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By Rebecca Major
Updated 6 hours ago
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This content is brought to you in partnership with Cigna Healthcare. The views, opinions, and information expressed in this piece are those of Moving2Canada and do not reflect those of Cigna Healthcare. Cigna Healthcare is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or any representations made herein.
This guide is intended for newcomers 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.
Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, meaning essential medical services are covered through taxes and administered by each province or territory. Most permanent residents and some temporary residents can access this public coverage, which typically includes doctor visits and hospital care, but it does not include everything.
If you want a complete breakdown of what is and isn’t included, how provincial systems differ, and how to navigate coverage step by step, read our full Guide to the Canadian healthcare system.
In short, your access to Canada’s publicly-funded healthcare system depends on two things:
We will explore both so you can make sure you have the coverage you need, when you need it. To apply for provincial insurance, individuals typically need to visit a provincial ministry office or service centre.
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.
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.
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 in order 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, skip below to our province-by-province listings for health insurance requirements.
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!
Compare your options for super visa insurance by completing this quick form offered by BestQuote, an insurance provider we trust.
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 students are required to have insurance for the full duration of their study permits, but some provinces enable international students to opt into the publicly-funded system.
Also, some schools offer international students insurance packages organized through the school itself. This removes the hassle of finding a quality provider, though it does not guarantee the best coverage or the most affordable rate.
If you are planning to study in Canada, you should first check with your school and province. They should be able to give you detailed insurance information and recommendations.
As a visitor or tourist to Canada, you should make sure you have a private health insurance plan in case anything goes wrong with your trip. Unexpected medical procedures can set you back thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, so you’re better safe than sorry. As with almost all insurance we buy in our lives, you might be tempted to skip out and risk it, but you’ll rest easier with the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you’re covered.
If you are visiting from other Canadian provinces or territories, check whether your home province’s health insurance plan covers you while traveling, as coverage can vary between Canadian provinces. In some cases, you may need to purchase private insurance plan to ensure you are fully protected during your stay.
If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker, you may have access to coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program. More details 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.
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.
Our recommendation: You might be eligible for Alberta’s provincial coverage, but it will take time to process your application and check your eligibility. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, purchase private insurance for the first few months of your stay.
If you are moving to Alberta from another country, you should be eligible to apply for provincial health care coverage as long as you intend to stay in Alberta for at least 12 months and you can demonstrate this through your immigration documents. But! You do have to apply for coverage, and it can take some time for this application to be processed. For this reason, if you are unsure whether or not Alberta will approve your application, you may want to purchase private insurance in the interim.
New immigrants to Canada can apply for health care coverage in Alberta through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). You must apply within three months of arriving in Alberta, or else you will not receive coverage retroactive to your landing date. Apply here.
Permanent residents: Eligible for AHCIP.
Temporary workers: Eligible for AHCIP with a six-month work permit (or longer) and the intention to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months.
International students: Eligible for AHCIP with a 12-month study permit (or a three-month+ study permit and a letter proving intent to reside), plus the intention to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months).
Our recommendation: You should purchase private coverage for your first three months in British Columbia, as no new residents are eligible for provincial coverage until they complete a three-month wait period. Read our complete guide to health care in British Columbia for newcomers.
The province of British Columbia makes provincial health care coverage available to new residents only after they complete a wait period of approximately three months (the completion of the month when the resident arrives in B.C., plus an additional two months). Once you complete this waiting period, you may apply for health insurance through the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP), but only if you meet the residency requirements.
Permanent residents: Eligible for BC MSP.
Temporary workers: Eligible for BC MSP with a work permit valid for six months or longer in duration. Working Holiday participants who are working in B.C. for at least 18 hours per week may also be eligible, but this does not negate the requirement to show proof of insurance upon entry to Canada.
International students: Eligible for BC MSP with a study permit valid for six months or longer.
Our recommendation: You should purchase private coverage for your first three months in Manitoba, as there is a wait period of approximately three months before new residents become eligible for provincial coverage.
