Health and Wellbeing
Your guide to healthcare and wellness in Canada
Canada's healthcare system provides essential medical services to all residents. Understanding how to access healthcare and maintain your wellbeing is crucial for a successful settlement.
Provincial Healthcare Systems
Public Health Insurance
Each province and territory administers its own healthcare plan. As a permanent resident, you are eligible for coverage, but registration requirements and waiting periods vary.
British Columbia (MSP)
- • Name: BC Medical Services Plan
- • Waiting Period: None for new permanent residents
- • Coverage: Medically necessary services
- • Cost: Premium-free since 2020
- • Registration: Apply online or by mail
Ontario (OHIP)
- • Name: Ontario Health Insurance Plan
- • Waiting Period: 3 months from arrival
- • Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital care
- • Cost: Free for eligible residents
- • Interim: Get private insurance during wait
Important Note
Register for provincial healthcare immediately upon arrival, even if there is a waiting period. If your province has a waiting period, obtain private health insurance to cover the interim period.
Finding Healthcare Providers
Family Doctors
Having a family doctor (also called general practitioner or GP) is important for ongoing healthcare.
How to Find a Family Doctor:
- • Ask for referrals from friends or settlement workers
- • Check provincial health authority websites
- • Contact local community health centers
- • Use doctor finder services (e.g., Health Care Connect in Ontario)
- • Be patient - finding accepting doctors can take time
Challenge: Many areas face family doctor shortages. Consider walk-in clinics for non-emergency care while waiting for a family doctor.
Other Healthcare Services
Walk-in Clinics
No appointment needed for minor illnesses and injuries
Specialists
Require referral from family doctor or walk-in clinic
Dentists
Not covered by provincial plans - private insurance needed
Optometrists
Eye exams partially covered; glasses not covered
Pharmacies
Prescription medications not fully covered - private insurance helpful
Emergency and Urgent Care
911 Emergency
For life-threatening emergencies:
- • Severe injury
- • Chest pain
- • Difficulty breathing
- • Severe bleeding
- • Unconsciousness
Emergency Room (ER)
For urgent medical issues that are not life-threatening:
- • Broken bones
- • Deep cuts
- • High fever
- • Severe pain
- • Available 24/7
Urgent Care Centers
For medical needs that can't wait:
- • Minor injuries
- • Sprains
- • Minor infections
- • Shorter wait than ER
- • Extended hours
Telehealth and Health Lines
Most provinces offer 24/7 health advice lines where you can speak with a registered nurse for non-emergency health concerns. Examples: 8-1-1 (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan), Telehealth Ontario.
Mental Health and Wellness
Mental Health Support
Immigration and settlement can be stressful. Mental health services are available to help you through this transition.
Available Services
- • Counseling: Through community health centers
- • Crisis Lines: 24/7 support available
- • Support Groups: For newcomers and specific communities
- • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Through employers
- • Psychologists/Psychiatrists: Referral often needed
Crisis Resources
- • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- • Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
- • Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- • Local crisis lines: Available in most communities
Settlement Stress is Normal
Many newcomers experience stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation during settlement. These feelings are normal. Don't hesitate to seek support from settlement services, community organizations, or mental health professionals.
Prescription Medications
While doctor visits are covered by provincial healthcare, prescription medications typically require private insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
Drug Coverage Options
- • Employer-provided benefits (most common)
- • Private insurance plans
- • Provincial drug programs for seniors and low-income
- • Generic alternatives to reduce costs
If You Have Ongoing Prescriptions
- • Bring detailed medication list from home country
- • See a doctor to get Canadian prescriptions
- • Compare pharmacy prices (costs vary)
- • Ask about patient assistance programs
Preventive Care and Wellness
Staying Healthy in Canada
Immunizations
Keep immunizations up to date, especially for children.
- • Routine vaccines covered
- • Flu shots recommended
- • COVID-19 vaccines available
Screenings
Regular health screenings can detect issues early.
- • Blood pressure checks
- • Cancer screenings
- • Diabetes testing
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain wellness through daily habits.
- • Regular physical activity
- • Balanced nutrition
- • Adequate sleep
Healthcare Navigation Support
Navigating a new healthcare system can be confusing. Settlement services often have healthcare navigation workers who can help you:
- • Understand how the healthcare system works
- • Find doctors and specialists
- • Access interpretation services
- • Connect with community health resources
- • Navigate mental health services