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Provincial Health Insurance Card in Canada

How to get your Provincial / Territorial Health Insurance Card upon arrival if eligible
Home > Living > Your First Week in Canada > Provincial Health Insurance Card​
View of an ambulance in a province or territory in Canada. Healthcare card
​If you are a temporary resident, or a permanent resident, you may be eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance, and you won’t need to spend a dime for most medical services. 

When going to your family doctor or to a hospital, you only need your health card, and everything is taken care of.

Application Process to get your Health Insurance Card

Each province/territory manages its own healthcare system. In some provinces for example, you will have to wait (3 months in general) before you can be covered by health insurance. Which means, that during that time, you are pretty much uninsured, and in the hypothetical event of an accident (hopefully not), you will end up with a pretty scary invoice.

​This is why we recommend that you get private insurance covering your needs during that period. 

You can find below what are the waiting times, for each province/territory, and how to get your insurance card if you are eligible.
Alberta Healthcare
Alberta
British Columbia Healthcare
British Columbia
Manitoba Healthcare
Manitoba
New Brunswick Healthcare
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Healthcare
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Healthcare
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia Healthcare
Nova Scotia
Nunavut Healthcare
Nunavut
Ontario Healthcare
Ontario
Quebec Healthcare
Quebec
Prince Edward Island Healthcare
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan Healthcare
Saskatchewan
Yukon Healthcare
Yukon

Alberta

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, or AHCIP, is the name of Alberta’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students are eligible if they are in possession of Study Permit with a minimum duration of 12 months and if they intend to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months.
If a student has a Study Permit that is only valid for a period of between 3 and 12 months, he/she can still be eligible if he/she writes a letter affirming his/her intention to reside in Alberta for minimum 12 months.
Students need to apply for their healthcare card as soon as possible, and coverage will be begin either when they enter Alberta or when their Study Permit begins, whichever is later.
​
Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 6 months are eligible.
Coverage is valid from the date signed (or the date of arrival into Alberta whichever is later) until the expiry date noted on the Work Permit.


Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Alberta are eligible.
​Coverage begins on the date of arrival in Alberta, once all registration validation requirements are met.

Application process

Any medical services, received and paid for before applying to an Alberta healthcare card, can be reimbursed if proof of eligibility to the AHCIP when receiving said medical services is provided.

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Alberta residency, (ii) identity, and (iii) Status in Canada. You need to download the required form and fill it out, then you can either (i) apply in person to a registry agent office with your signed form and original supporting documents (5-day processing time), or (ii) by mail by sending your signed form and a photocopy of your supporting documents (6-week processing time).

If the application is not received within 3 months after establishing residency in Alberta, the effective date of your coverage will be determined upon application.

For more information, please visit the Alberta Government website.

British Columbia

The Medical Services Plan, or MSP, is the name of British Columbia’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit of more than 6 months are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry into British Columbia or the date signed on the Study Permit, whichever is later. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to British Columbia.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 6 months are eligible.
​Coverage starts three months from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on the Work Permit. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to British Columbia.

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in British Columbia are eligible.
Coverage begins three months after your date of establishing residence in British Columbia as a Permanent Resident. You need to purchase your own health insurance during that time.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove your Status in Canada (Student Permit, Work Permit, Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residency, etc.).  You can either apply (i) online via the link provided in this page where you will be asked to upload your supporting document(s), or (ii) by mail by sending the signed form in this page and a photocopy of your supporting document(s).
​
For more information, please visit the Government of British Columbia website.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Health is the name of Manitoba’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit of more than 6 months and are planning to live in Manitoba for a minimum of 6 months are eligible.
Coverage is effective for the duration of the study permit.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 12 months are eligible.
Coverage starts from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on the Work Permit. 


Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Manitoba are eligible.
Coverage begin
s upon arrival in Manitoba, or when obtaining Permanent Resident Status, whichever is later.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove your Status in Canada (Student Permit, Work Permit, Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residency, etc.). You need to download the required form and fill it out, then apply in person to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living in Winnipeg or to a Bilingual Service Centre in rural areas, with your signed form and photocopies of your supporting document(s).

For more information, please visit the Government of Manitoba website.

New Brunswick

Medicare is the name of New Brunswick’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit attending an approved educational institution for a full year as full-time students are eligible.
Coverage is effective for the duration of the study permit. However, if the student leaves New Brunswick before the first three months of taking residency, he will be billed for any services paid by Medicare during that time.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 12 months are eligible.
Coverage starts from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on the Work Permit. 

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in New Brunswick are eligible.
Coverage begins on the date of arrival in New Brunswick.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) New Brunswick residency, (ii) identity, (iii) Status in Canada (+ entry stamp on passport), and (iv) enrollment in a full-time post-secondary institution for students. You need to download the required form and fill it out, then you can either (i) apply in person to a Service New Brunswick office with your signed form and a photocopy of your supporting documents, or (ii) by mail by sending your signed form and a photocopy of your supporting documents to Medicare.

For more information, please visit the Government of New Brunswick website.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Medical Care Plan is the name of Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a 12-month Study Permit attending an approved educational institution full-time are eligible.
Coverage becomes effective for eligible students and dependents on the later of the date of enrollment in a full-time post-secondary program or arrival in the province.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 12 months are eligible.
Coverage starts three months from the date signed (or the date of your arrival whichever is later) on the Work Permit. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible.
Coverage starts three months from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on the work permit. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove your status in Canada (Student Permit, Work Permit, Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residency, etc.) and identity (Passport). You need to download the required form and fill it out, then  you can either (i) apply in person to a Medical Care Plan office with your signed form and original supporting documents, or (ii) by mail by sending your signed form and a photocopy or original of your supporting documents to one of the MCP offices.

