A health care plan in Canada provides several benefits to policyholders. It allows you to afford medical services, such as surgeries, lab tests, and X-rays. Plus, it serves as an alternative form of identification.
Each province and territory is responsible for administering and delivering its own healthcare services and are funded by the federal government. Healthcare in Canada covers visits to the doctor and most specialists, emergency and hospital care and in some cases, supplementary benefits like prescription drug coverage; however this differs depending on where you are applying.
Each province has its policy for applying for a new health card. Below, we will walk you through each Canadian province’s health card application process.
How to Apply for an Alberta Health Card (AHCIP)
The first step in applying for a new health card in Alberta is registering with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Afterward, you can send in your AHCIP application for approval. For a fully detailed outline on how the AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan) works, visit our page.
To fulfil the eligibility requirements for an Alberta health care plan, you must spend at least 183 days each year in the province. Also, you must be in Canada legally.
Your coverage starts immediately after your AHCIP provider approves your application. Once an official policy member, your insurance provider will mail you your new health card. It is important to note that one must first register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) office before being issued a card.
Also note that your insurance provider may be able to reimburse any health care services received while your application was in the review stage. When your plan is active, you can show your insurance provider that you were an eligible insurance holder at the time of these services.
Opting Out of AHCIP
If you choose to opt out of the AHCIP, all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enroll in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for AHCIP at any time.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please call:
Phone: 780 427 1432
Fax: 780 422 0102
TTY: 780 427 9999
TTY Toll Free: 1 800 232 7215
Email: health.ahcipmail@gove.ab.ca
*Please do not send personal or health information through this email system. General inquiries only.
Mailing Address
Alberta Health
Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
PO Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 8:15am-4:30pm
How to Apply for a BC Health Card (MSP)
In order to be eligible for health care in British Columbia,you must be a citizen of Canada or have been granted permanent residency, make your home in BC and present in BC for six month of a calendar year. The health program is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). The first step to acquire an MSP card is you must have a BC Services Card. This is a government issued card which contains your age and identity. Not only can you access health services with this card, but you can access government services and even open bank accounts.
Newcomers to Canada must apply for MSP immediately upon arrival. It is important to secure a health insurance policy as there is a waiting period of approximately three months for your MSP coverage to take effect. If you have family members who are arriving in British Columbia after you, ensure that they also have medical plans during the waiting period. Their waiting periods will begin on the day of their arrival so they will differ from yours. We recommend referring to our detailed page about the MSP card for in-depth information.
Opting Out of the Medical Services Plan
As with most provincial health care plans, you do have the option to opt out of the MSP plan in British Columbia for a 12 month period. This must be done by signing the Election to Opt Out statement. This statement must be obtained through Health Insurance BC. Please note that by opting out, you are responsible for the entire cost of all medical requirements, routine or emergency and all prescription drug and rehabilitation costs.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please call:
604 683 7151 (Lower Mainland)
1 800 663 7100 (Everywhere else in BC)
Mailing Address
Health Insurance BC
PO Box 9035 St Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3
How to Apply for a Manitoba Health Card (MHSIP)
In order to become eligible for a Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan (MHSIP) you must be a Canadian citizen or have been granted permanent residency, have a work permit, establish a permanent residence and reside in Manitoba for six months in the calendar year. To attain health care in Manitoba, you must have proof of residency and two eligible forms of identification. You can use mortgage agreements, rental leases, or employment confirmation letters to prove your residency.
With health coverage in Manitoba, you do not have to worry about fees stemming from physicians’ services, surgery, X-ray, or lab services.
For detailed instructions, forms and additional information on the application process, visit our guide.
Opting out of the MHSIP
Currently, there is no option to opt out of the Manitoba Health Plan for residents. There are, however, options for students who are covered by an equivalent type plan either through their parents or spouse’s employee program. It’s important to note here that employee programs do not offer the same type of coverage, especially in emergency situations.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please contact:
Insured Benefits Branch
Manitoba Health
300 Carlton St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 3M9
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30
Telephone: 204 786 7101
Toll Free: 1 800 392 1207
Fax: 204 783 2171
Email: insuredben@gov.mb.ca
How to Apply for a New Brunswick (NB) Health Card
In order to be eligible for New Brunswick Medicare, one must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, must make the province of New Brunswick their principal home or an international student who also meets the eligibility requirements.
