Apply for your health card right away

Coverage doesn’t start by itself and there may be a wait — the sooner the better.

Where to go

Your provincial health-insurance office. The link appears once you choose your province above.

What to bring

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal status
• Proof you live in the province: a lease, bank statement, utility bill, a driver’s licence from the province even at the first level, or the provincial photo ID card if you have no licence
• Your province sets the final list

What to do, step by step

1. Choose your province above and open the registration link.
2. Prepare documents for each family member.
3. Apply and ask when coverage starts.
4. If you are given a receipt or temporary document, keep it until the card arrives. Not every province gives one; ask the clerk how you can show that you applied.

Note: in some provinces you may wait up to 3 months; others have no wait. Not all temporary permits qualify, and dental care and most prescriptions aren’t covered.