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To access free health care, you need to apply for a provincial health card. Once you are approved, you will receive your provincial health card. The health card proves that you are covered by a provincial health care program. You will have to show your health card each time you visit a doctor or receive any medical care.

You can get an application form from:

Or, you can apply online (see section below: Provincial and Territorial Health Care Programs in Canada).

Canada has a great healthcare system that is coveted by many countries around the world.  As a permanent resident, you can access many medical services that Canadians enjoy without large medical bills.

Access to free healthcare is a privilege Canadians are proud of and celebrate. And if you’re moving to Canada, here are some important things to know about how to access free health care and the medical system. As a newcomer, knowing how to get free medical care when you’re sick, or have an accident can save you from worry and out-of-pocket expenses.

Applying for health care is one of the first steps to take when you arrive in Canada.

Who Pays for Healthcare in Canada?

In Canada, public healthcare is paid for through tax money. Basic health care services, like hospital visits and medical treatment, are free. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply for public health insurance. This insurance can save you money and provide you and your family peace of mind.

When to Appy for Free Healthcare?

You should apply for health care coverage soon after you land in Canada. Unfortunately, you cannot apply for health care coverage before you arrive in Canada.

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Is there a Waiting Period?

In some provinces, you may have to wait up to three months to be eligible for a government health card. This waiting period applies to permanent residents in:

ProvinceWaiting Period
British ColumbiaCoverage begins three months after your arrival date
ManitobaCoverage begins on the first day of the third month after arrival
New BrunswickCoverage begins after you submit your application form
Northwest TerritoriesCoverage begins when your application is approved
QuebecWaiting period of up to three months
SaskatchewanCoverage begins within six to eight weeks of your application date
YukonCoverage begins after three months

To protect yourself during this waiting period, you can buy private insurance to cover you and your family from unexpected healthcare costs.

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Do You Need Private Health Insurance?

The free healthcare that Canadian citizens and permanent residents enjoy gives you access to basic medical services. But, not everything is covered. So, it’s important to think about:

  1. What coverage do you need if you land in any of the provinces with waiting periods (British Columbia, New Brunswick) to protect you during that time?

2. The health care needs of you and your family (for example, do any family members have health issues that have costs that aren’t covered?)

3. Do you require supplemental (or extra) private insurance to meet your health care needs (for example, do any family members have extensive health care needs?)

Your employer may offer a health care benefits package. Many immigrants to Canada are unaware that most companies offer their employees benefits. A benefits package will cover some, or all of the costs for dental, medications, and other services not covered by a government healthcare program.

Canadians in every province can purchase additional private travel medical health insurance to cover services not covered by a government health care program, or an employer’s health care benefits program.

Watch the video for an overview of the importance of travel medical health insurance for newcomers.

What Do Provincial and Territorial Healthcare Programs Cover? 

Each provincial health care program may provide slightly different coverage, so find out what is covered in the province where you live. In general, government health care programs cover things such as:

Some examples of the hospital and medical services not covered by provincial healthcare programs include:

What If You Lose Your Health Card?

If you lose your health care card, contact the provincial health ministry to replace your card as soon as possible. You may have to pay a small replacement fee.

It’s a good idea to carry your health card in your wallet at all times in case of a medical emergency. In an emergency, hospitals will treat you without seeing your card first but, you will have to show your card later if you want the province to cover your hospital bills.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Health Card to Access free Healthcare?

To apply for a provincial health card, you’ll require identification to prove your Canadian citizenship or eligible immigration status. So, you’ll need your:

It’s best to confirm what documents you’ll need with the provincial or territorial health care program where you plan to live.

Finding a Family Doctor

Most Canadians have a family doctor or “GP” (general practitioner), so once you have coverage, you will want to find a GP. Your GP will be your first contact with the healthcare system. With the current shortage of healthcare professionals, it can take some time to find a family doctor.

To find a family doctor:

Doctors generally control or direct their patients’ access to most healthcare specialists, as well as to hospital beds.

Your family doctor will:

If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. For non-emergencies, you can schedule an appointment with your family doctor to get treatment or a referral to a health care specialist.

