Moving to a new province can be exciting, but there’s a lot to navigate, including health care. If you’ve ever wondered what happens in respect to your provincial or territorial health care coverage when you move, you’re not alone.
Thousands of Canadians move every year, and understanding how Canadian health care coverage works is a critical part of relocating. Knowing your new province or territory’s health care system helps you avoid any gaps in coverage, especially if you require specific medical services soon after you move.
Here’s what you need to know about how Canadian health care operates, and what to consider when moving provinces.
How Canada’s Health Care System Works
Canada’s health care system is governed by the Canada Health Act, which ensures all provinces and territories provide universal access to medically necessary services, such as hospital care and physician services, on a prepaid basis.1 However, health care administration, funding, and delivery can differ significantly from one province to another.
Each province or territory runs its own health insurance program, which means coverage for certain services – like prescription drugs, dental care, or mental health services – can vary. What is considered ‘medically necessary’ or is publicly funded in one province may not be in another. This is where knowing your new province’s health care system is key.
Key Differences in Provincial Health Care
While the basics of health care are the same across Canada, the administration of those services varies by province. For example:
- British Columbia uses a mixture of public and private funding, where some services are covered by taxes and others may require insurance premiums.
- Alberta relies on a system financed through a combination of federal grants, provincial taxes, and individual income tax.
- Ontario funds its health care through a progressive income tax system and some co-payment models.
Coverage for prescription drugs and dental services can differ significantly. For instance, Quebec has one of the most comprehensive drug programs, whereas other provinces and territories might mean residents fill the gaps.
An example of health care coverage differing across provinces can be found in coverage for physiotherapy services.
In Ontario, physiotherapy is covered for seniors aged 65 and older, children under 19, and those receiving social assistance, but for many other residents, it is not fully covered. Those who don’t qualify may need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
Alberta’s public health plan provides limited coverage for physiotherapy when referred by a physician, but much of the cost must still be covered privately or through insurance.
What to Consider When Moving Provinces
1. Understand the Structures
Health insurance structures can differ. It’s essential to research your new province’s coverage terms, conditions, and which services are included. Most provincial and territorial health websites provide easy-to-access resources explaining what’s covered. Start by visiting the provincial government’s health care website and your current local health authority page to understand each province’s basic coverage.
2. Inform Your Current Provincial Health Care System Provider
Let your current provincial or territorial insurer know about your move – this is considered your responsibility. For example, if you are moving out of Saskatchewan, you would advise eHealth Saskatchewan. They’ll explain how your coverage will change and what to expect in your new province. Your old province’s health insurance will cover you during any waiting periods before your new province’s health insurance takes effect.
3. Research Your New Province or Territory’s Health Care Plan
Some provinces may require you to re-register for their health insurance programs, and there could be waiting periods (typically three months) before you’re fully covered. Be sure to research how health care works in your new province to avoid gaps in coverage.
4. Register with the Health Insurance Plan of Your New Province or Territory
When you move, you’ll continue to be covered by your former insurer during any minimum waiting period imposed by your new provincial or territory plan. Registration is your responsibility, and you are expected to enrol immediately.
5. Consider Private Insurance to Fill Gaps
Even with public coverage, many services, like dental care, vision, and physiotherapy, are not fully covered. Private insurance, such as GMS’s Personal Health Plans, can bridge these gaps by providing coverage for services that provincial health plans may not include.