Canada Healthcare Coverage Gap 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do I need private insurance even if I am a permanent resident?

Yes, if your destination province has a waiting period: as of 2026, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Yukon still impose waits of up to 3 months, while Ontario removed its OHIP waiting period in March 2020. Permanent residents and temporary residents are treated the same for waiting-period purposes. You must be a legal resident of the province AND satisfy the waiting period before provincial medicare becomes active. Emergency medical costs without coverage during that gap can be catastrophic, and IRCC recommends at least $100,000 of emergency medical coverage.

Is travel insurance the same as newcomer insurance?

Not quite. Travel insurance is designed for short visits and may not cover pre-existing conditions or long-term stays. Newcomer or visitor-to-Canada plans are structured for longer coverage windows (often 3 months or more) and are more likely to cover chronic conditions. When shopping for the gap, look for a "visitor to Canada" or "newcomer to Canada" product specifically.

What happens if I get sick during the waiting period without insurance?

You are personally responsible for all medical costs. Hospital emergency room visits can run $500 to $2,000+ for a single visit, and inpatient hospitalization in Canada can cost $3,000 to $5,000 per day for uninsured patients. Ambulance fees are billed separately. A single serious incident can wipe out a newcomer's savings, so buy at least basic emergency medical coverage for the waiting period.

Does the waiting period reset if I move between provinces?

Yes. Interprovincial moves typically trigger a new waiting period in the destination province (and continued coverage in your old province for a limited time, usually until the end of the following month). If you know you are moving, coordinate the timing so you maintain coverage somewhere throughout the transition. The Canada Health Act's portability principle helps but does not eliminate gaps.

Do refugees and protected persons have to pay for private insurance?

No. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage for refugees, refugee claimants, and certain other protected groups. It covers emergency and basic medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision. Refugees do not need to purchase private insurance during the provincial waiting period. IFHP fills the gap.

How does this calculator work?

Select your destination province or territory and enter your planned arrival date. The calculator adds the province's waiting period to show exactly when your public coverage begins. Choose your household composition and a coverage tier; premiums scale with household size, and the standard tier meets or exceeds the $100,000 IRCC guideline. Results include the waiting period in days, the monthly private insurance premium, the total cost during the gap, and a list of services provincial medicare does not cover even after the waiting period, such as prescription drugs outside hospital, dental, vision, ambulance, and paramedical services.