In Manitoba, provincial health care coverage is extended to new residents only after they complete a wait period of approximately three months (the completion of the month when the resident arrives in Manitoba, plus an additional two months). Once you complete this wait period you may apply for health insurance through Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living coverage, but only if you meet the residency requirements.
Permanent residents: Eligible for MHSAL coverage.
Temporary workers: Eligible for MHSAL coverage with a work permit based in Manitoba that is valid for at least 12 months.
International students: Not eligible for MHSAL.
Our recommendation: You should purchase health insurance for your first three months in New Brunswick, as there is a mandatory three-month waiting period before new residents can apply for provincial health insurance coverage.
The province of New Brunswick allows certain new residents to apply for health care coverage after completing a mandatory wait period of three months from the date they arrive in the province. Once you complete this wait period, you may apply for coverage through New Brunswick Medicare coverage.
Permanent residents: Eligible for NB Medicare.
Temporary workers: Eligible for NB Medicare with a work permit that is valid for at least 12 months.
International students: Eligible for NB Medicare with a valid study permit and proof of enrolment in full-time, post-secondary studies for at least one full scholastic year.
Our recommendation: Apply for provincial healthcare coverage as soon as you arrive in Newfoundland. Purchase private coverage for the period while your application is being processed.
Newfoundland and Labrador allows many new residents to apply for healthcare coverage without any mandatory waiting period. Ensure that you meet the residency requirements and apply for provincial coverage as early as possible through the Newfoundland Medical Care Plan (MCP).
Permanent residents: Eligible for Newfoundland Medical Care Plan (MCP).
Temporary workers: Eligible for Newfoundland MCP with a work permit of either 12-months or six-months in duration (depends on the type of work permit).
International students: Eligible for Newfoundland MCP with a study permit that is valid for at least 12 months and proof of full-time enrolment at a Newfoundland post-secondary institution in a program of 12 months or longer.
Our recommendation: Purchase private insurance for your initial months in Canada until your application for territorial health insurance coverage has been approved.
The Northwest Territories is one of Canada’s northern regions with a sparse population. The territory does not state a mandatory wait period for new residents from outside Canada, so you may apply as soon as you are in the territory and have the documents required to prove this. Applications for territorial health insurance plans are accepted through the Northwest Territories Health Care Plan (NWT HCP).
Permanent residents: Eligible for NWT HCP.
Temporary workers: May be eligible for NWT HCP. Work permit holders should contact territorial health authorities before applying to confirm eligibility.
International students: May be eligible for NWT HCP. Study permit holders should contact territorial health authorities before applying to confirm eligibility.
Our recommendation: If you have an eligible immigration status (permanent resident, temporary worker), apply for provincial coverage as soon as you arrive in the province. You should receive retroactive coverage from the first day you arrive in Nova Scotia, but you may want to purchase private insurance until you have confirmed that your provincial coverage has been approved.
Nova Scotia grants first-day coverage to certain new immigrants to the province (permanent residents and temporary workers). If you are eligible, you should apply as soon as you arrive in the province. Applications may be submitted for Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (NS MSI).
Permanent residents: Eligible for NS MSI as of day one in Nova Scotia.
Temporary workers: Must have a work permit valid for at least 12 months. Eligible for NS MSI as of day one in Nova Scotia or the date the work permit is issued (whichever is later). Workers must sign a declaration and must not be outside Nova Scotia for more than 31 days within a year except for work-related purposes.
International students: Only eligible for NS MSI after spending 12 months in Nova Scotia as an international student.
Our recommendation: Contact the Nunavut Department of Health before travelling to Canada to confirm eligibility and determine if private insurance is needed.
Nunavut is Canada’s most remote northern territory with a tiny population and limited infrastructure. The territory states that immigrants with certain status gain access to the Nunavut Health Care Plan, but exact details about eligibility and application processes are not fully outlined. If you intend to immigrate to Nunavut, we recommend contacting Nunavut’s health department in advance
Permanent residents: Eligible for the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Temporary workers: Eligible for the Nunavut Health Care Plan with a work permit valid for at least 12 months and with a Nunavut address.
International students: Eligible for the Nunavut Health Care Plan with a study permit valid for at least 12 months and with a Nunavut address.
