Canada Insurance for Immigrants – Insurance in Canada

You just arrived in Canada.

You’ve got your luggage, your visa, your hopes.

And then someone says:

“You have insurance… right?”

Wait — didn’t Canada have “free healthcare”?

Why are people talking about insurance companies? Why do you need private coverage if you just got permanent residence?

Here’s what nobody tells you:

• Yes, Canada has public healthcare.
• But not all immigrants get it right away.
• You may need private insurance to bridge the gap.
• Public health doesn’t cover everything (spoiler: not even dental)
• So, if you’re a newcomer, PR, student, worker, or even visiting parents under the Super Visa, this is your real-talk guide to understanding insurance in Canada.

We’ll cover:

• What health insurance covers (and doesn’t)
• Why you might need private insurance — even if you’re “covered”
• What to do during the 3-month wait
• Car, tenant, travel, dental, and life insurance (yes, they matter too)

Let’s break it down. No jargon. No guesswork. Just straight answers.

How Public Health Insurance Works in Canada

If you’ve heard Canadians brag about “free healthcare” — they’re mostly right.

But here’s what they don’t mention:

Each province runs its health insurance plan.

And you might not be eligible right away.

In fact, most provinces require newcomers to wait up to three months before they can use public healthcare.

Here’s how it works:

Province/Territory	Plan Name	Waiting Period?	Covers New PRs?
Ontario	OHIP	3 months (sometimes waived)	✅ Yes
British Columbia	MSP	3 months	✅ Yes
Alberta	AHCIP	No waiting period	✅ Yes
Quebec	RAMQ	3 months	✅ Yes
Manitoba	MHSC	3 months	✅ Yes
Others	Varies	Usually 3 months	✅ Depends

So, what does this mean for you?

If you land in Canada and get sick during that waiting period — you’re paying out-of-pocket

(And trust us, that ER bill adds up fast)

That’s why most immigrants need private insurance for their first 90 days in Canada — or longer, depending on their status.

Tip: Some provinces temporarily waived the waiting period during COVID, but that’s not guaranteed. Always confirm with your province’s health site.

What Public Healthcare Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

Here’s the dream:

You get sick. You see, a doctor. You don’t get a bill.

That’s true for most things — once your provincial health plan covers you.

But let’s be real: not all healthcare is free. And some of the most expensive stuff? It’s not covered.

What Is Covered (Mostly Free):

• Family doctor visits
• ER and hospital stays
• Surgery and medical specialists (if referred)
• Basic diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays)
• Pregnancy and childbirth (for residents)

What’s Not Covered (You’ll Pay Out-of-Pocket or Need Private Insurance):

• Prescription drugs (unless you’re on a specific assistance program)
• Dental care (yes, even checkups)
• Eye exams & glasses (except for kids/seniors in some provinces)
• Ambulance rides (flat fees or per-km charges — varies by province)
• Mental health therapy (limited or long waiting lists)
• Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic care

IRCC doesn’t cover these. Your province doesn’t either. If you want help with these costs, you’ll need private insurance or employer coverage.

What this means:

• Public healthcare is a must — it handles emergencies, hospitals, and checkups.
• But getting private health or dental insurance? That’s how you avoid $2,000 dental surprises or $600/month prescriptions.

Tip: Most Canadians have employer benefits or private plans to fill the gaps. Newcomers should, too.

The following section hits home for most newcomers.

You thought you had health coverage.

You filled out all the forms.

But now someone’s telling you:

“You’re not covered yet. You need private insurance.”

So what gives?

Why You Might Need Private Insurance as an Immigrant

Here’s the short version:

• Permanent Residents (PRs) eventually get public healthcare
• But it usually takes up to 3 months to kick in
• Visitors, Super Visa holders, students, and many temporary workers don’t qualify automatically
• That’s where private insurance fills the gap

You need private insurance if:

• You’re in your first 90 days in Ontario, BC, Quebec, Manitoba, etc.
• You’re a visitor, parent on a Super Visa, or not a PR yet
• You want dental, prescriptions, vision, or mental health support
• Your job doesn’t offer benefits (or you haven’t started working yet)

Common Private Insurance Options for Immigrants

1. Short-term health insurance (90–180 days)
2. Covers emergency care, hospitalization, and doctor visits while waiting for public coverage.
3. Visitor or Super Visa insurance
4. Mandatory for Super Visa applicants. Must have $100,000+ coverage and be valid for 1+ year.
5. Student health insurance
6. Some provinces or schools offer this — check if your tuition includes a health plan.
7. Top-up or extended health coverage
8. Adds dental, prescription drugs, physio, and vision — even after public insurance kicks in.

Real Talk:

One ER visit without insurance = $900 to $4,000+

A single ambulance ride = $240+

Dental filling = $200–$500

Glasses + eye exam = $300+

So yeah… not having private insurance when you need it? Painful.

Financially and literally.

Let’s roll — because health insurance is just the beginning.

If you’re new to Canada, you’re stepping into a world where insurance is required, expected, or just plain smart — and not knowing about it can cost you big.

This is the stuff no one tells immigrants until it’s too late.

Other Types of Insurance Newcomers Should Know About

You’ve got your provincial health plan (or private coverage). Awesome.

But there are other types of insurance that either:

• You’re legally required to have
• Your landlord/employer/school expects you to have
• You’ll wish you had when something goes wrong

Let’s break them down.

1. Car Insurance (It’s Mandatory)

If you plan to drive, here’s the deal:

Car insurance is legally required in every province and territory.

You can’t even register a car without proof of insurance.

