Prescriptions in Canada for Newcomers: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you take prescription medication and you’re travelling to Canada, whether for a short visit or a permanent move, one of the first things you need to know is this: you cannot use a foreign prescription to buy medication at a Canadian pharmacy.
That doesn’t mean you’ll be left without your medication. It means you’ll need to understand the rules before you arrive, and take a few simple steps once you’re here.
In this guide, we cover everything newcomers need to know about prescription medications in Canada: what you can legally bring with you, how Canadian drug classifications work, and the fastest ways to get a valid Canadian prescription so you never run out of the medication you depend on.

Medications that need a Canadian Prescription

First, you need to understand that in Canada, not all medications require a prescription. In Canada, there are two main classes of medications:

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: These drugs can be legally purchased by any consumer without written permission from a doctor.
2. Prescription drugs: These are drugs that are only meant for use by the individual to whom they are prescribed. To access these drugs, first you need a prescription from a doctor which you can bring to a pharmacy in Canada to have filled.

Let’s deep-dive into Canada’s riveting prescription drug industry, shall we?

Are my prescription drugs legal in Canada? or Do they require a prescription?

You can check the status of the drugs in Canada’s Prescription Drug List to determine if your medication requires a prescription in Canada. This way you can also ensure that the drugs found in your medications are legal in Canada, as trying to bring illegal drugs into the country would be a bad way to start off your Canadian adventure (unless you’re looking to do a tour of Canada’s criminal justice system).

Can I bring my prescription medication into Canada with me?

Yes, but there are specific rules you need to follow before you pack your medications.

Health Canada will allow you to enter Canada with up to a 90-day supply of medication, or the amount required for a single course of treatment, whichever is less. This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and covers anyone travelling under your care, including dependent children.

Before anything else, confirm your medication is legal in Canada using the Health Canada Prescription Drug List.

To avoid problems at the border, make sure your medications:

• Are in their original pharmacy or retail packaging, or have the original label clearly attached
• Are declared to the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer upon arrival
• Are accompanied by a copy of your foreign prescription and, ideally, a short letter from your doctor explaining your treatment

If you take controlled substances (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD medications, or strong sleeping pills), the rules are stricter:

• These medications must be declared without exception
• Carry your original prescription plus a doctor’s letter in English or French confirming your diagnosis and dosage
• Bringing more than a 90-day supply of a controlled substance is generally not permitted, even with documentation

Failure to declare prescription medication, especially controlled substances, can result in confiscation at the border.

How to get a Prescription as a Newcomer from a Canadian Doctor?

You cannot use a foreign prescription to obtain prescription medication in Canada. You need to get a prescription from a Canadian doctor; the pharmacist will not dispense prescription drugs without it.

You have a few possible routes:

1. Walk-in clinic (usually faster, short-term)

A walk-in clinic allows patients to simply walk in and wait to see a doctor. If you need your prescription and you need it soon, you may want to go to a walk-in clinic. You can use Medimap to locate the walk-in clinic closest to you. However, walk-in clinics can have very long wait times. Be sure to take your foreign prescription so you can explain your needs to the doctor. Walk-in clinics are a great option for those in the country on temporary stays, including temporary workers and tourists. As well, permanent residents who require care quickly can use walk-in clinics.

2. Family doctor (usually slower, long-term)

If you are settling in Canada long-term, you should try to find a family doctor. This is a physician who can regularly see you and your family members and monitor your health in the long term. Once you have a family doctor, they will be able to help you manage your prescriptions. Family doctors are organized at the provincial level, so you will have to consult with your provincial health authority to find out how to get one in your province. For more details, check out our guide on finding a family doctor in Canada.

Pro-tip: Most provinces allow you to sign up for a waitlist for a family doctor, but this can take months or even years. It is often faster to contact clinics directly and ask if they are accepting new patients or to ask friends if their doctors are taking on new patients.

3. On-campus doctor (international students)

If you are an international student in Canada, your school may have doctors available on-campus, or they may have an existing relationship with a clinic nearby. You should consult with your school to see if they can guide you as to where to go to get a prescription.

4. Online prescriptions from online doctors (Private telehealth providers)

For newcomers to Canada, online appointments or telehealth can be a practical way to obtain prescriptions, especially during the first months before finding a family doctor. If your health insurance plan includes virtual care, you may be able to speak with a licensed doctor online and receive prescriptions or renewals without visiting a clinic in person.

Read our full guide on Healthcare during your first months in Canada.

Can I get an online prescription from an online doctor?

Yes, in many cases, you can get an online prescription from a licensed doctor in Canada. Through regulated telehealth platforms, doctors can assess your symptoms virtually and issue prescriptions or renewals when medically appropriate. Not all medications can be prescribed online, but many common prescriptions can be handled through a virtual appointment.

Telehealth providers in Canada

Canada has several legitimate telehealth providers, including TELUS Health, Maple, Rexall, and others. Some international health insurance plans, including certain Cigna policies, also include access to virtual care services as part of their coverage.

Costs vary, and some platforms charge per visit, so review your insurance benefits carefully. As with any online service, make sure you’re using a reputable provider before sharing personal or payment information.

