{"id":58123,"date":"2025-01-24T16:23:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T21:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/understanding-the-healthcare-system-in-canada-a-guide-for-newcomers\/"},"modified":"2025-01-24T16:23:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T21:23:08","slug":"healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Healthcare System in Canada:  A Guide for Newcomers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-single-article-header\">\n\t<section class=\"section-grey cover pad-t-hlf\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-inner w-half w-mob-full centered-margin cover section-grey pad-tb-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inline-block pill-container pill-taxonomies\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mar-b-hlf mob-mar-b snipe pill is-style-blue-pill\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"primary-taxonomy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/new-to-canada\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>New to Canada<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"mar-b-hlf mar-t-0 mob-pad-lr-hlf h2 has-black-color\">Understanding the Healthcare System in Canada:  A Guide for Newcomers<\/h1><p class=\"mar-b-0 mob-pad-lr-hlf author-text\">By Royal Bank of Canada<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"featured-image-wrapper pos-rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"930\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/Untitled-design-2023-07-12T154256.229.jpg?quality=80\" class=\" cover-image  wp-post-image\" alt=\"A healthcare provider in blue scrubs with statoscope around her neck showing a young woman something on her tablet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/Untitled-design-2023-07-12T154256.229.jpg 930w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/Untitled-design-2023-07-12T154256.229.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/09\/Untitled-design-2023-07-12T154256.229.jpg?resize=768,512 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t<div class=\"article mar-t-dbl\">\n\t\t\t\t<section>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"section-inner socials-section\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"top-socials-bar mob-mar-b-hlf\">    <div class=\"social-links mob-mar-b-hlf mob-mar-t-hlf\">\n            <a class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-custom sharing-email\" href=\"mailto:?subject=Understanding the Healthcare System in Canada:  A Guide for Newcomers &#038;body=Hi, I thought you might be interested in this article from RBC My Money Matters: https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers\/\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-email.svg\"\n          alt=\"envelope icon\">\n        <span>\n          Email        <\/span>\n      <\/a>\n      <div class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-copy-wrapper\">\n        <button class=\"sharing-custom sharing-copy\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-related.svg\"\n            alt=\"copy icon\">\n          <span id=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n            Copy URL          <\/span>\n        <\/button>\n        <input type=\"text\" class=\"sharing-copy-text\" aria-labelledby=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"section-inner w-half w-mob-full centered-margin pad-tb-0 mob-mar-t-hlf mob-mar-b\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cover-pub-line text-xs mar-b-hlf\">Published January 24, 2025 \u2022 12 Min Read<\/p>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner w-half w-mob-full\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>One of the many reasons newcomers choose Canada as their new home is access to a publicly-funded universal healthcare system. In each Canadian province, the provincial government administers health services through a provincial health plan, paid for by taxes. This enables eligible individuals to receive basic health and medical assistance for free or a fraction of the cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr  mar-b-hlf\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tldr\">TLDR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Each province and territory has its own healthcare system with specific eligibility requirements and coverage details. Familiarize yourself with the healthcare plan in your area to ensure you receive the appropriate services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Apply for your provincial health card as soon as possible. Some provinces have a waiting period before coverage begins: if this is the case in your province of residents, consider purchasing private insurance to cover the interim period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Provincial health plans provide essential medical services, but typically exclude prescriptions, dental care, and vision services. Check with your employer for any additional extended health benefits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Register with a family doctor who will be your primary care provider, and who will refer you to any specialists should your health require it. You may need to get on a wait list, but can still access emergency care in the meantime.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare in Canada is administered at the provincial level, and each province operates differently. There are 13 distinct provincial and territorial health insurance plans. For instance, some provinces have a waiting period of up to 3 months after landing to be eligible for the provincial health plan, while in other provinces, newcomers are eligible for coverage right away. All provinces and territories provide coverage to Permanent Residents, however coverage for Temporary residents including Study Permit holders and Work Permit holders may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare costs in Canada may be expensive in comparison to your home country. So, if you\u2019re moving to a province that has a waiting period for provincial health insurance, it is recommended to\u00a0purchase private <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/travel-insurance\/visitors-to-canada-insurance\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-7dd5444e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"health insurance\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">health insurance<\/a>\u00a0for the first few months.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a list of the four essential healthcare action items you should familiarize yourself with as a newcomer in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Apply for a provincial health insurance card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, to get access to medical services, you need a health insurance card. Each province or territory issues these cards to its residents. As a newcomer, you have to submit an application to the provincial government to get the card.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: If you\u2019re in Ontario, you should visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ef96c12a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Service Ontario\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Service Ontario<\/a>\u00a0to submit an application, while if you\u2019re in Alberta, you should visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/ahcip\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-50759996\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Service Alberta\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Service Alberta<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The websites will have addresses to physical locations and also mention the documents required for your application. You can simply walk in at the location that\u2019s closest to you and apply for your health card. All applications need to be submitted in person. The documents required as part of your application may vary by province but largely, all provinces require proof of residency, government-issued ID, and documents proving immigration status.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your application is verified, the health card is mailed to your residence. You will need to show this card whenever you visit a hospital or a doctor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-grey-background-color has-background\"><strong>Note:&nbsp;<\/strong>If you are residing in a province that has a waiting period to get public insurance, your timeline for eligibility is counted from the day you land in the province and not from the day you apply. For example, if you are in Vancouver and you landed on March 1, 2025, but submitted an application for your health insurance card on May 25, 2025, you would become eligible within approximately 5 days. And if you submit an application in June, beyond the three month waiting period, you will be covered immediately from the time you submit an application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Understand the health coverage provided<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, provincial insurance covers basic medical services. These include doctor\u2019s consultations (both family doctors as well as specialists), emergency or necessary surgeries, and immunizations. Items such as prescription medicines, dental care, physiotherapy, ambulance services, prescription eyeglasses may not be covered by the provincial health plan, and you may have to pay out-of-pocket for these if you don\u2019t have any other private insurance plan. Be sure to check what is and isn\u2019t included in the provincial health care plan for the province you are living in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many employers offer some form of extended health insurance benefits to their employees to cover scenarios or situations that provincial insurance does not. So, it\u2019s a good idea to check with your employer about these benefits and be well-informed about your options before signing a job offer letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patients who require medical care but are not covered by the provincial health care plan may be asked to pay for care out of pocket. Depending on your immigration status, the government of Canada may provide\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/new-immigrants\/new-life-canada\/health-care-card.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-34a8c47a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"free emergency medical services\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">free emergency medical services<\/a>, even if you don\u2019t have a provincial health card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Find a family doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most Canadians have a family doctor as a primary point of contact whenever they need medical care or advice. A family doctor provides you and your family with basic care, and will also be the one to provide a referral if you need to see a specialist.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can find a family doctor in Canada by:\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Asking a friend, colleague, relative or acquaintance\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Contacting an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cic.gc.ca\/english\/newcomers\/map\/services.asp\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-6c2f0e5f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"immigrant-serving organization\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">immigrant-serving organization<\/a>\u00a0(they may be able to recommend a doctor who speaks your home language)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Contacting a community health centre in your area<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Checking the provincial websites for finding a family doctor<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/luminohealth.sunlife.ca\/s\/?language=en_US&amp;WT.mc_id=en-ca:web:slf_campaign:rbcarrive:luminohealthbadge\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-242cc6eb\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Lumino Health\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Lumino Health<\/a>\u00a0to find a family doctor, dentist, optometrist, or another health-care provider near you<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each province has a dedicated website or webpage and a unique process to find a family doctor. For those in Ontario, the \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-1685a91d\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Find a doctor\u2019\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Find a doctor\u2019<\/a> page is your starting point, while for those in British Columbia, you will need to start the process by visiting the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bccfp.bc.ca\/for-the-public\/find-a-family-doctor\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-f6b61243\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"B.C. College of Family Physicians\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">B.C. College of Family Physicians<\/a>\u00a0website.