For more information, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.

Northwest Territories

The NWT Health Care Plan is the name of Northwest Territories’ territorial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit and intend to reside in Northwest Territories more than 153 days in a year are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Northwest Territories.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit intending to reside in Northwest Territories more than 153 days in a year are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Northwest Territories.

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Northwest Territories are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Northwest Territories.
​
Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Northwest Territories residency, and (ii) Status in Canada. You need to download the required form and fill it out, then you can apply by mail, fax, or e-mail by sending your signed form and a photocopy of your supporting documents.

For more information, please visit the Government of Northwest Territories website.

Nova Scotia

MSI is the name of Nova Scotia’ provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit that is valid for at least 12 months are eligible, providing they have not been outside the province for more than 31 consecutive days (except for studies).
Coverage is effective only twelve months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance for the twelve month period if you plan to study at least a year in Nova Scotia.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit that is valid at least 12 months are eligible, providing they have not been outside the province for more than 31 consecutive days (except for work). 
Coverage starts from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on the Work Permit. 

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Nova Scotia are eligible.
Coverage begins on your date of arrival in Nova Scotia.

Application process

To apply, you need to call the MSI Office, they will provide further instructions.

For more information, please visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Nunavut

The Nunavut Health Care Plan is the name of Nunavut’ territorial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit that is valid for at least 12 months are eligible.
Coverage is effective three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Nunavut.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit that is valid at least 12 months are eligible. 
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Nunavut.


Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Nunavut are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Northwest Territories.
​
Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove Status in Canada. You need to download the required form and fill it out, then you can apply by mail (to the address on the form), by sending your signed form and a photocopy of your supporting documents. You might be asked to prove Nunavut residency.

For more information, please visit the Government of Nunavut website.

Ontario

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), is the name of Ontario’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
International students are not eligible. They need to purchase their own private insurance, if not included in their school fees.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 6 months are eligible.
Coverage starts three months from the date they have been approved. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Ontario.


Permanent Residents
To be eligible, permanent residents must (i) establish Ontario as their primary home, (ii) be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12‑month period, and (iii) be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after they began living in the province.
​Coverage begins three months after the date they have been approved. You need to purchase your own health insurance during that time.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Ontario residency, (ii) identity, and (iii) Status in Canada. You need to download the required form and fill it out, then you can apply in person to a ServiceOntario office with your signed form and originals of your supporting documents.

Residents pay a premium, through Ontario’s personal income tax system, to contribute towards the cost of providing the OHIP. You can find the fees 
here.

For more information, please visit the Government of Ontario website.

Prince Edward Island

Health PEI is the name of Prince Edward Island’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
International students are not eligible. They need to purchase their own private insurance, if not included in their school fees.

Temporary Workers 
To be eligible, temporary workers need to make their home in Prince Edward Island and be present for at least six months plus a day each year.
Coverage starts from the date signed (or the date of arrival whichever is later) on their Work Permit. 

Permanent Residents
To be eligible, permanent residents need to make their home in Prince Edward Island and be present for at least six months plus a day each year.
Coverage begins on the date of arrival in Prince Edward Island.​

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove your Status in Canada. You can apply online through this link.

For more information, please visit the Government of Prince Edward Island website.

Quebec

The Health Insurance Plan is the name of Quebec’s provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Only international students from these countries are eligible:
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden. 
Coverage starts three months from the date of registration. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Quebec.
Students that are not citizens of the countries in the list need to purchase their own private insurance, if not included in their school fees.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit of more than 6 months are eligible. They must be present in Quebec for more than half of the year in order to remain covered.
Coverage starts three months from the date of registration. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Quebec.

Permanent Residents
To be eligible, permanent residents must (i) establish Quebec as their primary home, (ii) be physically in Quebec for 183 days in any 12‑month period.
​Coverage begins three months after the date of registration. You need to purchase your own health insurance during that time.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Quebec residency, (ii) identity, and (iii) Status in Canada. You need to call the Régie or visit an office of the Régie during office hours to obtain a registration form. You need originals of your supporting documents.

For more information, please visit the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie Québec​ website.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Health Card is the name of Saskatchewan’ provincial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
Students who have a Study Permit that is valid for at least 6 months are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance as soon as you get to Saskatchewan.

Temporary Workers 
Only temporary workers with a Work Permit that is valid at least 12 months are eligible.
Coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance as soon as you get to Saskatchewan.
​

Permanent Residents
All permanent residents establishing residence in Saskatchewan are eligible.
The coverage is effective only three months after entry. This is why you need to purchase private insurance as soon as you get to Saskatchewan.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Saskatchewan residency, (ii) identity, and (iii) Status in Canada (+ a confirmation of full-time enrollment for students). You can apply online through this link.
​

For more information, please visit the Government of Saskatchewan website.

Yukon

The Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP), is the name of Yukon’s territorial healthcare plan.

Eligibility and waiting time for coverage

Students
International students are not eligible. They need to purchase their own private insurance, if not included in their school fees.

Temporary Workers 
To be eligible, temporary workers need a valid Work Permit of at least 12 months.
Coverage starts three months from the date of approval. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Yukon.

Permanent Residents
To be eligible, permanent residents need to make their home in Yukon and be present for at least five months each year.
Coverage starts three months from the date of approval. This is why you need to purchase private insurance, and apply as soon as you get to Yukon.

Application process

To apply, you need to provide supporting documents that prove (i) Yukon residency, (ii) identity, and (iii) Status in Canada. You have to apply in person, either (i) at Insured Health Services office at 204 Lambert Street (4th floor) in Whitehorse, or (ii) at Territorial Agents in rural areas.

For more information, please visit the Government of Yukon website.
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