How to get your provincial health card

Who can get a health card

• Permanent residents and Canadian citizens who live in the province
• Many work permit holders, depending on the province and how long the permit lasts
• Some international students, depending on the province (others must buy school health insurance)
• Protected persons and resettled refugees

Waiting periods

• Ontario has no waiting period. Coverage can start as soon as you are eligible and apply.
• Most other provinces, including British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta, can make newcomers wait up to about three months.
• During the wait you pay for any care yourself, and a hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars.
• Buy private newcomer or visitor health insurance to cover this gap. Some plans must be bought within a few days of arrival, so do it early.

What to bring

• Your immigration document: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), PR card or valid work or study permit
• Proof of your address in the province, such as a lease, bank statement or utility bill
• A second ID with your name and signature, such as your passport
• Each province publishes its exact list. Check it before you go, because Ontario, for example, asks for three original documents.

Where to apply

• Ontario: in person at a ServiceOntario centre
• British Columbia: online with Health Insurance BC
• Quebec: with the RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)
• Alberta: at a registry agent office or online
• Other provinces: on the provincial health ministry website

Refugees and refugee claimants

Resettled refugees and refugee claimants who are not yet covered by their province may get temporary coverage from the federal government through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Ask your settlement worker or the clinic to check your eligibility.