NAVIOVISAGet advice ↗
VIEN

Health care

Work permit holders are often eligible for provincial health insurance, but the rules and waiting periods differ by province. This section explains how the health system works and where to find services in French.

6 articles

  1. Provincial health insurance for work permit holdersCan work permit holders get provincial health insurance? Each province sets its own rules. Examples from Ontario, BC, Alberta and Manitoba.Updated October 2026
  2. Waiting periods and temporary insuranceSome provinces have a wait of up to 3 months before public health insurance starts. How to arrange private coverage for that period, as IRCC advises.Updated October 2026
  3. Getting health care in FrenchOutside Quebec, health care is mostly in English, but many Francophone communities offer services in French. How to find them and your privacy rights.Updated October 2026
  4. Family doctors and emergenciesHow Canada's health system works: family doctors, walk-in clinics, pharmacies and emergencies. When to call 911 and when to ask a pharmacist.Updated October 2026
  5. Medication and dental carePublic health insurance in Canada usually doesn't pay for pharmacy drugs or most dental care. How these are paid for: provincial programs, employer plans.Updated October 2026
  6. Mental healthStress after moving to a new country is normal. Mental health support lines in Canada: 911, 988 (call or text, 24/7) and provincial services.Updated October 2026
1:1 advice from our experts

Let support your family

Leave your details and a consultant will contact you to assess your profile and suggest a suitable pathway.

Get advice on your pathway

☎✦↑