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some provinces in Canada currently have a shortage of family doctors and it may be difficult to find a doctor accepting new patients right away. You may need to get on a waiting list for one or several doctors, and in some cases, the waiting period can take several months. During this time, if you need to visit a doctor, you can go to a walk-in medical clinic. At walk-in clinics, you can usually see a doctor without an appointment: you will register upon arrival and be seen by the first doctor with an available appointment time. If the clinic is busy you may have to wait.&nbsp;If you have an emergency, it is recommended to visit the nearest hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need the help of a translator to speak with your doctor, you may bring a family member or friend or someone else you trust to your doctor\u2019s appointment to facilitate communication to help you get the care you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to look up the location of the closest walk-in clinics and hospitals, and to have this information on hand in case of emergency. In Canada, in case of emergency, call 9-1-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free medical services:\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All residents in Canada can get access to free health advice by phone or by visiting a free clinic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every province and territory offers free health advice or information via phone. Registered nurses operate the phone lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In provinces and territories, you can dial 811 to be connected with a health-care professional. Each province or territory calls it a different name: Manitoba has\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wrha.mb.ca\/healthinfo\/healthlinks\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-977df15a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Health Links\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Health Links<\/a>, and in Ontario, this system is known as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/get-medical-advice-telehealth-ontario\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-c311f277\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"TeleHealth\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">TeleHealth<\/a>. The purpose of these health lines is not to diagnose illness or hand out prescriptions but instead help individuals decide if they can handle the problem themselves or if they should seek medical advice from a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find yourself in need of care, without insurance, and a health line suggests seeing a doctor, you can seek out community health centres (CHC) located across the country. While most CHCs accept provincial insurance, they are also an option for those who need it and are waiting for provincial coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an emergency health situation and need urgent medical help, you can go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital or call 911. All calls made to 911 are free. If you have a medical condition (allergies to medication, diabetes, high blood pressure\u2026) that emergency medical services may need to know about, consider using medical necklace or bracelet.&nbsp;Speak to your doctor if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Learn more: Healthcare in Canada by province<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019re familiar with the basic overview of how healthcare in Canada works, let\u2019s look at each province and territory to understand their healthcare plans in detail. All provincial insurance plans have the same basic standards of healthcare and share common features. However, there are some subtle differences that may be important to note regarding how long it takes for health coverage to take effect and what exactly is covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alberta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/ahcip.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-3d53a8a3\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>Coverage begins from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/ahcip-moving-to-alberta.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-808c1b01\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"date residency is established\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">date residency is established<\/a>\u00a0(typically, the date of arrival).\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes full coverage for medically necessary physician services, some dental and oral surgical health services, and hospital visits and stays. Partial coverage for podiatry and optometry services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/assets\/healthinfo\/link\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-5a56ed71\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Health Link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Health Link<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">British Columbia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/health\/health-drug-coverage\/msp\/bc-residents\/eligibility-and-enrolment\/how-to-enrol\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-9fb5430f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Medical Services Plan (MSP)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Medical Services Plan (MSP)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>Coverage may start\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/health\/health-drug-coverage\/msp\/bc-residents\/eligibility-and-enrolment\/how-to-enrol\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-f1887046\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"three months after your arrival date\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">three months after your arrival date<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes services by physicians and midwives, dental and oral surgery performed in a hospital, necessary eye exams, x-rays, and some orthodontic services. Other services that may be covered include supplementary benefits such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthlinkbc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-538bbc45\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"HealthLinkBC\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">HealthLinkBC<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manitoba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.mb.ca\/health\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-e1671ffe\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Manitoba Health and Seniors Care\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Manitoba Health and Seniors Care<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>Coverage begins on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.mb.ca\/health\/mhsip\/#Q1\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ef616695\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"first day of the third month\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">first day of the third month<\/a>\u00a0after arrival.