Healthcare

Healthcare in Canada is mainly managed by provinces and territories. Most people access publicly funded care using a provincial or territorial health card, but what is covered can vary by where you live.

This category explains:
– How Canada’s public health coverage works (what is typically covered, and what often is not)
– How to apply for a health card and what documents you may need
– Waiting periods in some provinces and why private insurance may be important during that time
– Finding doctors, walk-in clinics, and community health services
– Special situations (for example, temporary coverage for some refugees and protected persons)

Important: This content is informational. Coverage rules and eligibility can change, and your situation may be different depending on your immigration status and province. Always confirm details using official government sources before making decisions.

Health Canada — About Canada’s health care system
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-health-care-system.html

Health Canada — About health insurance cards
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-cards.html

Health Canada — How publicly funded coverage works
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/canada-health-care-system-medicare/canada-health-act/how-publicly-funded-coverage-works.html

IRCC — Learn about health care in Canada (settlement info)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/health-care.html

IRCC — Our universal health care system (newcomers)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/health-care/universal-system.html

IRCC — Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) (for eligible refugees/protected persons)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care.html

IRCC — Find free newcomer services near you
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp