NEW_Identity_Logo_Monocolor
  • Home
  • Events
  • Articles
  • This Canadian Life
  • Jobs
  • Contact
Getting medical insurance as a newcomer in Canada

Things to Know About Getting medical insurance in Canada

October 21, 2021

The universal healthcare system in Canada is a point of pride for many Canadians. This system means that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents can access the healthcare system free of charge, as it is paid for by taxes. Newcomers Canada knows your health and the wellbeing of your loved ones is a priority for you, which is why we have developed this blog containing some important tips for healthcare in Canada.

How to Apply

Healthcare in Canada falls under provincial or territorial jurisdiction, meaning that you will need to apply to your regional government for a healthcare card. Depending on where you are settling, you may be required to wait up to three months before you will be given government health insurance. You can learn more about the specific details of applying for health insurance in your region by clicking on your region below:

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec (in French only)
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

Not Everything is Covered by Government Health Insurance

While Canada does offer all citizens and permanent residents access to public healthcare, you should be aware that not everything is covered by this. Items including dental care, the cost of prescription medications, emergency or ambulance services, prescription eyeglasses, and physiotherapy will not be covered by the government. If you are likely to incur these types of charges on a regular basis it is recommended that you pay for additional health insurance coverage. There are countless private health insurance providers, but some of the largest companies in Canada are Manulife, Sunlife, Canada Life, Blue Cross, and State Farm.

It is common for Canadian employers to offer their employees additional health and wellness insurance, or benefits as part of their compensation package, so be sure to explore this with your employer before investing on your own.

Index of articles

    Banking & Planning

  • 11 tips to help you get settled in Canada
  • Opening a Canadian Bank Account
  • Canadian Citizenship Documents
  • Global Money Transfers
  • Money and Finances
  • Daily Life

  • 11 tips to help you get settled in Canada
  • Things to Know About Getting medical insurance in Canada
  • How to get a Driver’s License in Canada
  • Bring out the bucket list and explore your new home!
  • 8 Things for Newcomers to Consider When Settling in Canada
  • Employment

  • Applying for a Canadian Social Insurance Number
  • How to Prepare for Your Job Interview in Canada
  • Canada’s Top 10 Occupations in Demand in 2021 and Beyond
  • Fine-tune Your Resume for Canadian Employers
  • Tips and advice about working in Canada
  • Housing

  • Which Canadian City is Right for You?
  • Renting in Canada
  • Buying a Home in Canada
  • Shipping & Moving
  • Immigration

  • Top 5 Tips for Adapting to Your New Home in Canada
  • What Newcomers or Immigrants to Canada Should Know about Workers Rights in Canada
  • Becoming a Canadian Citizen
  • Language Proficiency Tests and Certificates
  • Canadian Citizenship Documents
  • Study & Education

  • Language Proficiency Tests and Certificates
  • Improving your English and/or French
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Why study in Canada?

Trusted Partner:

© 2021 Newcomers Canada
Sign up for our newsletter