How to Get Your Provincial Health Card After Arriving in Canada

Why You Need a Provincial Health Card

Canada's universal healthcare is delivered through provincial health insurance plans. To access free doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostic tests, you need to be enrolled in your province's plan. You prove your enrollment with a provincial health card (OHIP in Ontario, BC Services Card for MSP in BC, Alberta Health Care Card, etc.).

Applying by Province

Ontario (OHIP)

• 3-month waiting period for new permanent residents
• Apply at a ServiceOntario location with: valid immigration document (PR card or COPR), proof of Ontario residency (lease, utility bill), and one other piece of ID
• Your temporary health card arrives by mail (about 10 days), then your permanent green OHIP card follows
• During the waiting period: buy private health insurance

British Columbia (MSP via BC Services Card)

• 3-month waiting period for most new residents
• Enroll online at gov.bc.ca/MSP or by calling Health Insurance BC at 1-800-663-7100
• You receive a BC Services Card (combined health + ID card) by mail
• Apply immediately on arrival — the 3-month clock starts from when HIBC receives your application

Alberta (AHCIP)

• No waiting period for new permanent residents
• Apply online at Alberta Health or at any registry agent
• Coverage begins immediately upon registration
• This is one of Alberta's best-kept secrets for newcomers — move to Alberta and get health coverage on day 1

Quebec (RAMQ)

• 3-month waiting period
• Apply at a RAMQ office or online
• RAMQ also manages the public prescription drug insurance plan

What to Do During the Waiting Period

Options for medical coverage during the 3-month wait:

• Travel/visitor insurance: Purchase a comprehensive plan covering emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs
• Newcomer health insurance: Many insurers offer newcomer plans specifically for the waiting period (Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life)
• Walk-in clinics: Many accept self-pay patients at reasonable rates ($50–$150/visit) for non-emergency care

Eligible Newcomers Who Skip the Wait

Convention refugees and Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) are typically enrolled in the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) immediately, which covers basic health needs until provincial coverage kicks in.

Also see: How the Canadian healthcare system works