🏥 OHIP - Ontario
Ontario Health Insurance Plan
- Waiting period: 3 months from the date you establish residency in Ontario
- Eligibility: Permanent residents, convention refugees, protected persons, certain work permit holders (valid for at least 6 months)
- Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, blood work), emergency care, maternity care
- Not covered: Prescription medications, dental care, vision care, ambulance (partial coverage ~$45 fee)
- Application: Apply online through Service Ontario or in-person at Service Ontario location
- Card renewal: OHIP cards don't expire, but you must update your photo every 10 years
🌊 MSP - British Columbia
Medical Services Plan of British Columbia
- Waiting period: Remainder of month of arrival + 2 full calendar months (maximum ~3 months)
- Premiums: Eliminated as of January 1, 2020 - no monthly fees
- Eligibility: Must be physically present in BC for at least 6 months per calendar year
- Coverage: Medically necessary services by physicians and midwives, diagnostic services, hospital care
- Not covered: Dental, vision care (except for children under 19), prescription drugs (separate coverage needed)
- Application: Apply through Health Insurance BC (online or by mail)
- Fair PharmaCare: Separate program for prescription drug coverage - register after getting MSP
⚜️ RAMQ - Quebec
Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec
- Waiting period: None for permanent residents (coverage begins on day of arrival!)
- Coverage: Medical and hospital services covered, but prescription drug insurance is SEPARATE and MANDATORY
- Registration deadline: Must register within 3 months of arrival to avoid coverage gaps
- Prescription drug insurance: Must have coverage either through employer or public plan (RAMQ public plan costs vary based on income)
- Health card (Carte d'assurance maladie): Photo card valid for 4 years, must be renewed
- Application: Online through Mon dossier citoyen or in-person at RAMQ office
🏔️ Alberta - AHCIP
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
- Waiting period: 3 months from date of arrival in Alberta
- Eligibility: Permanent residents, work permit holders (valid at least 12 months)
- No premiums: Healthcare is funded through general taxation
- Coverage: Physician services, hospital services, some surgical-dental services
- Application: Register online through MyAlberta eServices or in-person at registry agent
🌾 Other Provinces & Territories
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Health Card - 3 month wait, permanent residents and work permit holders eligible
Manitoba: Manitoba Health - 3 month wait from date of arrival, coverage begins first day of fourth month
Nova Scotia: MSI (Medical Services Insurance) - Coverage begins last day of month after 2 full months in province
New Brunswick: Medicare - 3 month waiting period for new residents
Newfoundland & Labrador: MCP (Medical Care Plan) - First day of third month after arrival
Prince Edward Island: PEI Health Card - 3 month wait
Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut: Territorial health insurance - Usually immediate coverage for permanent residents
