Who Is Eligible for Public Health Insurance in Each Province?
Learn the basic residency rules for provincial health coverage across Canada, and when you qualify
Canada’s health care system is built on public coverage, but it is not managed at the national level. Each province and territory administers its own program, with its own rules. While the core benefits are similar across the country, eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live.
Understanding when and how you qualify for health coverage is especially important if you are moving, recently arrived in Canada, or spending part of the year in another province.
General Rules for Eligibility
In most cases, you are eligible for public health insurance in your home province if you:
-
Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
-
Are physically present in that province for at least 183 days in a calendar year
-
Make the province your primary place of residence
-
Apply for coverage through the province’s health program
Temporary residents, international students, workers, and some visa holders may also be eligible, but often with specific conditions or limited coverage.
Tip: If you move to another province, you are still covered by your old province for up to three months, after which your new province’s plan takes over. Be sure to register as soon as you relocate.
Eligibility Across Canada: Provincial Comparison
| Province/Territory | Who Is Eligible |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | Citizens, permanent residents, some workers and international students |
| Alberta | Citizens, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers, approved refugees |
| Saskatchewan | Citizens, permanent residents, students, workers with valid permits |
| Manitoba | Citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents with work or study permits |
| Ontario | Citizens, permanent residents, some foreign workers; waiting period may apply |
| Quebec | Citizens, permanent residents, international students, certain temporary residents |
| Nova Scotia | Citizens, permanent residents, work/study permit holders with at least 12-month stay |
| New Brunswick | Citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents with appropriate permits |
| Prince Edward Island | Citizens, permanent residents, work/study permit holders residing 183+ days/year |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Citizens, permanent residents, some temporary residents and dependents |
| Yukon | Citizens, permanent residents, and those with work permits for 12+ months |
| Northwest Territories | Citizens, permanent residents, some foreign workers and students |
| Nunavut | Citizens and permanent residents residing in Nunavut |
Note: Even if you are eligible, some provinces impose a waiting period (typically up to three months) before coverage begins. Private travel or interim health insurance may be needed during this time.
Why This Matters for Planning
Health coverage is a major part of financial stability, especially when relocating. Knowing how long you are covered, where your benefits apply, and what steps to take if you move provinces can help avoid unexpected medical costs.
This becomes especially important if:
-
You are retiring and planning to spend part of the year in another province
-
You are a newcomer or recently returned Canadian resident
-
You are changing provinces for work, school, or family reasons
Caution: If you do not meet your province’s residency requirement or fail to register properly, you may lose access to coverage. This can leave you paying out of pocket for unexpected medical care.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Eligibility for public health insurance is broad — but not automatic. Knowing your province’s rules helps you maintain continuous coverage and avoid gaps during transitions. Whether you are new to Canada, moving across provinces, or adjusting your residency status, registering promptly and understanding your entitlements are critical to protecting your health and your finances.