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:&nbsp;<\/strong>Includes physicians\u2019 services, surgeries, and x-ray and laboratory services when ordered by a physician.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 204-788-8200 \/ 1-888-315-9257 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/misericordia.mb.ca\/programs\/phcc\/health-links-info-sante\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ab1452a3\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Health Links \u2013 Info Sant\u00e9\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Health Links \u2013 Info Sant\u00e9<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Brunswick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gnb.ca\/content\/gnb\/en\/departments\/health\/DrugPlans\/content\/medicare\/Eligibility.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ace164ae\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"New Brunswick Medicare and Drug Plans\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">New Brunswick Medicare and Drug Plans<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>Once a completed application form is received and eligibility is established,\u00a0a letter indicating the actual start date\u00a0of the New Brunswick Medicare coverage is issued and followed by a New Brunswick Medicare card.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:&nbsp;<\/strong>Includes physician\u2019s services, certain specified surgical dental procedures, and most hospital services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Newfoundland and Labrador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.nl.ca\/hcs\/mcp\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-860f8f8e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Medical Care Plan (MCP)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Medical Care Plan (MCP)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Coverage begins from the\u00a0date of arrival.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes physician\u2019s services, hospital visits, surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pre- and post-operative care, complete maternity care, radiology interpretive services, and certain surgical-dental procedures.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.811healthline.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-7cc63eba\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"811 HealthLine\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">811 HealthLine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Northwest Territories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Territorial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hss.gov.nt.ca\/en\/services\/nwt-health-care-plan\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-cd4c55fa\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"NWT Health Care Plan\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">NWT Health Care Plan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>When your application has been approved, you will receive a NWT Health Care Card in the mail. Considering processing and mailing time, it\u00a0takes about six weeks\u00a0from the time of application for your health care card to reach you.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes basic hospital and medical treatment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nthssa.ca\/en\/services\/telehealth\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-47870e44\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Tele-Care NWT\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Tele-Care NWT<\/a>\u00a0at 90 sites across the territory.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nova Scotia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/DHW\/msi\/health_cards.asp\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ebc27f51\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Medical Services Insurance (MSI) Program\u00a0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Medical Services Insurance (MSI) Program\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Coverage begins\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/DHW\/msi\/moving_travel.asp#2\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-d9ece080\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"from the date of arrival\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">from the date of arrival<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes physician\u2019s services, hospital services, medical, dental, prostheses, and some optometry services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/811.novascotia.ca\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ce0c3162\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"811.Novascotia.Ca\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">811.Novascotia.Ca<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nunavut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Territorial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.nu.ca\/en\/health\/about-nunavut-health-care-plan\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-09ec92fd\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Nunavut Health Care Plan\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Nunavut Health Care Plan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Health coverage may become effective on the\u00a0first day of the third month, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes the cost of physician and hospital services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Services not available.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-1812aad0\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)\u00a0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Coverage begins from date of arrival.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Doctor visits, hospital visits and stays, medical or surgical abortions, eligible dental surgery and optometry, podiatry, ambulance services, and travel for health services if you live in northern Ontario.