Health Card & Provincial Registration
Accessing healthcare in Canada starts with getting your provincial health card. It ensures you can see a doctor or go to the hospital without paying out of pocket. You’ll need:
- Photo ID, immigration/residency documents, and proof of address (lease, utility bill).
- Application at a provincial service office or online (some provinces have waiting periods).
- Temporary/private insurance or community clinic visits while waiting for approval.
We’ll guide you to your province’s exact application page, list required documents, and explain affordable coverage options while you wait.
Finding a Family Doctor / Primary Care
A family doctor or nurse practitioner becomes your main healthcare provider for ongoing needs. To get started:
- Register with your province’s “find-a-doctor” or family practice waitlist.
- Use Community Health Centres (CHCs) and newcomer clinics, which accept new patients.
- Visit walk-in clinics or urgent care if you can’t yet find a family doctor.
We’ll show you how to register, join waitlists, and connect with newcomer-friendly clinics that provide interpretation services.