Canada's universal healthcare system is delivered through 13 separate provincial and territorial health plans. The Canada Health Act establishes federal principles that all provinces must follow — comprehensive coverage, universality, portability, accessibility, and public administration — but each province administers its own plan with its own rules, premiums, and coverage details. This guide compares all major provincial health insurance plans in 2025.
The Canada Health Act (1984) requires provinces to provide health coverage that is:
What the Canada Health Act does NOT require provinces to cover: dental care, prescription drugs, vision care, ambulance services, or paramedical services. These significant gaps mean Canadians rely on employer group benefits or private insurance for much of their actual health spending.
| Province | Plan Name | Premium | Waiting Period | Notable Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | OHIP | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months for new residents | OHIP+, emergency dental OHIP |
| BC | MSP (Medical Services Plan) | Free (tax-funded since 2020) | 3 months | No premium since Jan 2020 |
| Alberta | AHCIP | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | No premium since 2009 |
| Quebec | RAMQ | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months typically | Public pharma plan for uninsured |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Health | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Comprehensive medical coverage |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Strong pharmacare for seniors/low-income |
| Nova Scotia | MSI | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Diabetes supplies covered |
| New Brunswick | Medicare NB | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Hearing aids for children |
| PEI | Health PEI | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Dental for seniors (limited) |
| Newfoundland | MCP | Free (tax-funded) | 3 months | Prescription drug program |
OHIP is Canada's most well-known provincial health plan, covering Ontario's 15 million residents. OHIP covers:
OHIP+: Ontario's OHIP+ program provides free prescription drug coverage for Ontarians under 25, eliminating drug costs for this age group at participating pharmacies. Adults over 65 are covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
See our detailed OHIP coverage guide for what OHIP does and does not cover.
BC eliminated MSP premiums in January 2020, making it free for all BC residents. Previously, adults paid up to $900/year in MSP premiums — the elimination was a significant financial benefit for BC residents. MSP covers all medically necessary physician and hospital services under the Canada Health Act.
Key BC-specific programs supplementing MSP:
Alberta eliminated health care premiums in January 2009. AHCIP is funded through general provincial revenues. All Alberta residents are entitled to coverage for medically required services. Alberta residents moving to or from the province have a 3-month waiting period for AHCIP — during that time, they should maintain coverage from their previous province (most provinces extend coverage for the first 3 months of residency elsewhere) or purchase private travel/interim health insurance.
Alberta's Blue Cross provides supplementary coverage for provincial drug programs, dental, and other non-insured services, often at group rates through employer associations.
RAMQ administers Quebec's provincial health plan and has two unique features that distinguish it from other provinces:
Quebec Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (RPAM): Quebec requires all residents to have prescription drug insurance. Those without private (employer or individual) drug coverage must enroll in RAMQ's public drug plan and pay premiums through their income tax return (up to approximately $750/year, depending on income). This mandatory coverage system means essentially all Quebec residents have some form of drug coverage.
RAMQ for specific populations: RAMQ also administers coverage for young people under 18, Quebec and federal social assistance recipients, and those without private drug coverage regardless of age.
Every province imposes a waiting period of approximately 3 months before new residents receive provincial health coverage. This is the most common gap Canadians experience when moving between provinces.
What to do during the waiting period:
This list is consistent across virtually all Canadian provinces:
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Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYAProvincial health insurance is funded through general taxation — there is no direct user fee at the point of care for covered services. However, Canadians pay for it through their income taxes, HST/GST, and other taxes. Health care is "free" at the point of delivery, but the costs are funded collectively through taxation. Individual premiums now only apply in a handful of jurisdictions.
Yes. Provincial health insurance is portable within Canada. If you visit another province and need emergency medical care, your home province's plan covers you. However, you should still update your provincial health registration if you move permanently.
Most provinces require you to be physically present in the province for a minimum period each year (often 183 days) to maintain coverage. Extended absences can jeopardize your provincial health coverage. Snowbirds and Canadians working abroad need to carefully manage their provincial coverage status and may need private international health insurance.