Understanding Healthcare (OHIP & Provincial Plans)

Canada's healthcare system is publicly funded. Each province manages its own health insurance program. You must apply for your provincial health card soon after arriving.

Provincial plans include: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months.

What provincial plans cover: visits to family doctors and specialists, hospital stays and emergency care, medically required surgeries, diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests, MRIs).

What provincial plans do NOT cover: dental care, vision care, prescription medications outside hospitals, physiotherapy, ambulance services in some provinces.

Private and employer health insurance covers prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, and mental health services.

When travelling outside your province, coverage is limited. Quebec does not participate in interprovincial billing agreements — purchase travel insurance when visiting Quebec.

For international travel, provincial plans provide very limited coverage. Purchase travel medical insurance before leaving Canada.