Manitoba Health Card: A 2026 Guide for Newcomers

When you first arrive in Manitoba as a new immigrant, there are lots of tasks that need to be tackled during your first days and weeks in your new home. Unpacking, settling into a new job, and getting your children accustomed to the new neighbourhood are just the first steps. The next step should be securing your Manitoba health card.

This guide is for newcomers to Manitoba who want to understand how to access healthcare in Manitoba and how to get their Manitoba health card.

Key Takeaways

• Like the rest of Canada, Manitoba offers publicly funded healthcare to all its citizens and legal residents.
• You do not have to be born here to enjoy the benefits of this service, but you do have to file an application and obtain a Manitoba health card with a Personal Health Identification Number (PHIN), which will allow you to access healthcare throughout the province.
• In Manitoba, all healthcare is administered by the Insured Benefits Branch of Manitoba Health and Seniors Care (MHSC). To access MHSC, first, you need to get your Manitoba health card.
• Coverage details are determined by the province’s Health Services Insurance Act.

Who is eligible for a Manitoba Health Card?

All newcomers are eligible to obtain a health card in the province if they have a legal immigration status, and the province will cover necessary medical costs.

To get your new health card, all you have to do is prove that you are in the country legally and show that you intend to make Manitoba your permanent home for at least 183 days of the year.

Coverage under the public healthcare depends on your immigration status. Check your status below to understand the rules that apply to you.

Permanent Residents

If you’re a permanent resident moving to Manitoba from another country, you can apply for Manitoba Health coverage from the date you arrive in Manitoba. There is no wait period. However, it may take several weeks for your application to be processed. We strong recommend purchasing private health insurance until you receive your Manitoba coverage.

If you are moving to Manitoba from another province in Canada, then you only become eligible for coverage on the first day of your third month in Manitoba. In this case, it is also recommended to ensure you have private coverage during this wait period.

Temporary Workers (Work Permit Holders)

Work permit holders residing in Manitoba may apply for Manitoba Health coverage from the date a valid work permit was issued. However, only work permits valid for a period of 12 months or longer are eligible. To apply, you also need to show proof of residence in Manitoba.

A note for IEC Working Holiday participants: IEC participants are eligible for Manitoba Health provided your work permit has a minimum duration of at least 12 months and you can show proof of residence in Manitoba. However, this does not exempt you from the IEC health insurance requirement – which is a mandatory part of the IEC application.

There is no wait period for work permit holders to apply for Manitoba Health coverage. However, it may take several weeks for your application to be processed. We strong recommend purchasing private health insurance until you receive your Manitoba health card.

Are there exceptions for seasonal workers?

Yes. Participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program may apply for Manitoba Health coverage from the date your work permit was issued – even if your work permit is less than 12 months in duration. To apply, you need proof of your work permit and proof of residence in Manitoba.

There is no wait period for seasonal agricultural workers to apply for Manitoba Health coverage. However, it may take several weeks for your application to be processed. We strong recommend purchasing private health insurance until you receive your Manitoba health card.

International Students (Study Permit Holders)

As of 2018, international students with a study permit are not eligible for Manitoba Health coverage. However, international students may be required to purchase insurance coverage through their educational institution – be sure to check the instructions from your school. All study permit holders should ensure they have access to health insurance coverage during their studies, to avoid unexpected medical expenses.

How to Apply for Manitoba Health Card?

Fortunately, Manitoba Health and Senior Care make it easy to apply for your Manitoba health card (or registration certificate) as a newcomer.

Note that registration certificates issued by Manitoba Health confirm your enrolment and serve as temporary proof of coverage until your physical card arrives.

Follow these steps to apply for your Manitoba Health Card:

Step One: Check Eligibility

Before preparing your application, check your eligibility. We’ve outlined the eligibility requirements above – but you can also double-check your situation with Manitoba Health.

