How to get health insurance in Canada (with useful French and English vocabulary)
Published on January 18, 2021 / Updated on January 9, 2024
Free universal healthcare and insurance? Sign me up! Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Canada is a country that has a single-pay healthcare system: health services are paid with taxpayer money. So when you require medically necessary services, you don’t have to pay a huge bill afterwards.
People with Canadian health insurance can see a doctor, visit a hospital, get prescription drugs and get x-rays or blood tests for free; other things such as cosmetic surgery are usually not paid for.
Because each province and territory has its own healthcare plan, certain provinces may offer coverage that others don’t. That means that, for example, if you have health insurance in British Columbia and you visit Ontario, you’ll be covered for essential medical care, but you may have to pay extra for services that aren’t covered by your British Columbia insurance.
In some regions, health insurance approval can take up to three months. In those cases, it’s a good idea to get private insurance to cover you until your Canadian insurance goes into effect.
If you’re not already a Canadian citizen, you have to meet certain requirements to get health insurance; they may differ slightly depending on your location in Canada.
Here are some details on how to get health insurance in Canada by province or territory.
What it’s called: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Download and fill out the form on this page or request one here, then submit it with supporting documents in person or by mail.
What it’s called: British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: You can submit your application and supporting documents directly through the government website or by filling out a paper application form and sending it by mail (address on form).
What it’s called: Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living
Who can apply:
How to apply: Fill out and print the application form, then submit it with supporting documents by email, fax, or mail. You can find the details here.
What it’s called: New Brunswick Medicare
Who can apply:
How to apply: Fill out this application form, then submit it with supporting documents by mail or in person.
What it’s called: Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Complete this form and submit it with supporting documents by mail, fax or in person (address on form).
What it’s called: NWT Healthcare Plan
Who can apply:
How to apply: Fill out this application form and send it with supporting documents by fax, email or mail (contact information on form).
What it’s called: Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance Program (MSI)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Contact MSI directly.
What it’s called: Nunavut Health Care Plan (NHCP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Fill out this application form and submit it by mail along with any supporting documents.
What it’s called: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Download and complete this registration form on this page. Submit it in person along with supporting documents.
What it’s called: PEI Health Card
Who can apply:
How to apply: Apply online or fill out this form and submit it, along with supporting documents, in person.
What it’s called: Quebec Health Insurance Plan
Who can apply:
How to apply: Visit this page to get started, then contact a government office directly to request a personalized form and further instructions.
What it’s called: Saskatchewan Health Card
Who can apply:
How to apply: Apply online or print an application form and mail, fax or email it, along with supporting documents (contact info on form).
What it’s called: Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP)
Who can apply:
How to apply: Register in person. More information is available here.
Want to apply for a job in Canada? Here’s how!
Now that you know how to get health insurance in Canada, here are some terms (in English and French) that you might come across: