How Canada’s Health System Is Structured
Canada does not run one single national hospital system. Health care is shared between the federal government and the provinces and territories.
The Role of the Federal Government
The Federal Government:
Sets national standards under the Canada Health Act
Provides funding to provinces and territories
Delivers health services to specific groups such as refugees, members of the military, veterans, federal inmates, and some First Nations and Inuit communities
To receive federal funding, provinces and territories must follow the principles outlined in the Canada Health Act.
The Role of Provinces and Territories
Each Province and Territory is responsible for managing and delivering health services to its residents.
That means:
You apply for health coverage through your province
Your health card is issued by your province
Coverage details can vary depending on where you live
While core medical services must be covered, provinces decide whether to include additional services such as prescription drugs or dental care.
What Is Covered Under Public Health Care?
Generally, public health insurance covers:
Visits to a family doctor
Hospital care
Diagnostic tests (like blood work and X-rays)
Medically necessary surgeries
When you use covered services, you do not pay out of pocket at the point of care. You show your provincial health card, and the province pays the provider. You will not receive complex medical bills for insured services.
What Is Not Usually Covered?
Many newcomers are surprised to learn that some services are not included in public coverage.
These often include:
Prescription medications (outside hospitals)
Dental care
Vision care (eye exams and glasses)
Ambulance fees in some provinces
Because of this, many people rely on:
• Employer health benefit plans
• Private insurance
• Student insurance plans
If you do not yet have employer coverage, consider purchasing temporary private health insurance.
Waiting Period for New Residents
Some provinces require new residents to wait before public coverage begins. The waiting period can be up to three months, depending on the province. During this time, you are responsible for your own medical costs. This is why it is important to purchase private insurance before or immediately after landing.
Health Premiums in Some Provinces
Certain provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, have historically required health premiums.
However, even if a resident faces financial hardship, medically necessary care cannot be denied under the Canada Health Act.
International Students and Temporary Workers
Eligibility rules differ by province. Some provinces automatically cover international students. Others require students to enroll in private insurance through their institution.
Temporary workers may qualify depending on:
The length of their work permit
Their residency status
The province they live in
Always check the official provincial health website once you arrive.
As a newcomer to Canada, one of the first steps you should take is to apply for your provincial health card right away to ensure access to public healthcare. If there is a waiting period before coverage begins, it’s wise to purchase private insurance to protect yourself in the meantime. You should also register with a family doctor as soon as possible to establish ongoing care. Finally, take time to learn the differences between walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, and urgent care so you know where to go depending on the situation.