Can You Lose Public Health Insurance Coverage?

Public health insurance is one of the most valued parts of life in Canada. It provides access to doctors, hospitals, and emergency care at no direct cost. But many people do not realize that this coverage is not permanent or unconditional. Under certain circumstances, you can lose your eligibility or experience a lapse in benefits.

Understanding what puts your coverage at risk and how to maintain it is key to avoiding unexpected gaps in access to care.

Reasons You Could Lose Public Health Coverage

Each province and territory has its own rules, but most follow similar principles. To keep your coverage active, you must remain a resident of the province, meet minimum physical presence requirements, and maintain updated records.

Common situations that can affect your coverage include:

Scenario	What Might Happen
Leaving your home province for more than 183 days	You may be considered no longer a resident and lose coverage
Moving permanently to another province	Your old province’s coverage may end after three months
Failing to renew or update residency documents	Your file may lapse, causing delays or denial of care
Losing immigration or legal residency status	You may no longer be eligible for provincial insurance
Working abroad or extended travel	Long absences can result in suspended or revoked coverage

Tip: If you are planning to be away for several months, contact your provincial health plan in advance. Some provinces allow you to maintain coverage if you notify them and meet specific criteria.

How to Maintain Your Coverage

To avoid interruptions, make sure you:

Keep your address and contact information current
Your provincial health authority needs up-to-date contact details to send renewal notices, requests for information, and updates to your file. If you move or change your phone number, notify them promptly.
Renew or update your health card before it expires
Expired cards can result in service delays or denied claims at hospitals and clinics. Set a reminder well before your card’s expiration date and renew it in person or online, as required by your province.
Notify your province if you are leaving temporarily (for school, work, or travel)
Some provinces allow extended absences while maintaining your coverage, but only if you inform them in advance. If you leave the province for several months and do not report it, you could lose your status as a resident.
Confirm how long you can be out of province before losing residency
Most provinces require you to be physically present for at least 183 days each calendar year. If you plan to be away longer, check the rules and apply for special consideration if needed.
Ensure your immigration or visa status remains valid if you are a newcomer
Public coverage often depends on maintaining legal residency. If your visa expires, is revoked, or you fall out of status, your health insurance may end automatically. Regularly review your immigration documentation and renew it as needed.

What to Do If Your Coverage Is Lost

If your health insurance lapses:

Reapply immediately through your provincial health plan
Consider private health insurance for interim protection, especially for prescriptions or emergencies
Track medical receipts in case retroactive coverage applies once your status is restored

Caution: Medical services during a gap in coverage may be billed to you directly. Even basic procedures or visits can be costly without insurance. It is better to confirm your status proactively than to manage problems later.

Stay Informed to Stay Covered