Each province and territory decides who is an eligible resident. Generally, all eligible residents can apply. To get and keep coverage, you must: Register with your province or territory Renew your coverage as required Reside in the province or territory for a certain number of days each year (set by the province or territory) You may temporarily leave for school, work, or other reasons, but you must inform your health plan if you are away for extended periods.

How to Renew Your Health Card: Rules Vary by Province

What is a health card?

A health card gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents access to health care services. Each province and territory manages its own health insurance plan and issues health cards to residents. The card proves you are registered in your provincial or territorial health plan. The federal government provides funding through the Canada Health Transfer, but provinces and territories administer the plans.

Who is eligible?

Each province and territory decides who is an eligible resident. Generally, all eligible residents can apply. To get and keep coverage, you must:

Register with your province or territory
Renew your coverage as required
Reside in the province or territory for a certain number of days each year (set by the province or territory)

You may temporarily leave for school, work, or other reasons, but you must inform your health plan if you are away for extended periods.

What if your card expires or is lost?

If your card expires, is lost, or you change your address, contact your provincial or territorial government to apply for a new card. The federal website lists contact links for each province and territory.

Moving to another province or territory

If you move, you must:

Notify your current health plan
Register with the new province or territory's plan

Your old coverage continues for 3 months. Once you register in the new province, coverage begins after that period.

Traveling outside your province or Canada

Within Canada: Emergency hospital and physician services are covered for short trips. Non-emergency services, prescription drugs, and ambulance services may not be covered. Consider private insurance.
Outside Canada: Emergency services are covered up to the amount your province would pay at home. You pay the difference. The official advice is to buy private insurance before traveling abroad.

Returning to Canada

If you return after being away, you must register again. Coverage may start after a wait of up to 3 months. Contact your ministry of health as soon as you return.

What is not covered?

Uninsured services include cosmetic procedures, medical testimony in court, private duty nursing, telephones and TVs in hospital rooms, preferred accommodation unless prescribed, and medical certificates for work, school, insurance, or fitness clubs. Patients pay for these.