Getting your provincial health card
Updated 2026-10-22English original
Official source: Health Canada · Canada's health care system ↗
Published 2026-10-22Last checked 2026-10-22Language English
If this page and the official page differ, the official page is right.
How it works
Each province and territory runs its own public health insurance plan. You apply to the plan where you live, and you get a health card that you show at clinics and hospitals.
Waiting periods
Some provinces make new residents wait before coverage starts. The rules change, so check your province's official page before you arrive. Many newcomers buy private insurance for the gap.
How to apply
- Find your province's health insurance page.
- Bring your immigration document, proof that you live in the province, and a second ID.
- Apply in person or online, depending on the province.
What it does not cover
Most plans do not cover prescription drugs for adults, dental care or eye care. Ask your employer about a workplace benefits plan.
General information, not legal advice. Every guide links to the official source and shows when we last checked it. For your own case, use IRCC’s tools or a licensed consultant.