Get a free quote from Cigna in just two minutes to see whether virtual care is included in your plan.

Get Your Free Quote Here!

Choosing a Legitimate Canadian Pharmacy or Online Pharmacy

Once you have a prescription from a Canadian doctor, next you need to fill that prescription. This step is relatively simple, but a bit of planning can help save you some hassle.

Locating a Canadian pharmacy near you

There are legitimate pharmacies located all across Canada. Many grocery stores include pharmacies (like Loblaws, Sobeys, etc.) as do many large retailers (like Walmart, Costco, etc.). There are also many standalone pharmacies (like Shoppers Drug Mart). Simply look up the pharmacies closest to you to determine what’s most convenient.

Using an Online Pharmacy

In recent years, online pharmacies (like PocketPills) have become more popular in Canada. While online pharmacies can be more convenient than an in-person pharmacy, if you choose to work with an online pharmacy, you need to be cautious to ensure the pharmacy is legitimate.

Some online pharmacy websites may look trustworthy but be scams. 74 percent of online pharmacies in North America are not trustworthy. You must always double-check to ensure an online pharmacy is legitimate. According to the Government of Canada, an online pharmacy may be fraudulent if it:

• Doesn’t require a valid prescription
• Offers drugs at very low, too-good-to-be-true prices
• Offers ‘miracle cure’ drugs
• Can ship medications worldwide
• Doesn’t provide a street address in Canada

If in doubt, consider working with an in-person pharmacy to ensure the legitimacy of your medications.

You can verify if an online pharmacy is legitimate by checking with the provincial pharmacy regulatory authority. Find a safe online pharmacy.

You should research the cost before you buy.

While Canada is known for its free universal health care system, unfortunately, this does not always extend to prescription drugs.

If you are a temporary resident in Canada (visitor, worker, student) it is recommended that you have some kind of insurance. In many cases it is mandatory, as with participants in International Experience Canada (IEC) and international students. If you anticipate that you will require prescription drugs in Canada, be sure that you consult with your insurance provider in advance to determine which costs are covered and which costs are not.

If you are a permanent resident in Canada—congratulations!⁠—you have access to Canada’s publicly-funded health care system. Unfortunately, you still have to navigate the maze of prescription drug costs. Any prescription drugs that are administered while you’re in the hospital will be covered by the health care system, but any drugs that you get outside of the hospital setting — for example, prescription drugs you purchase at a pharmacy — will not be covered.

Some provinces have their own provincial prescription drug plans, so be sure you check with your provincial health authority to find out how to register for the plan and what is covered. As well, many employers in Canada offer health plans to their employees that cover some costs related to prescription drugs. Finally, sometimes you need to be living in a province for a certain number of months before you can access the provincial health care plan, during this time you may want to consider purchasing private health insurance.

It is important to understand what and how much of the cost of prescription drugs is covered for you, because prescription medications can be costly and you should be prepared so you can manage your health properly.

FAQ

How to get a prescription as a visitor in Canada?

To get a prescription as a visitor in Canada, first you have to speak with a Canadian doctor. You can do this at a walk-in clinic, with a family doctor, with an on-campus doctor (international students only), or via an online provider. For more details, refer to the instructions above.

How do tourists get prescriptions in Canada?

Tourist can bring up to a 90-day supply of their prescription medication with them to Canada, as long as their medications are legal in Canada. If you need more medication than this, you will need to book an appointment with a Canadian doctor to get a Canadian prescription for additional medication. Details on this process are outlined above.

What is the easiest way to get a prescription in Canada?

There are certain online telehealth providers (like TELUS Health and Maple) that offer same-day appointments with doctors who can prescribe. However, these services are often expensive. For example, Maple quotes CAD $210 for an appointment with a doctor.

Walk-in clinics often provide same-day visits, but to get a visit you may have to arrive early in the morning and wait several hours.

Do I need a prescription to buy medication in Canada?

You only need a prescription to purchase prescription medication in Canada. Certain drugs in Canada are available without a prescription (or “over-the-counter”). Verify your drugs before travelling to Canada.

Can a visitor see a doctor in Canada?

Yes, a visitor can see a doctor in Canada. However, visitors and tourists are not usually eligible for Canada’s publicly-funded healthcare coverage. This means that you may need to pay for medical services unless you purchase private health insurance for your trip to Canada.

Can I order my prescription online from Canada?

Certain Canadian prescriptions can be filled from online pharmacies in Canada. First, find a verified, reputable online pharmacy and contact them to verify the services provided. Be cautious, as many online pharmacies are fraudulent.

Can a Canadian pharmacy fill a prescription from another country?

No. Canadian pharmacies are only able to fill prescriptions issued by Canadian doctors.

For tons more information about the ins and outs of the Canadian healthcare system, check out our guide. Plus, for help with purchasing travel insurance for your time in Canada, take a look at our guide on travel insurance companies.

More Helpful Healthcare Resources for Newcomers to Canada

• New to Canada and not sure what insurance you need? Our article Coverage on Your First Months in Canada covers it 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 access to healthcare in Canada.
• If you are on maintained status, healthcare can be confusing. Read our guide Health Insurance While on Maintained Status in Canada.