New Brunswick residents can obtain a new health card by visiting their government website. Once you have proof that you are eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan in New Brunswick, you can register for a health services card.
Before starting your application, you should have original documents on hand, such as your birth certificate, permanent residence card, and driver’s licence. If you enroll a child under 19 on your insurance policy, you must fill out a separate form for them.
Note that you must mail your form to the given address or submit your documents in person at a Service New Brunswick office. For an in-depth look on coverage be sure to visit our page.
Opting out of the New Brunswick Medicare Health Plan (MCP)
Residents of New Brunswick are strongly reminded that it is mandatory to notify New Brunswick Medicare by calling 1 888 762 8600 if any of the following occur:
- Leaving on a vacation of 30 days or more
- Temporarily absent due to business
- Moving permanently
- Mobile workers (drillers, pilots etc) whose jobs require them to enter and leave the province frequently.
- Contract workers from out of country, in which case a temporary two-year status will be granted
Failing to notify New Brunswick Medicare can result in your coverage being terminated. It is advisable to secure a private health insurance policy.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please use the following options:
Telephone: 1 888 762 8600
By filling out this form, and sending it to:
P.O. Box 5100
Fredericton NB
E3B 5GB
How to Apply for MCP in Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador offers a Medical Care Plan that helps residents of the province pay for many medical services. You will find a form to apply for a new health card on the Newfoundland and Labrador government website. In addition, we also recommend visiting our page for full details on the application process and coverage details.
The application form will ask you for information regarding your residency status and eligibility. Along with the form, you must submit Canadian citizenship documents, such as your birth certificate, passport, or residence card.
You do not have to pay a fee when applying for a Newfoundland and Labrador health insurance card. If you are trying to get coverage for your newborn, you must fill out a different form. You can find all available applications on the MCP website.
If MCP accepts you into its health care program, they will send health cards to you and your dependents. Each plan member will receive their health care card via mail.
Currently, there is no option to opt out of MSP for residents. There are, however, options for students who are covered by an equivalent type plan either through their parents or spouse’s employee program. It’s important to note here that employee programs do not offer the same type of coverage, especially in emergency situations.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please contact:
Telephone: 1 800 563 1557
Mailing Address
Department of Health and Community Services
P.O. Box 8700
1st Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
100 Prince Philip Drive
St. John’s Newfoundland NL
A1B 4J6
How to Apply for Northwest Territories (NWT) Health Insurance Cards
The Northwest Territories offer an NWT health care card to eligible residents. This card will help you afford medical care services, such as surgeries and X-rays. Application forms can be found at any health centre, hospital, healthcare clinic or online.
You must be a permanent resident of the Northwest Territories to reap the benefits of a health care plan. Alternatively, if you are part of a military family, you may be able to enrol in an NWT health care plan.
On the Northwest Territories government website, you will find a link directing you to an application form. You can fill out this application form online and in one sitting. Alternatively, our page has detailed information on the application process, coverage details and how to change your information
NWT health insurance providers will ask you to submit lawful documents, such as a birth certificate, mortgage agreement, or residence card, verifying your identity and eligibility. Once you receive your health care card, you can start using your benefits immediately.
Opting out of the NWT Healthcare Plan
If you choose to opt out of the NWT Healthcare Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for NWT Health at any time.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please contact:
Telephone: 1 800 661 0830
Mailing Address
Health Services Administration Office
Health and Social Services
Bag #9
Inuvik, NT
X0E 0T0
Email: healthcarecard@gov.nt.ca
How to Apply for a Nova Scotia MSI Card
You cannot receive medical benefits from a Nova Scotia health care plan if you are a tourist or short-term visitor. Only eligible residents of Nova Scotia can use a health card to help pay for medical services.