Our recommendation: Purchase private insurance for at least the first three months in Ontario. It takes approximately three months for your provincial coverage to take effect after you’ve been approved. Read our complete guide to health care in Ontario for newcomers.
Ontario allows eligible new immigrants to apply for health insurance as soon as they arrive in the province, but even after your application is approved, it takes around three months for your coverage to kick in. In case you need medical care during that gap period, it’s best to purchase private insurance. Ontario’s provincial health care is administered through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Permanent residents: Eligible for OHIP.
Temporary workers: Eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan with a work permit and after working, full-time, for an Ontario employer for at least six months. Workers through Caregiver immigration streams may be eligible for OHIP without the six months of work experience.
International students: Not eligible for OHIP, must purchase private insurance.
Our recommendation: Purchase private insurance for your first three months in Quebec.
Quebec’s healthcare system allows newcomers to apply for coverage as soon as they arrive in the province, but there is a wait period of three months for applications to be processed and coverage to become active. This wait period only starts once you register for coverage, not when you arrive in the province. For this reason, it is important to apply to the Quebec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ) as soon as possible after arriving and to ensure that you have private coverage while your application is being processed and the wait period is in effect.
Permanent residents: Eligible for RAMQ.
Temporary workers: May be eligible for RAMQ with a valid work permit and proof of residence in Quebec. The Quebec health department does not list explicit criteria for determining eligibility of foreign workers, but enables work permit holders to apply.
International students: Not eligible for RAMQ (except for select students under certain Quebec scholarship programs).
Our recommendation: Apply for provincial coverage as soon as you arrive in PEI. As long as you meet the requirements, you should be eligible for retroactive coverage from the day you arrived in the province, although it will take some time to process the application. You may want to consider purchasing private insurance until your provincial coverage has been confirmed.
Prince Edward Island administers health care using the PEI Health Card. Many new immigrants are eligible to apply for coverage which extends retroactively to cover all health services you have received since arriving in the province.
Permanent residents: Eligible for first-day coverage using a PEI Health Card.
Temporary workers: Eligible for first-day coverage with a work permit valid for at least six months.
International students: Eligible for coverage with a study permit and proof of enrolment in a full-time post-secondary program in PEI.
Our recommendation: Consider purchasing private coverage for your first months in Saskatchewan until your provincial coverage has been confirmed.
Saskatchewan extends provincial health care through Saskatchewan Health Coverage to new permanent residents, workers, and students, but the province usually requires new residents to go through a three-month wait period before they become eligible. This wait period may be waived for new permanent residents, but it is best to confirm your eligibility for this exemption with the Saskatchewan’s health ministry to determine if buying private insurance may be necessary.
Permanent residents: Eligible for Saskatchewan Health Coverage.
Temporary workers: May be eligible for Saskatchewan Health Coverage with a valid work permit and proof of residence in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan health department does not list explicit criteria for determining eligibility of foreign workers, but enables work permit holders to apply.
International students: May be eligible for Saskatchewan Health Coverage with a valid study permit and proof of enrolment in full-time studies in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan health department does not list explicit criteria for determining eligibility of international students, but enables study permit holders to apply.
Our recommendation: Apply for territorial coverage as soon as you arrive in the Yukon. Consider purchasing private health coverage until your territorial coverage has been confirmed.
The Yukon is one of Canada’s northern territories. If you are planning to move to the Yukon, you may be eligible for territorial health care coverage if you are a permanent resident or a temporary worker. This health care is administered through the Yukon Health Care Insurance Program (YHCIP). Yukon’s health department does not state that there is a wait period for new residents, so you can apply upon arrival, but may want private coverage until you confirm your territorial coverage has been approved.
Permanent residents: Eligible for YHCIP.
Temporary workers: Eligible for YHCIP with a work permit valid for at least 12 months.
International students: Not eligible for YHCIP.
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:
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.
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—an emergency room visit alone can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more.
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:
Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage to the types of refugees, asylum claimants, and others listed here:
IFHP health care covers urgent and essential health care services. In some cases, it may cover certain services before arriving in Canada, too.
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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.
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.
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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