Learning about healthcare in Canada

In Canada, to get access to medical services, you need a health insurance card. Each province or territory issues these cards to its residents. As a newcomer, you must submit an application to the provincial government to get the card. For instance, if you’re in Ontario, you should visit Service Ontario to submit an application, while if you’re in Alberta, you should visit Service Alberta. Depending on the province or territory you reside in, there may be a waiting period before you are eligible for public health insurance in Canada. Some provinces such as British Columbia and Quebec have a waiting period of up to three months, but in Ontario and Alberta, you’re covered from the day you land. So, be sure to check the eligibility requirements in the province or territory where you reside.

Want to learn more about how healthcare works in Canada?

See Navigating the healthcare system in Canada for all the essential information you should know. For detailed steps on how to find a family doctor and/or pediatrician for your children, read Family health 101: What newcomers should