Unlike other provinces, you cannot file a health card application form on the Nova Scotia government website. Instead, you must call the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 to start the application process. Insurdinary has a comprehensive guide on how the entire MSI program works; from eligibility, coverage details and contact information. It can be found here.
You must have proof of your identity and Canadian citizenship to enrol in a Nova Scotia health insurance plan. Once your Canadian health insurance provider accepts your application, they will mail a health card to each policyholder on the insurance plan.
An MSI representative will inform you of what documents you will need on hand when applying for your new health cards. If you need to renew an existing health card, you can do so on the Nova Scotian government website.
Opting out of the Nova Scotia MSI Plan
If you choose to opt out of the Nova Scotia MSI Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for the MSI plan at any time. NOTE: Nova Scotia is the only region in North America who has introduced the automatic opt- in clause for organ and tissue donation. For people who would like to opt-out, they may call: 1 800 563 8880, or they may do so online by following this link.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please use the following methods:
Telephone: 902 496 7008
Toll Free: 1 800 563 8880
Email: msi@medavie.ca
How to Apply for the Nunavut Healthcare Plan
Thankfully, Nunavut makes it easy for its residents to apply for a health care card. On the Nunavut government website, you will see a link bringing up an application form. That link can also be found here. You may then proceed to fill out your application online.
The application will ask you to attach photos of a few identification and citizenship documents. The website will inform you which documents you will need to gather while filling out your application.
You can also mail your health card application to:
Department of Health
Health Insurance Programs
Government of Nunavut
Attention: Health Care Registration Department
Box 889 Rankin Inlet
Nunavut (NU) X0C 0G0
There are no fees associated with your health insurance application.
Opt Out of the Nunavut Health Care Plan
If you choose to opt out of the Nunavut Healthcare Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for Nunavut Healthcare at any time.
If you have a question about your application, need to report a damaged or lost card, or need to update your family, marital or address information, please use the following methods:
Telephone: 867 975 5700
Fax: 867 975 5705
Toll Free: 1 800 661 0830
Mailing Address
Department of Health
Government of Nunavut
Box 100, Station 1000
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
How to Apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Ontario insurance providers offer OHIP health cards to eligible Ontario residents. If you need coverage for medical services, you can apply for an OHIP health card on the Ontario government website. For complete and full application, eligibility and coverage information, be sure to visit our page.
There will be a link directing you to a list of forms to apply for your OHIP card on the Ontario government website. They offer forms in both French and English.
One of the best things about OHIP plans is you will get coverage immediately following the acceptance of your application. There is no additional waiting period.
Show your Ontario health insurance card at any doctor’s office, emergency room, or medical lab to receive your benefits. Note that your insurance provider will not cover cosmetic procedures. However, many supplemental insurance policies can help cover cosmetic costs.
Opting out of OHIP
Anyone currently covered under OHIP may choose to opt-out of the program. This can be done by contacting Service Ontario’s information line at: 1 866 532 3161.
The best way to contact OHIP in person is to visit your local ServiceOntario Centre. They are conveniently located in all areas across the entire province.
To easily find one, follow this link. Alternatively, you may call:
Telephone: 416 326 1234
Toll Free: 1 800 267 8097
TTY: 416 325 3408
TTY Toll Free: 1 800 268 7095
How to Apply for a PEI Health Card
When you visit a public health facility in Prince Edward Island, the receptionist will ask you for a PEI Health Card. This card will pay for several medical services. You can also use it at your pharmacy when picking up prescription medication.
To qualify for a PEI Health Card, you must be a full-time resident of Prince Edward Island. Travellers, international students, and Canadian Armed Forces members cannot receive a PEI Card.
You can fill out an application form as a new resident on the PEI health insurance website. Alternatively, you can print out a form and mail it to the given address.
A PEI Card has a lifespan of five years. You must renew your card to keep receiving medical benefits. The renewal process is quick and easy, and you can do it on the Prince Edward Island health insurance website. For full and complete details on eligibility, the application process and coverage details, be sure to visit our page.