Step Two: Gather Documents

To apply for your Manitoba Health Card, you need to submit all required documents. This includes:

• Provide proof of legal status in Canada (i.e. permanent resident card, work permit, etc.)
• Proof of residency in Manitoba
• Proof of parent-child relationship (if applying with a dependent child)
• Proof of marital/common-law status (if applying with a spouse/partner)
• If you have undergone a legal separation, include your legal separation agreement as supporting documentation when applying without a spouse.)

Generally, these are the required documents. However, be sure to check the required documents in your application to ensure you provide those requested.

You may include your spouse, common-law partner, and/or any dependent children on your application. Be sure to follow the document requirements if you add any family members.

If your dependants require health services before your application is processed, keep all receipts — Manitoba Health may reimburse eligible costs once coverage is confirmed.

Step Three: Submit your Application

Where do I apply for a Manitoba health card?

Applications can be submitted online through the Manitoba Health and Seniors Care website. If needed, you can also contact the Insured Benefits Branch for assistance with the process.

Step Four: Wait for Processing

After your application is submitted, it can take several weeks to process. You can contact the Insured Benefits Branch if you do not hear back about your application after 30 days. It is strongly recommended that newcomers seek out private health insurance to cover them until they receive their Manitoba card.

Our partner Cigna offers international health insurance plans designed for people relocating to Canada — covering you from day one, with access to a trusted network of doctors and hospitals across the province.

Get a free quote from Cigna here.

Which documents do I need to apply for Manitoba Health Card

Applying for a Manitoba Health Card is a straightforward process that requires a few standard documents.

1 – Proof of legal status in Canada

For permanent residents, this means either your confirmation of permanent residence (CoPR) or your permanent resident card. This is required for each family member applying.

For temporary workers, this means providing a copy of your work permit, valid for at least 12 months.

While students and visitors are not eligible to apply as principal applicants for Manitoba Health coverage, if you include a family member on your application who is in Manitoba as a student or visitor, you may attach their study permit or visitor record as proof of family status.

2 – Proof of residency in Manitoba

You must prove that you currently reside in Manitoba by providing one of the following documents showing your new address:

• Signed mortgage agreement with new address
• Signed long-term rental or lease agreement (six months or longer)
• Confirmation of current employment (a signed letter from the employer, dated within 30 days and on company letterhead)
• A letter from the homeowner or leaseholder stating: (1) names of the applicants for Manitoba Health coverage living with them in the residence; and (2) length of stay
• A letter confirming the applicant’s residence in Manitoba from a resettlement assistance program (RAP) provider, or a letter from a sponsorship agreement holder
• A letter from a newcomer service provider confirming residency in the province signed by a commissioner of oath
• A letter confirming Manitoba residency issued by a municipal office (signed and dated within 30 days)
• Utility bill – hydro, gas, water/sewer, waste (no older than two months)
• Insurance policy (home or tenant)
• Property tax bill (current year)
• Valid Manitoba driver’s license/enhanced identification card
• Revenue Canada income tax assessment (current or previous year) showing Manitoba as your residence
• Social assistance benefit confirmation
• Employment and income assistance statement of benefits

3 – Proof of parent-child relationship

If you’re including a dependent child on your application, you must provide a long-form birth certificate showing the parents’ names.

4 – Proof of marital status / common-law status

If you’re including a spouse or partner on your application, you must include either a marriage certificate or a declaration of common-law union.

Important Requirements

Documents issued in other countries must include an official translation into English or French before your application can be accepted.

How long does it Take to get Manitoba Health Card?

Although Manitoba does not impose a waiting period for new immigrants to apply for healthcare coverage, there is still an administrative processing period for new applications.

In most cases, Manitoba Health applications take several weeks to process. Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and whether all required documents were included in the submission.

If an application for a Manitoba Health Card is incomplete, the applicant will be contacted for additional information. This can delay processing, so it’s important to double-check that you have included all required documents before submitting your application.

If you lose your health card, tell the Insured Benefits Branch right away.

To avoid gaps in coverage during this period, many newcomers choose to purchase temporary private health insurance until their Manitoba coverage kicks in.

