Applying for Healthcare Coverage in Canada
A Healthcare Guide for Newcomers
Navigating healthcare as a newcomer in Canada is essential to ensure you and your family are covered for medical services. Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded and managed by each province and territory, meaning the specifics of how to apply for healthcare coverage can vary.
Canada has 13 different health insurance plans, one for each province and territory. If you move to Ontario or British Columbia as a permanent resident, you might have to wait up to three months to get health benefits. But if you move to Alberta, you’re covered right away from the day you arrive.
Understanding Healthcare Coverage in Canada
Canada's healthcare system gives essential medical services for free to patients. To use these services, you need a health card from the province or territory where you live. This card lets you see doctors, go to the hospital, and get other health services covered by the public system.
Private healthcare costs in Canada can be higher than in your home country. So, if you're moving to a province with a waiting period for health insurance, it's a good idea to buy private insurance for the first few months.
Apply for Healthcare Coverage
In Canada, to access medical services, you need a health insurance card. Each province or territory issues these cards to its residents. As a newcomer, you must apply to the provincial government to get the card.
Where to Apply
If you’re in Ontario, visit Service Ontario to apply. In Alberta, go to Service Alberta. Each website will have addresses for physical locations and a list of required documents. You can go to the nearest location to apply for your health card.
Application Process
You can usually apply for your health card online, by mail, or in person, depending on the province. The required documents may vary by province but generally include proof of residency, government-issued ID, and proof of immigration status.
Your Health Card
After your application is verified, your health card will be mailed to your home. You will need to show this card whenever you visit a hospital or doctor.
Provincial Health Care
Now that you’re familiar with how healthcare in Canada works, you can look into each province to understand their healthcare plans in detail. All provincial insurance plans share basic standards of healthcare and have common features. However, there are some differences in how long it takes for health coverage to start and what is covered.
Healthcare Coverage in Canada
| Province | Insurance | Eligibility | How to Apply | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia (BC) | Health Insurance BC (MSP) | Permanent residents, temporary workers, and students with valid permits | Apply online through the Health Insurance BC website | Up to three months |
| Ontario (ON) | Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) | Permanent residents, temporary workers with a valid work permit of at least six months, and students | Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Visit the ServiceOntario website for details | Three months |
| Alberta (AB) | Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) | Permanent residents, temporary residents with a work permit of at least six months, and international students | Apply in person at a registry agent office. More information can be found on the Alberta Health website | No waiting period; coverage starts immediately upon registration |
| Quebec (QC) | Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) | Permanent residents, temporary workers with a valid work permit of at least six months, and students | Apply online or by mail through the RAMQ website | Up to three months |
Conclusion
Applying for healthcare coverage is a crucial step for newcomers to Canada. By understanding the general process and specific requirements of your province or territory, you can ensure that you and your family have access to necessary medical services. For personalized guidance and support, contact Up Immigration. We are here to help you every step of the way.