Opting out of PEI Health Care
If you choose to opt out of the PEI Healthcare Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for PEI Healthcare at any time.
You may contact PEI Healthcare using the following options:
Mailing Address
16 Garfield Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 7N8
Telephone: 902 368 6130
Fax: 902 368 6136
Email: healthpei@gov.pe.ca
How to Apply for a RAMQ Card
You will most likely qualify for a Quebec medical insurance plan if you are a Quebec resident. When you are a policy member on an insurance plan, you will receive a medical card that you can use at medical facilities to show proof of medical coverage.
The Quebec health insurance website has an easy-to-fill form that allows you to apply for a Quebec health insurance plan. Currently, it takes approximately thirty days to process your health insurance application.
Opting out of the RAMQ Health Program
There is currently no option to opt out of the RAMQ Healthcare program. In fact, if you are under the age of 65, under 18 or staying in Quebec on a temporary basis, you must secure private health insurance, and at the very minimum, it must cover the cost of prescription drugs. If you do not have the option of securing a private plan through your employer, spouse or parents, it is mandatory to use this link to register with the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
You may contact and communicate with RAMQ using the following methods:
In person: By finding your nearest service point
Telephone: 1 800 561 9749
Quebec area: 418 646 4636
Montreal area: 514 864 3411
Outside Quebec: 514 864 3411
Mailing Address
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec
C.P. 6600, succ. Terminus
Quebec (Quebec)
G1K 7T3
How to Apply for the Saskatchewan Health Authority Card
If you want to receive medical benefits in Saskatchewan, you must enrol in a health insurance plan. Your health card is proof of your enrollment in a Saskatchewan health insurance plan.
On the Saskatchewan health insurance site, you can determine your eligibility for a health card and apply for a new one. Make sure you have original copies of your vital documents that you attach to your application. Saskatchewan processes your application within six weeks from when you submit it online. They process applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For complete and further details on the application process, eligibility and coverage, be sure to reference our page.
Opting out of the Saskatchewan Health Plan
If you choose to opt out of the Saskatchewan Healthcare Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for Saskatchewan Healthcare at any time.
You may connect and communicate with eHealth Saskatchewan using the following methods:
Mailing Address
Saskatoon City Hospital
701 Queen Street
Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7K 0M7
Telephone: 306 655 0080
Toll Free: 1 833 445 0080
How to Apply for the Yukon Health Card
To get a Yukon health insurance card, you must register with the Government of Yukon. You cannot apply online. Our page outlines the entire step by step process in detail.
When you visit the government office, you must bring photocopies of vital documents, such as your birth certificate, utility bills, pay stubs, and other forms. You can submit your application in Whitehorse at 204 Lambert Street.
If you are a new Yukon resident, you must wait three months before submitting a health card application. If you are on a work visa for at least one year, you can submit a health card application.
Opting Out of the Yukon Healthcare Program
If you choose to opt out of the Yukon Healthcare Plan all dependents will automatically be opted out as well. You will be responsible for all of your medical bills for yourself and each of your dependents. As well, you will not be eligible to enrol in any government sponsored private healthcare plans. You have the option to reapply for Yukon Healthcare at any time.
You may contact the Yukon Health Department in the following ways:
Telephone: 867 667 5209
Toll Free: 1 800 661 0408 x 5209
Email: yukon.health@yukon.ca
Supplement Your Provincial Health Care Plan Today
Canada’s healthcare system is fantastic when it comes to emergencies, diagnostics, imaging and specialists. What the entire system doesn’t focus on however is preventative, eye and dental care. This is where a private healthcare plan comes in. It fills in the gaps. A private plan, along with your free provincial coverage, is the best way to not only stay healthy, but be healthy.
We work with the best insurance providers in Canada to get you the quotes that you deserve. Our experts can help you find the best group or individual health insurance packages for your company or for your and your family.
Reach out to Insurdinary today. We look forward to working with you.