What to Know About Travelling with Prescription Medication

You can bring a 90-day supply of any prescription medication that you currently take to continue your treatment. However, you must:

  1. Carry the medication in the original hospital or pharmacy packaging

2. Have the original label on the packaging to show what the health product is and what it contains

3. Have a valid expiration date (for example: within 90 days of your arrival).

When you know how to access health care, you and your family can rest easy knowing that you are protected both medically and financially when you arrive in Canada.

Accessing Free Healthcare in Provinces and Territories in Canada

Click on the province or territory where you plan to live to learn how to apply for a government health card and access free health care.

Provinces:

Alberta: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

British Columbia: Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Manitoba: Health, Seniors and Active Living

New Brunswick: New Brunswick Medicare

Newfoundland and Labrador: Medical Care Plan (MCP)

Nova Scotia: Medical Services Insurance (MSI)

Ontario: Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP)

Prince Edward Island: Health PEI

Quebec: Québec Health Insurance Plan

Saskatchewan: eHealth Saskatchewan

Territories:

Northwest Territories: Health and Social Services

Nunavut: Nunavut Health Care Plan

Yukon: Yukon Health Insurance Plan

For helpful information about living and working in Canada, check out our free webinars and settle in Canada with ease!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to apply for government health coverage? How long does it take to get a health card?

When you land you will receive an envelope containing the forms you need to fill out for your Permanent Resident (PR) Card – i.e. the Permanent Resident card as well as your Health coverage card. Health services are provided by the provinces and territories, and each has different rules to access services.

In British Columbia your health care coverage does not start for 180 days so do get health insurance for you and your family as it can be expensive paying for services privately. If you are landing in another Province than those we spoke of, you can expect

I am confused about the healthcare system, having just come here a few months ago. Can you explain the system to me?

As a newcomer, it may take from six to 12 weeks to get medical coverage in several provinces, so private coverage is critical during this period.

Most Canadians have a family doctor or “GP” (general practitioner), so once you have coverage, you will want to get a GP.  Your GP (or primary care physician), will be your first contact with the formal healthcare system. Here are some tips on finding a GP.

Ask a friend or family member if their doctor is accepting new patients.

Check with the province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. They will have a list of doctors accepting patients.

Doctors generally control or direct their patients’ access to most healthcare specialists, as well as to hospital beds. It is also your doctor who decides which diagnostic tests you will need and generally makes the appointments for these tests. Your doctor will also prescribe any necessary medications, which you will then pick up at a pharmacy of your choice.

In other words, with the exception of a medical emergency — in which case you head for the emergency room at your nearest hospital — you will need to visit your primary care physician to obtain treatment or a referral for treatment for any kind of illness or medical problem.

I’m unclear on what is free in Canada’s health care system and what isn’t. Can you explain what the different costs are?

Under Canada’s health care system, all medically necessary hospital stays, including those needed for treatment of an illness or surgical and maternity services (such as childbirth, prenatal, post-natal, and newborn care, and treatment of complications surrounding a pregnancy) are covered, as are the prescription drugs while in hospital.

You will also not be asked to pay the clinic, hospital, or physician directly, and there are no deductibles or fees levied on any specific insured service. However, there are some services that are only partially covered, depending on the province, and therefore require a fee for service from the patient. And there are some “uninsured” services, meaning they are not covered at all.

Some examples of services not covered by any plan in Canada include:

With the exception of the Yukon Territory, ambulance service in Canada is generally not fully covered by the health insurance plans of any province or territory. The only exceptions are when it is necessary to transfer a patient from one hospital to another. Some provinces have capped the costs of an ambulance ride, but in other provinces, ambulance service can be very expensive.

Certain groups of the population, however, such as people over the age of 65, children, and those on social assistance, may be able to obtain these extended health services through a Pharmacare program provided by their province.

Canadians in every province, however, can purchase private extended health insurance to cover some of these uninsured health services not included in the national health care plan. Some employers also provide extended healthcare benefits to their employees to cover some of these costs.

Learn more about Canada’s Health Care System:

Can I bring my prescription medicines to Canada?

