Healthcare Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers in Canadian Provinces
For individuals embarking on a journey as foreign workers in Canada or contemplating a temporary work assignment in the country, it is crucial to understand the healthcare eligibility requirements in each of Canada's provinces. Since not all provinces share the same requirements, this blog aims to explore these differences. By doing so, you can be well-prepared and informed for your arrival in Canada.
Before we get into the specific requirements for each province, it is important to note that a foreign worker can be in Canada yet not be receiving provincial healthcare coverage in the following situations:
Arrived and working in Canada, but not here long enough for coverage to start (most provinces have a waiting period)
Before renewal of an expired work permit (a very common occurrence)
After the work permit expires and before departure back home
Alberta (AHCIP) Healthcare
Embarking on a professional venture as a foreign worker in Alberta?
Well, foreign workers need a valid work permit for at least 6 months in Alberta in order to be eligible for provincial healthcare coverage. It's not just about the work; maintaining your primary residence in Alberta is a must, and it is discouraged to take frequent trips back home. The good news? No waiting period for healthcare applications - eligible individuals can dive into the process immediately. Plus, your provincial healthcare covers listed family members, providing a robust safety net for foreign workers and their dependents. For more details on AHCIP, visit https://www.alberta.ca.
British Columbia (Health Insurance BC)
Venturing into the scenic realm of British Columbia for work?
Similar to Alberta, British Columbia demands a valid work permit for a minimum of 6 months and establishing a primary residence in the province is mandatory in order to receive coverage. Brace yourself for a waiting period, spanning the balance of the month in which your residence is established plus two more. The silver lining? Listed family members will also receive coverage. For more details on Health Insurance BC, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca.
Manitoba (Manitoba Health)
Ready for a work adventure in Manitoba?
Your work permit is your golden ticket, but you'll need it to be valid for at least 12 months. Like the other provinces, call Manitoba home, and there's no waiting period for healthcare applications. Listed family members share the healthcare coverage, starting from the day the work permit was issued. For more details on Manitoba Health, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca.
New Brunswick (Medicare)
Choosing New Brunswick as a place to work?
New Brunswick is a little more of a process when it comes to receiving healthcare coverage. It is insisted that you have a valid work permit for a solid 12 months, with a three-month waiting period before you dive into healthcare applications. Keep your address firmly in New Brunswick to qualify. It's a common factor familiar to other provinces, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a primary residence. For more details on New Brunswick’s Medicare, visit https://www2.gnb.ca.
Newfoundland and Labrador (Medical Care Plan)
For those setting sail to Newfoundland and Labrador for work,
similar to New Brunswick, your work permit is your passport and you need to have a valid one for a minimum of 12 months before filling out healthcare applications. Just like other provinces your primary residence in Newfoundland is a prerequisite, and frequent fliers back home may face a few raised eyebrows. For more details on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Medical Care Plan, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca.
Northwest Territories (NWT Health)
Venturing to the Northwest Territories for work?
A valid work permit for at least 12 months is your key to receiving healthcare coverage, make sure to keep your residence in check. Unfortunately details about waiting periods are currently in the shadows. For more information, reach out to the government of the Northwest Territories to inquire about waiting periods for your coverage. To visit the government of the Northwest Territories website click here.
Nova Scotia (MSI)
Ready for a maritime adventure in Nova Scotia?
You must have valid work permit for a minimum of one year in order to apply for healthcare coverage. Keep your residence anchored in the province, and the good news - no waiting period for healthcare applications. Extending coverage to listed family members is allowed, making sure your nearest and dearest receive coverage. For more details on MSI, visit https://novascotia.ca.
Ontario (OHIP)
Ontario bound for your work expedition?
Foreign workers in Ontario need a valid work permit for at least 6 months and need to make Ontario their primary residence. Unfortunately there is a waiting period of 3 months before your OHIP comes into effect, but your coverage does extend to listed family members, ensuring your healthcare journey in Ontario is a family affair. For more details on OHIP, visit https://www.ontario.ca.
PEI Health
Seeking a tranquil retreat to Prince Edward Island (PEI) for work?
In PEI, a valid work permit for a minimum of 6 months is a must in order to obtain healthcare coverage. Establish and maintain your primary residence on this serene island - it's a healthcare requirement. For more details on PEI Health, visit https://www.princeedwardisland.ca.
Saskatchewan Health Enigma
For now, the information on healthcare eligibility for foreign workers in Saskatchewan is shrouded in mystery online. Dive into the enigma and contact the Government of Saskatchewan for more details - https://www.saskatchewan.ca/.
Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan
Embarking on an adventure to the Yukon for work?
In the Yukon, employers take the lead, providing temporary health insurance coverage (visitor to Canada insurance) for the initial three months of your employment. After this initiation, foreign workers transition seamlessly to the Yukon Health Care Insurance, all at no cost to them. For more details on the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan, visit https://yukon.ca.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
Conclusion
We hope this article provided you with an improved understanding of what to expect with regards to the healthcare eligibility requirements for foreign workers in each of our lovely provinces. Remember to stay informed and visit all of the government sites provided to further your understanding of healthcare in Canada. Embrace the diversity, and make well-informed decisions for your well-being during your stay in the Great White North. Here's to a healthy and prosperous chapter in Canada!