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 1-866-797-0000 \/ 1-866-797-0007 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health811.ontario.ca\/static\/guest\/home\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-31dfef63\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Telehealth Ontario\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Telehealth Ontario<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prince Edward Island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.princeedwardisland.ca\/en\/information\/health-pei\/pei-health-card\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-1fa440a6\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"PEI Health Card\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">PEI Health Card<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Coverage begins from the\u00a0date of arrival.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Includes childhood immunizations, primary care such as diagnosis, treatment, education, disease prevention, and screening, and in-patient or out-patient hospital services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.princeedwardisland.ca\/en\/information\/health-and-wellness\/811-telehealth\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-05b6640f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"811 Telehealth\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">811 Telehealth<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qu\u00e9bec<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/citizens\/health-insurance\/register\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-30bb5cce\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Qu\u00e9bec Health Insurance Plan\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Qu\u00e9bec Health Insurance Plan<\/a>\u00a0(RAMQ)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Waiting period of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/citizens\/health-insurance\/know-eligibility-conditions\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-477a7cd0\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"up to three months\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">up to three months<\/a>\u00a0from arrival date.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:&nbsp;<\/strong>Includes medical procedures, anesthetics, medical examinations, eye drops, diagnostic mammogram, urine and glycemia tests, and vasectomy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/en\/health\/finding-a-resource\/info-sante-811\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-5a9897f1\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Info-Sant\u00e9 811\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Info-Sant\u00e9 811<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saskatchewan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Provincial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ehealthsask.ca\/residents\/health-cards\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-02958e49\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Saskatchewan Health Cards\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Saskatchewan Health Cards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:<\/strong>\u00a0Health Card applications are usually processed within\u00a0six to eight weeks\u00a0after the application is received \u2014 not including mailing time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Coverage:&nbsp;<\/strong>Includes all medically necessary services provided by physicians (inpatient and outpatient services), physiotherapy or occupational therapy, screening mammography, immunization services, sexually transmitted infections (STI) treatment, HIV testing, services for treating alcohol and drug abuse problems, mental health services, problem gambling services, and some supplementary health services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saskhealthauthority.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ba33c508\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"HealthLine 8-1-1\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">HealthLine 8-1-1<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yukon\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Territorial insurance name:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/yukon.ca\/en\/health-and-wellness\/care-services\/apply-health-care-card\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-ce8b6c64\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (YHCIP)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Eligibility for permanent residents:\u00a0<\/strong>Coverage normally becomes effective\u00a0three months\u00a0after the date you establish residency in Yukon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Coverage:&nbsp;Includes hospital and medical services, and certain dental-surgical procedures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Free health advice by phone:<\/strong>\u00a0Dial 811 or access\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hss.gov.yk.ca\/811.php\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-58123-8c07b735\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"HealthLine 811\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">HealthLine 811<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you settle-in in Canada, one of the things on your checklist should be to familiarize yourself and learn more about healthcare coverage offered by the province or territory you reside in. The things you need to do to get a health card and understand the process to be followed should you need medical assistance. Being well-informed can help you make a healthy transition to Canadian life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p>This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-tk-spacer id-e37ef291-85cb-45f9-88e8-d1fdb990e0cd\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center h5 mar-b\"><strong>Share This Article<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"socials-block\">\n\t\t\t    <div class=\"social-links mob-mar-b-hlf mob-mar-t-hlf\">\n            <a class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-custom sharing-email\" href=\"mailto:?subject=Understanding the Healthcare System in Canada:  A Guide for Newcomers &#038;body=Hi, I thought you might be interested in this article from RBC My Money Matters: https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers\/\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" 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id-469446c5-6e21-4053-a896-058069c214f9\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-single-post-topics related-topics-links\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"h5 mar-r-hlf\">Topics:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/new-to-canada\/\" class=\"btn topic mar-t-0 mar-r-qtr mar-b-hlf\">New to Canada<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel mob-pad-t-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mar-b mob-mar-b-dbl mar-t-0\" id=\"h-read-this-next\">Read This Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"related-posts-type-2\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-post-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"grid-wpr eh-wpr\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class= 'grid-one-third grid-tb-full grid-mob-full mar-b'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"col-wpr mar-b-0 mar-r-0 mar-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postcard-img-ctr post-card-image col-md-12 col-xs-6 mob-mar-b-0 pad-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=1024\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The Drive Halifax\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg 3840w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/06\/Drive-Halifax-V-2.