Healthcare in Canada
How to get into the public system, what to do during the waiting period, and what happens to your health cover in Israel.
✓ Checked against the sources: October 2026⚠️ This isn't medical advice. It's general information checked against official sources.
The public system: first steps
Public health insurance in Canada is run separately by each province and territory, and each one decides who qualifies.
- Check your province's health ministry site to see if you qualify and what to bring.
- Apply for a health card in your province. You show it at every doctor visit.
- Look for a family doctor. Many people prefer a regular doctor who knows them and refers them to specialists.
Source: Health Canada: Health cards · Health Canada: About Canada's health care system · IRCC: Health care in Canada for newcomers
🔒 2 more sections in this guide
- ⏳ Waiting period and private insurance
- 🇮🇱 Your Israeli health cover while abroad
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