How Do You Apply for a Health Card in Canada?

In Canada, a health card is your gateway to public medical services. It proves your eligibility for provincial health insurance and allows doctors, hospitals, and clinics to bill your province directly. Applying for a health card is one of the first things you should do when moving to a new province or arriving in Canada as a newcomer.

Although the process is straightforward, each province has its own rules and requirements. Knowing what to expect helps you apply quickly and avoid delays in coverage.

What You Need to Apply

Across most provinces and territories, you will need to provide three types of documentation:

Proof of identity (such as a passport or Canadian driver’s licence)
Proof of residency in the province (like a lease, utility bill, or official mail)
Proof of legal status in Canada (such as a permanent resident card, work or study permit, or citizenship certificate)

Some provinces also require a completed application form and an in-person visit, while others allow certain steps to be completed online.

Health Card Application by Province

Province/Territory	Where to Apply	Typical Documents Required
Ontario	ServiceOntario centres	ID, residency, immigration or citizenship documents
Quebec	RAMQ offices or online	ID, address proof, immigration documents if applicable
British Columbia	Health Insurance BC (online or in-person)	ID, residency, status documents
Alberta	Alberta registries offices	Application form, ID, proof of residency
Manitoba	Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care	ID, immigration documents, proof of address
Saskatchewan	eHealth Saskatchewan	ID, immigration documents, proof of address
Nova Scotia	MSI Registration Office	Birth certificate or passport, residency proof
New Brunswick	Service New Brunswick	ID, proof of status and address
Prince Edward Island	Health PEI	ID, residency, and immigration status if applicable
Newfoundland & Labrador	MCP Office	ID, status proof, and residency documentation
Yukon	Yukon Health Insurance	ID, address, legal status documents
Northwest Territories	Health Services Administration	ID, residency, and status proof
Nunavut	Nunavut Health Insurance	ID, legal status, and address confirmation

Tip: Check your province’s health ministry website for the most up-to-date application forms and list of acceptable documents. Some require original documents or specific formats.

When to Apply

You should apply:

As soon as you move to a new province
Upon arriving in Canada as a newcomer
If your immigration status changes
When your current health card is lost, stolen, or expires

Most provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before new residents become eligible for public coverage. During this time, consider temporary private insurance to avoid gaps in protection.

What to Expect After Applying

Once your application is approved:

You will receive a health card in the mail with a unique personal health number
You can begin using publicly funded health care once your coverage start date arrives
Some services (like drug coverage) may require separate applications

Note: Your health card should be carried with you whenever you seek care. If you move or your name changes, update your information as soon as possible.

Maintaining Coverage After You Apply

Getting your health card is an essential first step in accessing Canada’s public health system. But coverage is not set-it-and-forget-it. Keep your contact information up to date, renew your card before it expires, and follow residency requirements to avoid disruptions.