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n    <div class=\"content-type-meta\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/06\/icon-video-1.png?quality=80\" width=\"80\" height=\"76\" alt=\"icon-video\">\n      <p>4:24<\/p>\n    <\/div>\t\t<div class=\"content-type-meta\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/06\/icon-video-1.png?quality=80\" width=\"80\" height=\"76\" alt=\"icon-video\">\n\t\t\t<p>4:24<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-details mob-mar-b-0 mob-mar-t-0 pad-r-0 col-md-12 col-xs-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"primary-taxonomy primary-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/drive\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Drive\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/drive\/new-beginnings-money-banking-and-building-your-future-in-canada\/\" class=\"card-title h4 mar-t-0\">New Beginnings: Money, Banking, and Building Your Future in Canada<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class= 'grid-one-third grid-tb-full grid-mob-full mar-b'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"col-wpr mar-b-0 mar-r-0 mar-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postcard-img-ctr post-card-image col-md-12 col-xs-6 mob-mar-b-0 pad-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=1024\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"A newcomer volunteers to manage a local community event\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg 7373w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2413196147.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-details mob-mar-b-0 mob-mar-t-0 pad-r-0 col-md-12 col-xs-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"primary-taxonomy primary-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/employment-in-canada\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEmployment in Canada\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/employment-in-canada\/why-newcomer-to-canada-should-volunteer\/\" class=\"card-title h4 mar-t-0\">Why newcomers to Canada should volunteer<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class= 'grid-one-third grid-tb-full grid-mob-full mar-b'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"col-wpr mar-b-0 mar-r-0 mar-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postcard-img-ctr post-card-image col-md-12 col-xs-6 mob-mar-b-0 pad-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=1024\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Newcomer couple asking questions to a realtor\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg 7488w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?resize=300,165 300w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?resize=768,422 768w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?resize=1024,563 1024w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?resize=1536,844 1536w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Newcomer-couple-asking-questions-to-a-realtor.jpg?resize=2048,1126 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-details mob-mar-b-0 mob-mar-t-0 pad-r-0 col-md-12 col-xs-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"primary-taxonomy primary-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSettling in Canada\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/questions-newcomers-should-ask-the-landlord-or-property-manager-before-you-rent\/\" class=\"card-title h4 mar-t-0\">Questions newcomers should ask the landlord or property manager before you rent<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style class=\"advgb-styles-renderer\">\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-e37ef291-85cb-45f9-88e8-d1fdb990e0cd {\n\t\theight: 96px;\n\t}\n\n\t@media ( max-width: 480px ) {\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-e37ef291-85cb-45f9-88e8-d1fdb990e0cd {\n\t\t\theight: 30px;\n\t\t}\n\t}\t\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-469446c5-6e21-4053-a896-058069c214f9 {\n\t\theight: 60px;\n\t}\n\n\t@media ( max-width: 480px ) {\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-469446c5-6e21-4053-a896-058069c214f9 {\n\t\t\theight: 30px;\n\t\t}\n\t}\t<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada\u2019s healthcare system is managed by its provinces, and there are slight differences in eligibility requirements and coverage. Once you\u2019ve enrolled in your provincial health plan, you\u2019ll find most healthcare costs are covered by the provincial healthcare plan. Newcomers should find a family doctor (GP) to be their primary care provider.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":71524,"parent":57306,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[518],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[59],"rbc_lob_group":[154],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33],"rbc_mmm_category":[314,316,359],"class_list":["post-58123","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-new-to-canada","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_audience-newcomer","rbc_lob_group-newcomer","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_mmm_category-life-events","rbc_mmm_category-new-to-canada","rbc_mmm_category-settling-in-canada"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"360047","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_video_keywords":"","rbc_video_description":"","rbc_video_upload_date":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":null,"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about Canada\u2019s publicly-funded universal healthcare system, understand what it does and doesn\u2019t cover, and get useful resources for newcomers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/settling-in-canada\/healthcare-in-canada-basics-for-newcomers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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