Newcomers usually pay higher rates first — because you don’t have a Canadian driving history. But here’s a tip:

Ask your previous insurer (from your home country) for a driver’s record letter. Some Canadian insurers will honor it and lower your premium.

2. Tenant or Renter’s Insurance

Your landlord might not cover your belongings. You need tenant insurance.

This is often required when signing a lease — and for good reason. It covers:

• Fire, flood, or theft
• Personal liability (e.g., your bathtub overflows and floods the apartment below)
• Temporary housing if your rental becomes unlivable

Cost? About $15–$30/month. Peace of mind? Huge.

3. Life Insurance

Nobody wants to talk about this — but here’s the truth:

• If your family depends on your income, you need life insurance.
• It protects your loved ones if something unexpected happens. Even a simple term policy can provide security for your spouse, kids, or parents.
• It’s not a must-have on day one — but don’t wait too long to get it.

4. Travel or Emergency Medical Insurance

For visitors, Super Visa parents, and non-PRs, this is essential.

• Canadian healthcare doesn’t cover tourists or temporary residents.
• Super Visa requires $100,000+ coverage for 1 year
• A short illness abroad can drain your savings without coverage.

Bonus: Some private travel insurance plans include trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation.

Let’s get into the smart stuff—this section is about getting ahead, not just getting covered.

Whether you’re here as a PR, on a work permit, or bringing your family on a Super Visa — these insurance moves separate the prepared from the panicked.

Smart Insurance Moves Every Immigrant Should Make

You don’t need to be an expert.

You need to avoid the stuff that causes thousands in surprise bills and sleepless nights.

Here are 6 moves that set you up right from Day 1 👇

1. Apply for Your Provincial Health Card Immediately

In some provinces (like Ontario), even if there’s a waiting period, coverage starts counting from the day you apply.

Don’t wait until you get sick — apply as soon as you land.

2. Buy Private Insurance to Cover the Waiting Period

This is non-negotiable if you live in Ontario, BC, Quebec, Manitoba, or any province with a 3-month delay.

It fills the gap between arrival and eligibility — and protects you from $1,000+ bills if something happens in those early weeks.

3. Ask Your Employer About Benefits

If you land a job, ask HR:

• Do I get health/dental/vision coverage?
• When does it start?
• Can my spouse or kids be added?

Some plans kick in after a probation period — ensure you’re privately insured until then.

4. Compare Insurance Quotes — Don’t Auto-Enroll

Different providers = different coverage, prices, and exclusions. Don’t settle.

Use trusted insurance brokers who work with newcomers, not just any online form.

Need help? We’ve got a comparison guide coming up.

5. Know Your Deductibles + Maximums

Don’t wait until claim day to find out your $150 prescription isn’t fully covered.

• Understand your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in)
• Know your maximums for dental, drugs, travel, and mental health

6. Keep Every Document

• Save copies of health card application receipts
• Keep digital backups of insurance policies
• Store proof of travel insurance if on a Super Visa or TRV
• Screenshot every confirmation email

When IRCC, your school, or a hospital asks for proof, you don’t want to say, “I think I lost it.”

FAQs – Insurance in Canada for Immigrants

Do immigrants get free healthcare in Canada?

Yes — if you’re a permanent resident

No — if you’re a visitor, temporary worker, or waiting out a 3-month delay

Each province has its rules, but most PRs are eligible (eventually).

Until then? You’re on your own unless you buy private coverage.

How long do I have to wait for public health insurance?

In most provinces, 3 months

• Ontario (OHIP): 3-month wait
• BC (MSP): 3-month wait
• Quebec (RAMQ): 3-month wait
• Alberta: No waiting period
• Others: Varies — always check

Is dental or vision care covered?

Not under public health insurance.

You’ll need a private plan or pay out of pocket for:

• Dental exams, cleanings, fillings
• Glasses, eye exams (except for kids/seniors in some provinces)
• Orthodontics (braces), which are usually not covered at all

Can I buy insurance before I arrive in Canada?

Yes — and it’s highly recommended.

Especially if:

• You’re waiting 3 months for public health to start
• You’re arriving on a Super Visa (insurance is required)
• You want peace of mind from Day 1

What insurance is mandatory in Canada?

Situation	Mandatory Insurance
Driving a car	✅ Car insurance
Super Visa	✅ Emergency medical insurance
Renting an apartment	✅ Tenant insurance (in many leases)
Working a job	❌ Employer insurance isn’t mandatory, but often offered
Being alive	❌ Life insurance is optional — but wise if you have a family

Can I use travel insurance from my home country?

Maybe — but be careful.

Make sure:

• It’s accepted by IRCC (if part of a visa requirement)
• It covers services in Canada, not just “abroad.”
• It includes emergency care + hospitalization, not just trip cancellation

When in doubt, go with a Canadian provider — they know what’s required.

What happens if I don’t have any insurance?

You pay everything out of pocket.

ER visit? $900+

Ambulance ride? $240–$600

Dental exam? $150+

Prescription meds? Full price

Super Visa violation? Risk of visa revocation

Don’t risk it — even basic private coverage can save you thousands.

FINAL WORD: Insurance = Security. And You Deserve It.

Canada takes care of its residents — but it’s a system you have to learn.

And when you do? You’ll feel safer, more settled, and prepared for whatever life throws at you.

Because immigration isn’t just about arriving — it’s about staying healthy and protected once you do.

Your Next Moves:

• [Compare Top Private Insurance Plans for Newcomers]
• [Download the Canada Insurance Starter Kit PDF]
• [Apply for Your Provincial Health Card Now]
• [Get Super Visa-Compliant Insurance for Parents]