What does Manitoba Health Card cover?

In Manitoba, health care and related services are overseen by the Department of Health and Seniors Care. Like in most other provinces, all medically required services are covered under Manitoba’s health care coverage, regardless of whether they take place in a hospital, at a doctor’s office, in a personal care home, or elsewhere. It’s not the location, but the service that matters.

The Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care insurance plan covers medically necessary services, including doctor visits and hospital stays, at no direct cost.

These covered services include:

• Physicians’ services
• Surgery
• Anaesthesia
• Laboratory services
• X-rays

Additionally, there are certain services always covered within a hospital, including:

• Accommodations and meals
• Nursing
• All medications are administered in the hospital
• Dietetic counselling
• Physiotherapy, speech, and occupational therapy

Your Manitoba coverage also covers certain necessary optometry services, chiropractic visits (to a limit of 7 per year), and necessary dental surgeries that take place in a hospital setting.

If you live in northern Manitoba, you may also be eligible for a transportation subsidy that will help defray some of the costs of seeking medical care when you live above the 53rd parallel. In these situations, all travel and care must be approved by a physician before it can be covered under the subsidy.

Coverage details are determined by the province’s Health Services Insurance Act.

What is not covered by your Manitoba Health?

The following services are not coverage by Manitoba Health.

Services not insured include the following:

• personal care home benefits outside of Manitoba
• health services performed at the request of a third party, such as examinations for employment, drivers’ licences, insurance, travel, immigration or emigration
• care and treatment covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Department of Veterans’ Services or by other statutes
• services that are not medically required
• preparation of records, reports, certificates or communications, or testimony in a court
• drugs, medications, vaccines, sera or biological products, materials and surgical supplies, except as provided for under the regulations
• ambulance and transportation subsidies except as listed in the regulations
• private nursing
• additional charges for a private or semi-private room
• television and radio-telephone services
• services performed by psychologists and dietitians outside a hospital or institution
• services performed by chiropodists and podiatrists
• services performed by audiologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in private practice
• chiropractic services other than adjustments
• acupuncture
• telephone advice
• services provided by any other practitioner in the healing arts except as listed in the regulations

Coverage when moving to Manitoba from Another Province

When moving to Manitoba from another province, the same eligibility rules apply as for new immigrants to Canada. However, the timeline has an important difference. If you move to Manitoba from another province in Canada, you are subject to a waiting period before you become eligible for Manitoba Health.

You only become eligible for Manitoba Health coverage on the first day of your third month as a Manitoba resident. In this case, it is recommended to ensure you have private coverage during this wait period.

FAQs about Manitoba Coverage

Does Manitoba Health cover eye exams? Manitoba Health covers optometry services that are deemed medically necessary. Routine eye exams for healthy adults are generally not covered, but exams related to a medical condition may be.

Is physiotherapy covered by Manitoba Health? Physiotherapy is covered only when provided inside a hospital or institution. Private practice physiotherapy is not covered under Manitoba Health.

How long does it take to get a Manitoba Health Card? Most applications take several weeks to process. If you haven’t heard back after 30 days, you can follow up with the Insured Benefits Branch.

How do I contact Manitoba Health? You can contact the Insured Benefits Branch of Manitoba Health and Seniors Care by phone or through their official website at gov.mb.ca.

Is cataract surgery covered by Manitoba Health? Yes. Cataract surgery is considered medically necessary and is covered under Manitoba Health when performed in a hospital setting.

Does Manitoba Health cover ambulance services? Ambulance and transportation costs are generally not covered, with limited exceptions outlined in provincial regulations. Residents of northern Manitoba may qualify for a transportation subsidy under specific conditions.

Is a dermatologist covered by Manitoba Health? Yes, visits to a dermatologist are covered when referred by a physician and deemed medically necessary.

Does Manitoba Health cover dental? Routine dental care is not covered. The only dental services covered are surgical procedures performed by a dentist in a hospital setting when medically required.