Medication bottle with a prescription label on it along with several capsules beside the bottle.
Keep prescription medicines in the original container with a label that indicates the name of the drug.

This is a common and important question. The short answer is yes, you can bring prescription medicine to Canada. This will allow you to continue the medical treatment that you are currently following. But, be sure to follow guidelines defined by Health Canada related to prescription medicines.

You can bring medication that is prescribed to you or anyone that you’re responsible for who is coming to Canada with you.

 You can bring:

Once in Canada, you will need to visit a Canadian doctor to refill or get a new prescription. You cannot use a foreign prescription in Canada. You cannot import prescription medicine by mail or courier.

 If you’re travelling to Canada, be sure to download our essential checklists and remember to bring your important medical documents.

Tips:

Pack your medications (prescriptions and essential over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in your carry-on baggage to avoid theft or loss. This includes any medical equipment such as syringes, needles, inhalers, etc.

Keep prescription medicines in the original container with a label that indicates what the drug is. Do not put medications in unmarked containers.

Be prepared to answer questions about your medications at the airport and border crossings. You do not require information from your doctor about your medical condition, but it may be helpful.

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A family of four taking a selfie on their bikes and wearing helmets. The Alberta health card covers basic medical services you may need in case of medical emergencies.
Your Alberta Health card covers many medical services for you and your family.

Your Alberta health card is a government-funded service that will cover many basic costs related to your medical needs. Canada has a great health care system that strives to provide free, universal health care for all its residents. Your Alberta health card will cover many medical costs for you in Alberta, as well as the rest of Canada. In this guide, we will take a look at how you can apply for your Alberta health card.

Health Care in Alberta

Alberta is known throughout Canada for its breathtaking scenery and low taxes. It also has a great health care system in place. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides Albertan residents access to free medical services. AHCIP covers the cost of a lot of medical services that you would have had to pay for otherwise. Generally speaking, any medical service that is considered necessary is covered by AHCIP.

What Will Your Alberta Health Card Cover For You?

Your Alberta health card will cover a lot of basic health care services. From annual eye examinations to ambulance transportation costs, your Alberta health card has got you covered. Below are some of the services that AHCIP covers:

Some services are only partially covered by your health card. These services include:

To access a bigger list of what is and isn’t covered by AHCIP, click here.

While you’re waiting to become eligible for the Alberta health insurance program, you may want to purchase travel medical health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

Watch the video to learn why travel medical health insurance is important.

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Applying for Your Alberta Health Card

Applying to AHCIP involves a few simple steps. The government has made it easy to apply for an Alberta health card for all its residents. As long as you follow each step, you will have your Alberta health card in no time.

Documents You Will Need to Apply for Your Health Card

You will need certain documents when you apply. These documents will prove that you are who you say you are. They will also prove that you are eligible for AHCIP.

When you apply for your Alberta health card, you will have to provide documents that prove:

  1. You live in Alberta
  2. Your identity
  3. You are legally living in Canada. This can include citizenship and permanent residency. 

Alberta Residency Documents

Proof of residency can be anything that proves you live in Alberta. To prove you live in Alberta, you can provide any of the following documents:

Identity Documents

Any documents with your name and signature will count as proof of identity. However, to be safe, check the health ministry website to confirm acceptable documents. Some examples of proof of identity include:

Legal Residency in Canada

It is important not to confuse this requirement with proof of residency. This document requires you to prove you legally live in Canada. On the other hand, proof of residency requires you to prove you live in Alberta. Documents that prove your legal entitlement to be in Canada include:

Without a document from each of these categories, you will not be able to file your application for AHCIP. Because of this, it is important to bring all the documents you need to apply for an Alberta health card. Click here to access the full list of documents that are accepted.

Completing Your Application Form

You will also need to fill out an application form to apply for an Alberta health card. The application form is accessible online. You can access the application form by clicking here. If you need help completing your application form, many settlement agencies can help you to complete them.

How to Apply After You Have All Your Documents

After obtaining your three documents for proof and filling out the application form, you are ready to apply. In Alberta, you have the option to apply in person or by mail. In both cases, the application process is very similar.

