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How Healthcare Works in Canada

Canada's public health system covers many essential medical services, but how it works, including who's covered, how to see a doctor and what you still pay for, can be confusing when you first arrive.

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In this guide

The basics

Healthcare is delivered by provinces and territories, each with its own public plan, such as OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia, RAMQ in Quebec and AHCIP in Alberta. Coverage generally includes visits to a doctor, hospital stays and many tests. It typically doesn't cover prescription drugs outside hospital, dental care, vision care or physiotherapy. Many employers offer extended benefits for these.

Getting your health card

  1. Step 1: Apply as soon as you can

    Register with your province's health insurance plan once you have a permanent address. You'll usually need ID, proof of your immigration status and proof of where you live.

  2. Step 2: Ask about the waiting period

    Find out when your coverage begins and whether any services are covered in the meantime.

  3. Step 3: Keep your card safe

    You'll show it at every medical appointment. Never share it, since it can be used for fraud.

Who to see for what

WhereBest forGood to know
Family doctor or nurse practitionerOngoing care, referrals and prescriptionsMany areas have waiting lists. Ask your province about its patient-matching service.
Walk-in clinicMinor, non-urgent problemsWaits can be long. Bring your health card.
PharmacyMinor ailments, vaccines and medication advicePharmacists can often help without an appointment.
Health advice line (811)Free nurse advice, day or nightAvailable in most provinces by dialling 811.
Urgent care clinicSerious but not life-threatening problemsAvailable in some cities.
Emergency room or 911Life-threatening emergenciesCall 911 for emergencies. Non-urgent cases can wait many hours.

Making the most of an appointment

  • Write down your symptoms, when they started and your questions beforehand.
  • Ask for an interpreter when you book. Many clinics and hospitals offer interpretation services, often free.
  • Ask what each medication is for, how to take it and what side effects to watch for.
  • Ask about follow-up: when you should come back and what should make you seek help sooner.

Costs to expect

  • Prescriptions. You usually pay out of pocket unless you have an employer plan or provincial program.
  • Dental and vision. Usually private. Federal and provincial programs may help some residents with lower incomes, so check eligibility.
  • Ambulance rides. Often carry a fee even when hospital care is covered, and amounts vary by province.
  • Services not covered. Some doctors' notes, forms and non-medical services may carry a charge.

Looking after your mental health

Settling into a new country is exciting and stressful, and it's normal to feel lonely, anxious or overwhelmed at times. Your family doctor, community health centres and settlement agencies can point you to counselling and support groups, some of them free and some in your own language.

Navak provides general information only. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice.

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