Updated on October 20, 2026
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This guide explains the different options available for Health Insurance in Canada for Foreigners and New Immigrants, including public healthcare coverage and and private insurance plans.
This guide is for Foreigners and New Immigrants to Canada who are unsure about their coverage under the public healthcare system and whether they need to obtain private health insurance.
The confusion often arises because Canada is globally recognized for its robust publicly funded healthcare system, which provides Canadians with free access to medical services. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
How can newcomers to Canada access the healthcare system? What should you do if you cannot access it? First, let’s take a look at how the healthcare system works in Canada.
How Health Insurance Works in Canada for Foreigners and New Immigrants
Canada has public healthcare, but not every foreigner or new immigrant can use it right away. Whether you are covered depends on your immigration status and the province where you live.
Who gets public health insurance in Canada?
Permanent residents can get free public health insurance from their province or territory. Some temporary workers and international students can also qualify.
Visitors, tourists and Super Visa holders cannot. They need private health insurance. Even if you qualify, some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before coverage starts.
Learn more in our article about the different types of health insurance in Canada and why you would need more than one.
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Healthcare Coverage by Immigration Status
If you’re planning your move to Canada, use the immigration status categories defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to understand what health insurance coverage you may be eligible for during your first months.
Visitors and tourists
It is important to have a private health insurance plan in case anything goes wrong during your trip. Unexpected medical procedures can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. While you might be tempted to skip insurance and take a risk, having coverage will give you peace of mind knowing that, if something does go wrong, you’ll be protected.
Read more on Visitors and tourists in Canada
Super Visa holders
Super visa holders must have valid private medical insurance for the duration of their stay, as they are not eligible for provincial health coverage. It doesn’t matter where you plan to reside in Canada; you’ve got to have insurance to get into the country, so make sure you’ve got it before travelling.
Temporary workers (except IEC)
If you’re coming to Canada as a temporary worker (except for IEC), you may qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance, or you may need private insurance. However, some employer-based work permits require that your employer makes sure you have access to insurance, either from the public system or through a private policy.
As such, one way to start researching your options is by asking your employer about health insurance. You can also consult the list of provinces below to find out if you’ll get access to the publicly-funded system.
International Experience Canada (IEC) – Including the Working Holiday program
If you’re planning to come to Canada on an IEC work permit, you need to purchase private insurance for the full duration of your IEC work permit.
If you’re eligible for a 12-month work permit, you need to have a 12-month insurance policy when you land in Canada. The same goes for those of you eligible for a 24-month work permit, you’ll need to get a policy of 24 months’ duration. If you show up with a six-month policy, your work permit will only be issued for a six-month period, with no option to extend it later on. If you show up in Canada without any insurance, you’re going to be turned away.
Compare your options for IEC health insurance by completing this quick form offered by BestQuote, an insurance provider we trust.
New Permanent residents (Express Entry, Family Class, PNPs, and more!)
As a permanent resident, you get full access to the publicly funded Canadian healthcare system. But be careful for your first few months, as you might not have the medical coverage you think you do.
Yes, as a permanent resident, you gain access to Canada’s healthcare system. However, you need to register with your province or territory of residence to access the system. In some provinces and territories, it takes time to register for healthcare. During this time, it may be a good idea to purchase private insurance coverage to ensure that you’re covered in the event of any healthcare needs.
To find out the process for your province or territory, check below!
International students
International students are required to have insurance for the full duration of their study permits, but some provinces allow international students to opt into the publicly funded system, and some schools offer international students insurance packages organized through the school itself. So first, check with your school and province.
Refugees and protected persons
If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker, you may have access to coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program. More details are provided at the end of this article.
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provides temporary health coverage for certain newcomers, including refugees and protected persons, until they qualify for provincial health insurance.
More details are provided at the end of this article.
Healthcare Coverage Based on Your Province of Residence
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, you may be eligible for health care coverage from the publicly-funded system. However, this coverage is administered at the provincial level and eligibility requirements vary from province to province. Consult this list to determine the provincial health insurance requirements for your intended province of residence.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Quebec
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Yukon
How to Apply for a Health Card as a New Immigrant
Applying for a health card is one of the first and most important steps for new immigrants to access health services in Canada. Your health card is your gateway to the Canadian health care system, allowing you to receive medically necessary care under your province or territory’s health insurance plan.
