If you are moving to Saskatchewan, you must register for a health card to receive health benefits. It’s vital that you apply for your Saskatchewan health card soon after you arrive because you may have a waiting period of up to three months before you receive coverage. As well, you can only apply for a health card after you arrive in Canada. Learn more about the Saskatchewan health plan, who is eligible, and how to obtain your health care card. This is vital information for newcomers so you know how to benefit from Saskatchewan’s healthcare system and ensure your health and wellness.
Usually, your health coverage begins on, or before, the first day of the third month after you arrive in Saskatchewan. For example, if you arrive on September 27th, your coverage would begin on December 1. However, You may be eligible for benefits on your first day of arriving in the province if you belong to any of these special classes of newcomers:
- Permanent residents
- Non-immigrants who are in Canada in connection with their trade or profession
- International students.
To find out if you can skip the waiting period, it’s best to contact eHealth Saskatchewan or call toll-free: 1-800-667-7551.
About Health Care in Canada
Access to one of the greatest health care systems in the world is a privilege that Canadians are proud of. Canada’s universal health care system is funded by tax dollars and Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for public health insurance. Because health care is the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada, each province may have slightly different plans. So, it’s important to understand what the health plan covers in the province that you move to. Here’s what you need to know about health care in Saskatchewan and how to apply for a health card.
Is Health Care Free in Saskatchewan?
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Many, (but not all) health care services are free if you have a Saskatchewan health card. For example, with your health card, any necessary medical services provided by a doctor are free (this includes both inpatient and outpatient services). Other services are covered in part, and some services are not covered.
Services that are fully covered include:
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Mammogram screening for women aged 50 -59
- HIV testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Immunization services, and
- Mental health services.
However, not all health care services are free. Some services are only covered for a part of the cost and you are responsible to pay the rest of the cost.
Services that are covered in part include:
- Air ambulance service
- Home care
- Long-term care.
Services that are not covered include:
- Routine dental services
- Prescription drugs
- Psychologist
- Eyeglasses
- Air ambulance
- Ground ambulance
- Naturopaths, massage therapy, accupuncture, and other parmedical services.
But, many employers provide additional health insurance to their full-time employees to help cover some of the costs that the public health care plan doesn’t cover. So, be sure to find out if your employer offers health insurance, what the plan covers, and how much they cover.
Or, if your employer does not provide health insurance, you can purchase private health insurance to pay for health expenses for you and your family.
What Do You Need to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?
To apply for a health card, you’ll need supporting documents for you and each family member under the age of 18:
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1 Proof that you can legally live in Canada:
For Permanent Residents, proof can include a document such as:
- Permanent Resident Card (front and back of card)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Canadian Immigration ID card
- Notice of Decision – Convention Refugee.
For Foreign Nationals proof can include a:
- Study permit (with confirmation of full-time enrolment)
- Work permit
- Foreign Passport with immigration stamp
- Temporary Resident Permit.
2 Proof that you reside in Saskatchewan such as a:
- Mortgage, rental, or lease agreement that you have signed
- Utility bill (home telephone {mobile phone bill are not accepted} cable TV, water, gas, or energy)
- Insurance policy (home, tenant, or auto)
- Motor vehicle registration
- Pay stub or letter from employer
- School, college, or university report card or transcript)
- Saskatchewan driver’s license or temporary license
- Student ID card
- Employee ID card
- Immunization record.
Also, if you need help to complete your health card application, many settlement agencies can help you with this, along with many other free services.
Related Posts:
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What to Know About Living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
How Do I Show Proof of Funds in Canada?
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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease
How Do I Get My Saskatchewan Health Card?
Your Saskatchewan health card is vital to ensure you receive the medical care you and your family need. So to apply for a health card, follow these three simple steps:
1 Find out if you are eligible to apply
2 Ensure you have the supporting documents (proof that you can live in Canada and proof of residency as listed above)
3 Start your online application. (Register for an account as a New User to complete your application).
Or you can print this Health Card Application Form, complete it, and send it with the required documents to:
eHealth Saskatchewan
2130 11th Avenue
Regina, SK
S4P OJ5
Health Insurance for International Students
If you are an international student, you may be eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage. You will have to show proof of full-time enrolment at an accredited school and a valid Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
When Can I Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card?
You can only apply for your health card when you arrive in Saskatchewan. And, be sure to apply for it as soon as you arrive because you may have up to a three-month waiting period.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Saskatchewan and reside in the province for at least six months per year. Your health coverage will begin when your application is approved.
While you are waiting for access to public health care, you may want to purchase private travel medical health insurance to cover any health care costs or emergencies.
Can I Use My Saskatchewan Health Card in Other Provinces?
Yes, if you are travelling within Canada and need medical services but, you need to show your Saskatchewan health card. So, be sure to carry your health card with you at all times. Provinces (except Quebec) and territories have an agreement to cover the cost of necessary medical services. The province of Saskatchewan will reimburse the host province for any costs.
However, some services are not covered such as hospital transfer, ambulance, and return transportation to Saskatchewan. If you have private insurance, your insurance company may pay for these additional services. But, check with your insurance provider to find out what they will cover.
Travelling Outside of Canada
Medical services may be much higher outside of Canada. And, you are responsible to pay the amount above what the Saskatchewan health plan covers. When travelling outside of Canada, it’s best to buy additional travel insurance.
Helpful Links for Saskatchewan Health Care:
Physician, Surgeons or Specialists: Find a physician who is taking new patients in Regina, SK.
Immunization Services: Learn about programs and when to get immunized.
Primary Health Care: Get help to find a family physician in Saskatchewan and support to navigate the health system.
Emergency Medical Services: Find ambulance, emergency 911, hospitals, and poison control services.
Notification of Updated Immigration Document: Complete this form if you have an updated document such as a work permit, study permit, visitor record, or permanent resident card.
One of the greatest benefits for newcomers is access to world-class and publicly-funded healthcare. This information will ensure that you know how to apply for a Saskatchewan health card so you and your family can ensure your good health.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
