A major benefit of living in Canada is access to the country’s generally well-regarded health care system.

Yet one of the challenges for newcomers relocating to Canada is finding your way through the health care bureaucracy.

To get you started, here’s our guide to the top three things you need to know about the Canadian health care system:

1. What does universal health care mean in Canada?

Canada’s universal health care system provides health insurance for all Canadian citizens and permanent residents, regardless of whether you’re working or whether you can afford to pay.

In most cases, you will also receive health coverage if you’re living in Canada with a work or study permit.

2. What is Canadian Medicare?

Medicare is Canada’s national health insurance system.

Unlike the U.S. system of the same name, Canadian Medicare is a publicly funded program that provides health insurance for all Canadians.

One of the most important things that a newcomer to Canada needs to do is arrange for Medicare coverage.

If you’re coming to Canada with a job, your employer will normally arrange for your health coverage, and your health care premiums will be deducted from your salary. If you’re self-employed or not yet working, you need to apply and pay for your health insurance through your provincial health agency.

However, in many provinces, newcomers must wait up to three months before their health coverage becomes effective. It’s important that you confirm whether your existing health insurance will cover you and your family in Canada.

3. How do I apply for health insurance in Canada?

Canada’s national health system is actually made up of 13 related health care programs – one in each province and territory.

So when you move to Canada, you need to apply for health coverage — and understand the health care options — in the province where you’ll be living.

To find out how to apply, check the website for the health insurance programs in your province or territory:

• Health Insurance British Columbia
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
• Saskatchewan Health
• Manitoba Health
• Ontario Health Insurance Plan
• Regie de l’Assurance Maladie du Quebec
• Nova Scotia Health
• Prince Edward Island Department of Health and Wellness
• Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan
• New Brunswick Health
• Yukon Health and Social Services
• Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services
• Nunavut Health and Social Services

Want to learn more?

Contact Health Canada.

Muchmor Magazine has also posted a useful overview of the Canadian health care system: The beginners’ guide to health care in Canada.

Photo ©Carolyn B. Heller