The application process varies by province, but generally, you will need to provide certain documents such as:
- Documents that prove your identity (ID, Driver’s license, Passport, PR Card, etc)
- Immigration status (Work Permit, Study permit, PR Card)
- Proof of residency (Lease agreement, bills with current address)
- Employment letter
For example, in Ontario, you can apply for a health card through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) by visiting a ServiceOntario centre in person. You’ll need to bring documents such as your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, proof of address, and a government-issued photo ID.
It’s important to note that some provinces, like British Columbia, have a mandatory waiting period before your health insurance coverage begins. During this waiting period, you will not be covered by the provincial health insurance plan, so it’s essential to buy private health insurance to protect yourself and your family from unexpected medical expenses.
Health Insurance Options For Waiting Periods or if You Don’t Qualify for Public Coverage
Many newcomers face a waiting period of up to three months before provincial health coverage begins, particularly in provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec, while others, such as Ontario, may offer immediate coverage depending on eligibility.
During this gap, you are responsible for any medical costs, which can be significant; for example, in Ontario, an emergency room visit alone can cost anywhere from CAD$414 to CAD$1,200, and room charges per day can go from $1,300 up to $15,600 or more!
Instead of leaving yourself vulnerable, get covered before you arrive
To avoid unexpected expenses, it’s strongly recommended to purchase private health insurance before or immediately upon arrival, as some providers require enrollment within the first few days to ensure full coverage. We recommend our trusted partners when researching health insurance:
- Cigna: offers private international health insurance for both new arrivals and those already in Canada who need coverage for 4 months or longer. If you’re staying 4+ months, this is our recommended option.
Get your Cigna free quote here. - BestQuote: compares health and travel insurance plans from multiple providers, making it a useful alternative if you’re looking for shorter-term coverage.
Compare quotes for free here.
If you are considering acquiring private health insurance, read our article “How to Compare Health Insurance Providers in Canada,” where we delve into all the policy characteristics you need to evaluate before choosing one.
Trusted Health Insurance Partners
Cigna Healthcare - Health Insurance for Stays of 4+ Months
BestQuote Travel & Health Insurance
Trusted Health Insurance Partners
Cigna Healthcare - Health Insurance for Stays of 4+ Months
BestQuote Travel & Health Insurance
For Refugees: The Interim Federal Health Program
Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage to the types of refugees, asylum claimants, and others listed here:
- Refugee claimants
- Protected persons
- Resettled refugees
- Victims of human trafficking
- Victims of family violence
- Detainees
- Others covered by public policies and Ministerial discretion
IFHP health care covers urgent and essential health care services. In some cases, it may cover certain services before arriving in Canada, too.
More Helpful Healthcare Resources for Newcomers to Canada
- Learn the process step by step on how prescriptions work in Canada and when you have to pay.
- This guide explains how the Canadian healthcare system works in simple terms.
- Many people compare Canada to the UK. See how Canada’s healthcare system differs from the NHS and why it matters.
- Pregnant and planning to move? Learn how pregnancy affects visas and healthcare access in Canada.
FAQs About Canadian Health Insurance for Immigrants
How do immigrants get health insurance in Canada?
Immigrants get health insurance in Canada by applying for their province or territory’s public health plan after they arrive. Each province manages its own healthcare system, so eligibility rules and waiting periods vary.
New permanent residents, eligible work permit holders, and some international students can apply once they establish residency. In provinces with a waiting period, newcomers should purchase private health insurance to cover medical costs until public coverage begins.
Can a foreigner buy health insurance in Canada?
Yes, a foreigner can buy private health insurance in Canada. Visitors, temporary residents, new immigrants during a waiting period, and international students can purchase private coverage from Canadian insurance providers.
Private health insurance helps cover doctor visits, emergency care, hospitalization, and other medical expenses not covered by a provincial health plan. Coverage options, costs, and benefits vary by provider and the applicant’s age and health status.
Who qualifies for health insurance in Canada?
Eligibility for public health insurance in Canada depends on immigration status and residency in a specific province or territory. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, many work permit holders, and some international students typically qualify for provincial health coverage once they meet residency requirements.
Applicants must usually prove they live in the province and intend to stay for a minimum number of days per year. Visitors and short-term tourists do not qualify for public health insurance and should obtain private coverage instead.
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