Are podiatrists covered by Manitoba Health? No. Services performed by chiropodists and podiatrists are explicitly excluded from Manitoba Health coverage.

New Manitoba Health Card Design and Digital Health Card

Manitoba has recently updated the design of its health cards to improve security and make it easier for residents to manage their healthcare information. The new Manitoba health card still contains your Personal Health Identification Number (PHIN), which is the number healthcare providers use to access your coverage information. The new health card designs feature a bison, a polar bear, or the northern lights.

One of the main benefits of the updated card is improved durability and readability. Manitoba Health has also introduced a digital health card option, which allows residents to securely store a digital version of their health card on a mobile device. The new health card designs are part of a broader effort to modernize healthcare delivery in Manitoba.

Using the digital health card is straightforward. Once registered, you can access your PHIN and present your digital card when visiting healthcare providers. A digital health card option is available through the MB Wallet app, allowing residents to carry their credentials on smartphones. Many clinics and hospitals in Manitoba now accept digital cards alongside physical ones, making it easier to access care even if you don’t have your wallet with you.

Even with the digital option available, it is still recommended to keep your physical card somewhere safe. Some healthcare providers may still ask for the physical card, particularly when registering for services for the first time.

It is important to keep your card safe and easy to find for any health-related needs.

Do I Need Private Health Insurance in Manitoba?

Unlike some provinces in Canada, Manitoba does not have a wait period for new immigrants to apply for health care coverage. This means that – if you’re eligible – you can apply for Manitoba Health coverage the moment you arrive in Manitoba (and are able to gather the necessary documents).

However, it can take several weeks for your application to be processed. During that time, it’s unwise to be entirely without health insurance coverage. Although Manitoba Health and Senior Care will still provide services before you get your card, you will be responsible for the whole bill yourself. This is an expense that can be devastating, especially during your first weeks and months in a new country.

If you’re not eligible for Manitoba Health coverage – for example, visitors, international students, and temporary workers whose permits are for less than 12 months – we recommend purchasing private health insurance for the duration of your stay in Manitoba.

You can protect yourself from unexpected expenses by securing private health insurance before or immediately after you arrive. Our partner Cigna offers international plans specifically designed for newcomers — covering the gaps in public healthcare from day one, with 24/7 support and access to trusted providers across Canada.

Get a free quote from Cigna — takes less than 2 minutes.

Temporary Health Insurance in Manitoba for Newcomers

Temporary health insurance is designed to cover newcomers during the period before their Manitoba coverage kicks in. These short-term policies help protect you from large medical bills if you need treatment before your provincial coverage becomes active.

Most temporary health insurance plans cover emergency medical care, hospital visits, doctor consultations, and diagnostic tests related to unexpected illness or injury. Some plans also include limited prescription drug coverage and medical evacuation if required.

Coverage limits typically range from $50,000 to $1 million, depending on the plan you choose. Newcomers often purchase coverage for one to three months, which is usually enough time for their Manitoba health benefits application to be processed.

The cost of temporary insurance varies depending on age, health status, and coverage level, but many plans range between $50 and $250 per month.

Ideally, temporary insurance should be arranged before arriving in Manitoba or immediately after arrival, so you are protected from the moment you begin settling into the province.

How to Renew Your Manitoba Health Card?

You need to renew your Manitoba Health Card every year or when something changes in your life, such as a new address, a change in family status, or updated immigration documents. To renew, you must send in papers that show any changes. Manitoba Health will usually handle your renewal request in about four weeks, so it’s a good idea to submit your renewal well before your current card expires.

Further Healthcare Resources for Newcomers in Manitoba

• Wondering about your current prescription options? Dive into our article about obtaining a prescription in Canada.
• Discover here everything you need to know about private health insurance to cover your first months in Canada while waiting for provincial coverage.
• On maintained status and unsure about your health coverage? Read Health Insurance While on Maintained Status in Canada to understand your options and what to do next.
• Understand how the Canadian healthcare system works before you arrive.