Health — Public insurance

Activate your provincial health coverage as early as possible to avoid high emergency costs.

You are at step Health — Public insurance (Month 1). Good starting point.

Why is it important?

Without this step, several procedures become complicated.

• Avoid very high costs in case of an emergency.
• Access essential medical services (doctor, hospital).
• Reduce stress if a health issue happens during your first months.

How to do it

Follow these steps in order. Nothing complicated.

1. Check eligibility rules and waiting periods in your province.
2. Gather your practical settlement documents (general profile, ID, proof of address).
3. Submit the application online or in person, depending on the province.
4. Note the estimated start date of coverage.
5. Consider temporary private insurance if there is a waiting period.
6. Keep a copy of your application and confirmations.

What you need (nothing more)

Prepare these documents before going.

• ID document
• Status document
• Proof of local address

To avoid absolutely (for your safety)

• Waiting too long before applying.
• Confusing travel insurance with provincial health insurance.
• Ignoring the waiting period and assuming you are covered.
• Throwing away confirmation letters or emails.

Good to know (useful tips)

• Ask clearly if a waiting period applies and how long it is.
• Keep both digital and paper copies of your documents.
• Identify a clinic or health centre near your home.
• Check what is covered and what is not (dental, vision, medication).
• Store emergency numbers and clinic contacts in your phone.

When you're ready, you can continue.