Permanent residents get public health coverage from the province they live in, not from the federal government. You must apply for your provincial health card after you arrive. Some provinces start coverage when you register, while others still apply a waiting period of up to three months. Buy private newcomer insurance before you leave the US, and keep it until your provincial coverage is active.
Healthcare is one of the biggest reasons Americans move north, and one of the biggest sources of surprise in the first month. This guide supports our US to Canada move checklist and moving with family guides.
How Canadian public healthcare works
- Each province runs its own plan. Ontario has OHIP, Quebec has RAMQ, BC has MSP, Alberta has AHCIP, and so on.
- Eligibility depends on your status. Permanent residents qualify. Many work permit holders qualify too, depending on the province and permit length.
- Core services are covered. That includes medically necessary physician and hospital care. Prescription drugs, dental and vision are often not fully covered for adults, so many people add employer or private plans.
- You register in person or online with your provincial agency after landing, using your COPR or PR card, ID and proof of address.
Waiting periods: why the first months matter
Some provinces start coverage when you register. Others make newcomers wait, typically up to three months. Ontario suspended its three-month OHIP wait in 2020. Rules change, so confirm with your province’s health ministry before you move. If you move between provinces later, a new waiting period can apply.
Bridging coverage: private newcomer insurance
| Option | Good for | Watch for |
| Newcomer / visitor-to-Canada plans | The first 1–3 months after landing | Buy before arrival; pre-existing condition exclusions |
| Employer group benefits | Drugs, dental, vision once you start work | Probation periods before coverage starts |
| Keeping a US plan temporarily | Short overlap during the move | Most US plans exclude routine care abroad |
Prescriptions and ongoing care
- Bring enough medication for the first weeks, plus copies of prescriptions.
- Canadian pharmacists generally need a prescription from a provider licensed in Canada. Book a walk-in clinic or family doctor visit early.
- Request your medical records from US providers before you leave.
- Finding a family doctor can take time in many regions. Register on your province’s patient-matching list as soon as you’re eligible.
Work permit holders and students
Coverage for temporary residents varies a lot. Some provinces cover work permit holders with longer permits; many international students rely on school health plans. If you are moving on a CUSMA work permit or an intra-company transfer, check your province’s rules before you arrive.
What about Medicare and US benefits?
US Medicare generally doesn’t cover care received in Canada. Before you drop US coverage, consider your long-term plans, especially if you might return to the US. Tax and benefits questions belong with a cross-border specialist; see US–Canada tax 101.
Frequently asked questions
Do Americans get free healthcare in Canada?
Permanent residents get provincially funded coverage for medically necessary care once registered. Visitors don’t.
Is there still a three-month waiting period for OHIP?
Ontario suspended the wait in 2020. Confirm the current rule with ServiceOntario before you move, because policies can change.
Should I buy private insurance before moving?
Yes. Buy a plan that starts on your landing date and lasts until your provincial card is active.
Are prescriptions covered?
Often not fully, for working-age adults. Employer or private plans usually cover drugs, dental and vision.
Can I keep my US health insurance after moving?
Possibly, but most US plans don’t cover routine care in Canada. Check your policy before relying on it.