To apply in person, you can visit a participating Alberta registry office. To file your application, you must bring your three original documents and the completed application form. Photocopies will not be accepted when you apply in person. To find the nearest participating Alberta registry office near you, click here.

Applying by mail is slightly different than applying in person. You will still need your application form and your three documents. However, you are not required to send in the original version of your documents. Therefore, you will have to get photocopies of your three original documents to mail to the AHCIP office. 

Keep in mind that it might take longer to process your application if you send it in by mail. If you can, it is better to apply in person. That way, there is less room for error and you can start using AHCIP right away.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Young mother with her daughter talking to a medical doctor about health care.
Your Ontario Health Card covers many medical services for you and your family.

If you have recently arrived in Ontario, an important first step is to apply for your Ontario Health Card. Canada is known throughout the world for its easy-to-access universal health care. Free health care is a source of pride for Canadians. Since health care is a provincial responsibility, each province has a slightly different approach to providing free, universal health care for its residents. In this article, we look at Ontario’s health care system and the Ontario health card application process.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides free basic health care services to Ontario residents. To access free health care in Ontario, you must apply for an OHIP health card. OHIP will cover appointments with your family doctor, visits to walk-in clinics, and regular eye check-ups, to name some of the services.

OHIP Health Card Application Process

Before you submit your Ontario health card application, make sure that you meet the three basic eligibility requirements AND at least one of the additional requirements.

To meet basic requirements, you must:

  1. Be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month time frame.
  2. Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after you begin living in Ontario.
  3. Make Ontario your primary province of residence. This means that your main home must be in Ontario.

Additional requirements:

You must also meet at least one of these additional requirements. For example, you are:

If you meet all the requirements you are eligible to apply for OHIP. Now comes the question, how exactly do you apply for OHIP to get your Ontario health card? Let’s go through the Ontario health card application process, starting with what you need to apply.

When Can You Apply for OHIP?

You can apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive in Ontario. If you are eligible, you can get immediate health insurance coverage.

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What Do You Need for Your Ontario Health Card Application?

To apply for an Ontario health card, you will need to visit the nearest ServiceOntario location. You will be asked to present all required documents so make sure you are prepared for that. The three documents that you will have to bring along with you are as follows.

What Three Documents Do You Need?

  1. You must present a document that proves that you are a Canadian citizen. Documents like a Canadian passport or a birth certificate will be accepted. If you are not a Canadian citizen yet, you will need to prove your immigrant status. For that, you can present your Permanent Resident (PR) card or your IMM 1000 Record of Landing.
  1. Another document you will need for the Ontario health card application process is proof of residency. For that, you can present anything that proves you live in Ontario such as a utility bill or your Ontario driver’s license.
  1. The third and final document you need to apply is proof of identity. Like proof of residency, you can bring any document as long as it clearly shows your name and signature.

Note: All documents that you bring with you must be original documents. Service Ontario Centers usually don’t accept photocopies. To be safe, click here to find what documents will be accepted as your three proofs.

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What is the Ontario Health Card Application Process After Getting Your Three Documents?

Once you have your three documents, what is the next step? You have to apply for OHIP in person. As of 2022, there is no way to apply for your Ontario health card online. To apply for OHIP, you will have to visit a ServiceOntario Center. Almost every municipality in Ontario has a ServiceOntario. Click here to find the nearest ServiceOntario location.

At a ServiceOntario center, you will have to fill out some forms before you can submit your health card application. After that is out of the way, you will meet with a ServiceOntario employee and present your three documents along with any forms. The employee will go through your documents and take a photo of you to go on your health card.

Once you have cleared everything, you will get a receipt that tells you when your OHIP coverage begins. Since Ontario has a waiting time on health cards, your coverage won’t begin right away. Once your OHIP coverage begins, your Ontario health card will be mailed out to you. It’s as simple as that!

A young girl laying in a hospital bed with her father and a nurse at her side. Apply for your Ontario health card to ensure your hospital visits are covered.
OHIP covers hospital visits and stays

What Does OHIP Cover?

The biggest question newcomers have about Ontario’s health card is what exactly can you use it for? OHIP covers a wide range of medical services but not everything is included. In this section, you will get a clearer sense of what your Ontario health card will cover.

