Canada’s healthcare system operates on a decentralized model, comprising 13 distinct provincial and territorial health insurance plans. While these plans bear different names such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan, Medicare (for New Brunswick), and Medical Service Plan (for British Columbia), they adhere to uniform standards of healthcare and share common features. Nonetheless, subtle discrepancies exist, particularly concerning the time frame for health coverage to become effective, the required documentation, and the scope of coverage.
Before initiating the process, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the healthcare resources specific to your province or territory. Accessing the provided link at the end of this article corresponding to your province will furnish you with pertinent information about the provincial procedure, alongside the option to download an application form. Alternatively, you may opt to collect an application form in person from the provincial Ministry of Health. However, it’s important to note that submitting the application must be done in person. Additionally, all individuals aged 15 and above are required to apply in person for their health cards, as a photograph is necessary.
To obtain a health card, you must present three distinct identification documents:
- An original document demonstrating your Canadian citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- An original document, either in printed or digital/electronic format, verifying your residency within the province.
- An original document confirming your identity.
Required Documents
- Permanent Resident Card must be valid or expired for no more than five years.
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292, 5688)
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
- letter from the Immigration and Refugee Board confirming Convention Refugee or Protected Person status.
- Protected Person Status document
- Temporary resident permit (case types 86 through 95 only)
- Work permit.
- Proof of residency in the province.
- Credit Card.
- Valid Driver’s License or Temporary Driver’s License
- Valid Photo Card
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Certificate Of Canadian Citizenship (Plastic Card)
- Certificate Of Indian Status (Paper or Plastic Card)
- Confirmation Of Permanent Residence (Imm 5292)Only If A Signature Is Shown.
- Current Employee Id Card
- Current Professional Association License
- Old Age Security Card
- Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (Plate Portion Only)
- Passport (Canadian Or Foreign)
- Permanent Resident CardOnly If A Signature Is Shown.
- Record Of Landing (Imm 1000)
- Student ID card
- Union card.
- driver’s license
- utility bill (e.g. cable TV, hydro, gas, water)
- employer record (e.g. pay stub, letter from employer on company letterhead)
- school, college, or university report card or transcript.
- Child Tax Benefit statement
- most recent income tax Notice of Assessment
- insurance policy (e.g. home, tenant, auto, or life)
- mortgage, rental, or lease agreement.
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- property tax bill
- phone bill (e.g. home phone, cell phone)
- credit card statement.
- statement of direct deposit for Disability Support Program (if available in the province}
- statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid (T4E)
- statement of Old Age Security (T4A) or statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits (T4A) (P)
- Any of the following statements from a bank, trust company, or credit union:
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
- Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits (T5007)
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions monthly bank account statement {excluding automated receipts, bank books, letters}