How to Apply for Provincial Health Insurance (OHIP and Equivalents)
Canada's health coverage is run by provinces. Apply as soon as you arrive (or move) — most provinces had waiting periods eliminated or reduced (Ontario no longer has one for newcomers; coverage starts your landing day). You need documents proving residence and status, then a health card arrives by mail.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 20 min
Learn your province's rules
Ontario's OHIPOntario Health Insurance Plan — Ontario's provincial health insurance. Most newcomers must wait about 3 months after establishing residence before coverage starts.Click for official info ↗, BC's MSPMedical Services Plan — British Columbia's provincial health insurance plan.Click for official info ↗ (via Health Insurance BC), and Alberta's AHCIPAlberta Health Care Insurance Plan — Alberta's provincial health insurance plan.Click for official info ↗ are the big three. Ontario removed the 3-month wait in 2024 — coverage can start the day you establish residence. BC and Alberta also effectively removed waits for most new residents. Workers on permits usually need one valid 12+ months; some categories (visitor visas) are never eligible.
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- Go 30–60 min
Gather residence and status documents
Provinces want ORIGINALS showing three things: identity (passport), legal status (PR cardPermanent Resident Card — The official proof of Canadian permanent resident status, needed for travel back to Canada on commercial vehicles.Click for official info ↗ or qualifying permit), and residence in the province (lease, bank statement, employer letter). Download and complete the province's registration form (e.g., Ontario form 0266-82) before visiting an office to save time.
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- Go 1 hour + travel
Apply in person or by mail
Ontario: ServiceOntario centre, walk-in with originals. Alberta: registry agent office. BC: mail-in application for most applicants. Staff verify documents, take your photo (Ontario and Alberta print photo cards), and give you a confirmation of registration. List every family member — each person gets a card with their own health number.
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- Wait 2–6 weeks
Wait for the health card by mail
Cards arrive within weeks. Until the physical card arrives you may show the registration confirmation for covered services. If you moved and the card never arrives, contact the ministry — unclaimed cards are returned and cancelled after a period.
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- Follow Up Ongoing
Know what is (and is not) covered
Provincial plans cover doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostics — NOT prescriptions (outside hospital), dental, or glasses for adults. Many employers offer supplemental benefits for those, and low-income residents get help like Ontario's Trillium Drug Program. Newcomers should also check whether home-country prescriptions need a Canadian doctor's renewal — book an early clinic visit to transfer care.
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- Receive —
Keep your card and update moves
Your health number stays the same for life within the province. Update your address with the health ministry within 30 days of moving, and re-register when you move between provinces (coverage transfers after a short wait in the new province — carry private or travel coverage for the gap if you have one).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an international student. Am I covered?
Depends. BC and Alberta cover students on study permits valid 6+ months (BC requires 6-month permit plus enrolment). Ontario OHIPOntario Health Insurance Plan — Ontario's provincial health insurance. Most newcomers must wait about 3 months after establishing residence before coverage starts.Click for official info ↗ does NOT cover international students — your school enrols you in a mandatory private plan (e.g., UHIP). Check with your institution before arriving.
Can I see a doctor before the card arrives?
Yes, once your coverage start date has passed — clinics can verify coverage with your registration confirmation, or you pay and claim reimbursement. Walk-in clinics are plentiful and do not require a family doctor.
Does OHIP cover me outside Canada?
Barely — only limited amounts (e.g., emergency care at rates far below costs, for limited travel outside the country). Buy travel medical insurance for any trip; US hospital bills alone can exceed coverage by tens of thousands.
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