Getting A Family Doctor

It is a common practice to get a family doctor in Ontario. OHIP will cover all expenses that come with a visit to a family doctor. A family doctor is the first person you make an appointment with when you have a health concern that isn’t an emergency. To search for a family doctor, click here.

Hospital Visits and Stays

If you need to stay at the hospital, OHIP covers doctor and nursing services, medical tests, medications while you’re in the hospital, accommodation, and meals. However, if you want a private or semi-private room, you pay some or all of the fees or through private travel medical health insurance.

Watch the video for an overview of the importance of travel medical health insurance.

Dental Surgery

OHIP covers dental surgeries that take place in a hospital. Dental surgeries can be complicated and often cannot be performed at your dentist’s office. If you have to go to the hospital for dental surgery, OHIP has got you covered.

Visiting an Optometrist

OHIP also covers annual eye check-ups for residents aged either 19 years and younger or 65 years and older. If you are between 20 and 64, you will only get OHIP coverage if you have a medical condition affecting your eyes. You will also get OHIP coverage if your family doctor refers you for an eye check-up.

Northern Health Travel Grant

If you live in Northern Ontario, OHIP might cover travel costs to a health facility. Since the northern areas of Ontario are farther from medical services, the government helps residents pay for healthcare-related transportation. If you live near the following areas, you might get OHIP coverage for transportation: 

These are just some of the basic services that OHIP covers. To get a more in-depth understanding of what your Ontario health card will cover for you, click here.

Other Facts About Your Ontario Health Card

As a newcomer, it is natural to have questions about OHIP and health cards. Let’s look into some common questions newcomers have about their Ontario health cards.

Will OHIP Cover Me When I Am Outside Ontario?

The short answer is yes, OHIP will cover you outside of Ontario. The level of coverage depends on where you are though. If you travel to another province in Canada, you will get almost the same coverage you would get in Ontario. Quebec is a little different so you might have to pay some extra fees even with OHIP.

Will OHIP Cover Me When I Am Outside Canada?

If you are travelling outside of Canada, OHIP doesn’t become completely useless. You might still get some coverage from OHIP, especially if you travel to the United States. However, the coverage will be minimum and you will have to pay mostly by yourself. In this case, it’s wise to purchase private travel insurance. With a Canada travel health insurance plan, you avoid situations that could result in significant medical expenses if an illness or accident occurs.

What If I Lose My Ontario Health Card?

If you lose your Ontario health card, the first thing to do is call ServiceOntario to report it lost. By doing this, your lost card will immediately be disabled and you will be sent a new card right away. However, If there are any information changes on your card, such as address change, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario center.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

A female patient passing her health card to a female receptionist in a medical office.
Show your Saskatchewan health card each time you receive medical services

If you are moving to Saskatchewan, you must register for a health card to receive health benefits. It’s vital that you apply for your Saskatchewan health card soon after you arrive because you may have a waiting period of up to three months before you receive coverage. As well, you can only apply for a health card after you arrive in Canada. Learn more about the Saskatchewan health plan, who is eligible, and how to obtain your health care card. This is vital information for newcomers so you know how to benefit from Saskatchewan’s healthcare system and ensure your health and wellness.

Usually, your health coverage begins on, or before, the first day of the third month after you arrive in Saskatchewan. For example, if you arrive on September 27th, your coverage would begin on December 1. However, You may be eligible for benefits on your first day of arriving in the province if you belong to any of these special classes of newcomers:  

To find out if you can skip the waiting period, it’s best to contact eHealth Saskatchewan or call toll-free: 1-800-667-7551.

About Health Care in Canada

Access to one of the greatest health care systems in the world is a privilege that Canadians are proud of. Canada’s universal health care system is funded by tax dollars and Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for public health insurance. Because health care is the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada, each province may have slightly different plans. So, it’s important to understand what the health plan covers in the province that you move to.  Here’s what you need to know about health care in Saskatchewan and how to apply for a health card. 

Is Health Care Free in Saskatchewan? 

