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Your first days in Canada |
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Page 3 of 4
APPLYING FOR A HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
One of the most important things you need to do as soon as you arrive
in Canada is to apply for a health insurance card. All members of your
family, even newborn babies, must have their own card. You can get an
application form from the provincial ministry of health office, any
doctor's office, a hospital or a pharmacy. If necessary, the
immigrant-serving organization in your area can help you fill out the
form.
To apply for a health card, you will need your birth
certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) and
passport. The Permanent Resident Card may also be presented. In most
provinces, you will receive coverage as soon as you apply.
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In Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Quebec, there is a
three-month waiting period before you become eligible for medicare
coverage. If you are immigrating to any of these provinces, you should
get private, short-term health-care insurance for the first three
months. Insurance companies are listed in the Yellow Pages of all
Canadian telephone books, under "Insurance".
Health-care services covered by medicare include:
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examination and treatment by family doctors;
- many types of surgery;
- most treatment by specialists;
- hospital care;
- X-rays;
- many laboratory tests; and
- most immunizations.
Health-care services not covered by medicare, and for which you will have to pay, include:
- ambulance services;
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prescription drugs;
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dental care; and
- glasses and contact lenses.
These services are sometimes covered by workplace benefit packages.
Your health insurance card is mainly for use in the province where you
live. If you are visiting another province and have a medical
emergency, you can use your card. However, if you move to another
province, you will need to apply for a new card.
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