covers

Provincial health insurance generally covers:

• Doctor visits: Appointments with family doctors and specialists
• Hospital stays: Inpatient care, surgeries, and emergency room visits
• Diagnostic tests: Blood work, X-rays, and other medically necessary tests ordered by a doctor
• Maternity care: Prenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care

What Provincial Health Insurance Does NOT Cover

Most provincial plans do not cover:

• Dental care: Routine dental checkups, cleanings, and procedures (except hospital-based dental surgery in some provinces)
• Vision care: Eye exams and glasses for adults (children may be partially covered)
• Prescription drugs: Medications prescribed outside a hospital setting (some provinces offer separate drug plans for low-income residents or seniors)
• Physiotherapy and chiropractic care: May be partially covered depending on the province
• Ambulance fees: Some provinces charge for ambulance rides
• Mental health services: Coverage varies by province; some offer limited psychologist visits
• Cosmetic surgery: Not covered unless medically necessary

For services not covered by your provincial plan, you will need private health insurance or employer-sponsored benefits.

Managing the Waiting Period

If your province has a three-month waiting period, you need coverage for that gap. Here are your options:

Private Health Insurance

Purchase temporary private health insurance before or immediately after arriving in Canada. Several companies offer plans specifically for newcomers, typically covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.

Some popular options include:

• Manulife CoverMe -- offers plans tailored for new immigrants
• Blue Cross -- available in most provinces with newcomer plans
• Allianz Global Assistance -- emergency medical coverage for new arrivals
• Guard.me -- popular among international students

Costs typically range from $50 to $200 per month depending on age, coverage level, and province.

Employer Coverage

If you are arriving in Canada with a job offer, check whether your employer provides health benefits from your first day of work. Many employers offer group health insurance that covers the provincial waiting period.

University or College Insurance

International students are often automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan through their institution. This plan typically covers the waiting period and supplements provincial coverage once it begins. Check with your school's student services office.

Community Health Centres

Even without a health card, you can access care at community health centres in many cities. These centres often serve uninsured residents on a sliding-fee scale.

Tips for Newcomers

Apply the Day You Arrive

Most provinces allow you to apply for your health card as soon as you establish residency. Do not wait. Even if there is a three-month waiting period, the clock starts from the date you apply or establish residency, so applying early means getting covered sooner.

Keep Your Documents Ready

You will need your immigration documents and proof of provincial residency for the application. A signed lease agreement is the most common proof of residency. If you are staying with family or friends, a letter from them confirming your address plus a copy of their utility bill may be accepted.

Carry Your Health Card at All Times

Once you receive your health card, carry it with you whenever you leave home. You will need to show it at every doctor visit, walk-in clinic, and hospital.

Understand What Is NOT Covered

Many newcomers are surprised to find that dental care, prescription drugs, and vision care are not included in provincial health insurance. Budget for these expenses or obtain supplementary private insurance.

Register with a Family Doctor

Walk-in clinics are available across Canada, but having a family doctor provides more consistent and thorough care. Ask your provincial health authority about patient registries that help match you with a family doctor accepting new patients.

Check If Your Country Has a Reciprocal Agreement

Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with certain Canadian provinces. For example, Quebec has agreements with several European countries that may exempt you from the waiting period or provide interim coverage. Check with your provincial health authority.

Useful Links

• Ontario OHIP: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card
• British Columbia MSP: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp
• Alberta AHCIP: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-apply-for-coverage
• Quebec RAMQ: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance
• Government of Canada health insurance overview: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/health-care.html