Many, (but not all) health care services are free if you have a Saskatchewan health card. For example, with your health card, any necessary medical services provided by a doctor are free (this includes both inpatient and outpatient services). Other services are covered in part, and some services are not covered.

Services that are fully covered include: 

However, not all health care services are free. Some services are only covered for a part of the cost and you are responsible to pay the rest of the cost.

Services that are covered in part include:

Services that are not covered include:

But, many employers provide additional health insurance to their full-time employees to help cover some of the costs that the public health care plan doesn’t cover. So, be sure to find out if your employer offers health insurance, what the plan covers, and how much they cover.

Or, if your employer does not provide health insurance, you can purchase private health insurance to pay for health expenses for you and your family. 

What Do You Need to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?

To apply for a health card, you’ll need supporting documents for you and each family member under the age of 18:

1 Proof that you can legally live in Canada:

For Permanent Residents, proof can include a document such as:

For Foreign Nationals proof can include a:

2 Proof that you reside in Saskatchewan such as a: 

Also, if you need help to complete your health card application, many settlement agencies can help you with this, along with many other free services.

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How Do I Get My Saskatchewan Health Card?

Your Saskatchewan health card is vital to ensure you receive the medical care you and your family need. So to apply for a health card, follow these three simple steps:

1 Find out if you are eligible to apply

2 Ensure you have the supporting documents (proof that you can live in Canada and proof of residency as listed above)

3 Start your online application. (Register for an account as a New User to complete your application).

Or you can print this Health Card Application Form, complete it, and send it with the required documents to:

eHealth Saskatchewan

2130 11th Avenue

Regina, SK

S4P OJ5

International students may be eligible for a Saskatchewan health card.
International students may be eligible for a Saskatchewan health card

Health Insurance for International Students

If you are an international student, you may be eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage. You will have to show proof of full-time enrolment at an accredited school and a valid Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

When Can I Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?

You can only apply for your health card when you arrive in Saskatchewan. And, be sure to apply for it as soon as you arrive because you may have up to a three-month waiting period.

To qualify, you must be a resident of Saskatchewan and reside in the province for at least six months per year. Your health coverage will begin when your application is approved.

While you are waiting for access to public health care, you may want to purchase private travel medical health insurance to cover any health care costs or emergencies.

Watch the video for an overview of the importance of travel medical health insurance.

Can I Use My Saskatchewan Health Card in Other Provinces?

Yes, if you are travelling within Canada and need medical services but, you need to show your Saskatchewan health card. So, be sure to carry your health card with you at all times. Provinces (except Quebec) and territories have an agreement to cover the cost of necessary medical services. The province of Saskatchewan will reimburse the host province for any costs.

However, some services are not covered such as hospital transfer, ambulance, and return transportation to Saskatchewan. If you have private insurance, your insurance company may pay for these additional services. But, check with your insurance provider to find out what they will cover.

Travelling Outside of Canada

Medical services may be much higher outside of Canada. And, you are responsible to pay the amount above what the Saskatchewan health plan covers. When travelling outside of Canada, it’s best to buy additional travel insurance.

Helpful Links for Saskatchewan Health Care: 

Physician, Surgeons or Specialists: Find a physician who is taking new patients in Regina, SK. 

Immunization Services: Learn about programs and when to get immunized.  

Primary Health Care: Get help to find a family physician in Saskatchewan and support to navigate the health system.

Emergency Medical Services: Find ambulance, emergency 911, hospitals, and poison control services.  

Notification of Updated Immigration Document: Complete this form if you have an updated document such as a work permit, study permit, visitor record, or permanent resident card.

One of the greatest benefits for newcomers is access to world-class and publicly-funded healthcare. This information will ensure that you know how to apply for a Saskatchewan health card so you and your family can ensure your good health.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

exercise and mental health

 

Exercise and mental health are important to manage after after arriving in Canada. Overall, Canadians greatly value physical well-being. So each city provides health and fitness clubs and sport-based community centres. We’ll look at some options for you to maintain both your physical and mental health.

Some of the private, brand-name clubs may have high membership fees. However, they may also provide a pool, private training, saunas, tanning booths and a more private environment. So it this is important to you, you may want to consider if it fits your budget.

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