Why Provincial Health Coverage Matters
Provincial and territorial health plans are the primary source of coverage for medically necessary services in Canada. Group benefit plans (such as employer-sponsored plans) are designed to supplement this coverage and are generally considered secondary.
Members should apply for provincial or territorial health coverage as soon as they become eligible.
Waiting Periods and Eligibility
Eligibility and waiting periods vary by province or territory. In some regions, coverage begins immediately upon arrival or registration, while others may have a waiting period (often up to three months).
Common factors that affect eligibility include:
- Residency status (e.g., citizen, permanent resident, work permit holder)
- Length of time physically present in the province or territory
- Intent to remain in the region
Refer to the table below for specific requirements in each province or territory.
| Province | Plan Name | Waiting Period | Registration and Eligibility Information |
| Alberta | Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) | 3 months | Link |
| British Columbia | Medical Services Plan (MSP) | 3 months | Link |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health | 3 months | Link |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Medicare | 3 months | Link |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Medical Care Plan (MCP) | 3 months | Link |
| Nova Scotia | Medical Services Insurance (MSI) | 3 months | Link |
| Ontario | Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) | None | Link |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Health Card | 3 months | Link |
| Quebec |
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
|
3 months | Link |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Health Services | 3 months | Link |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Health Care Plan | 3 months | Link |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Health Care Plan | 3 months | Link |
| Yukon | Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan | 3 months | Link |