Start Looking for a Doctor After You Arrive
The Government of Canada advises newcomers to look for a doctor soon after moving to Canada.
A family doctor can provide ongoing primary care, help manage illnesses and health concerns, and connect patients with specialists or other healthcare services when needed.
IRCC's official newcomer guidance provides information about finding doctors and dentists, booking appointments and using healthcare services in Canada.
Contact Your Settlement Service Provider
Newcomers can contact a local settlement service provider for help understanding healthcare services.
Settlement organizations can provide information about local services and help newcomers adjust to life in Canada.
The Government of Canada's newcomer services finder allows eligible newcomers to search for organizations and services available in their area.
This can be particularly useful for people who are unfamiliar with Canada's healthcare system or do not know where to start.
Check Your Provincial or Territorial Resources
Healthcare services in Canada are administered by individual provinces and territories.
Each province and territory has its own health insurance plan and healthcare resources. As a result, newcomers should check the official government or health authority website for the province or territory where they live.
For example, provinces provide their own systems and resources for connecting residents with doctors and other primary care providers.
The Government of Canada maintains information about provincial and territorial health insurance systems and provides links to the relevant authorities.
Make Sure You Have a Health Card
A provincial or territorial health card is an important part of accessing publicly funded healthcare.
The Government of Canada explains that each province and territory manages its own health insurance plan and issues health cards to eligible residents.
A health card is proof that you are registered in your province or territory's health plan.
Newcomers should therefore check their province or territory's requirements for applying for health coverage after arrival.
What If You Cannot Find a Family Doctor?
Not everyone will immediately find a family doctor who is accepting new patients.
If you are having difficulty finding a regular doctor, check your provincial or territorial healthcare resources. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to access a walk-in clinic or other primary care service.
IRCC's newcomer healthcare guidance also recommends speaking with a settlement service provider if you need help finding local healthcare options.
Family Doctors Are Part of Canada's Primary Healthcare System
Family doctors are an important part of Canada's primary healthcare system.
Canada's publicly funded healthcare system provides coverage for medically necessary physician services and other insured healthcare services, although the exact coverage and eligibility rules are administered through provincial and territorial plans.
Family doctors can provide first-contact healthcare and help patients manage ongoing health needs.
When necessary, a doctor can also refer a patient to a specialist or another healthcare provider.
Healthcare Coverage Can Vary
Canada has a universal healthcare system, but not every healthcare service is automatically covered by provincial or territorial health insurance.
The Government of Canada explains that publicly funded healthcare generally covers medically necessary hospital and physician services.
Other services, such as certain prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and other healthcare products or services, may have different coverage rules depending on the province, territory or person's circumstances.
Newcomers should check the healthcare coverage available in their province or territory.
Language Support May Be Available
Language can be an important consideration for newcomers.
The Government of Canada notes that healthcare services may be available in both official languages depending on where you live. Some healthcare providers may also offer interpretation or language support.
When looking for a doctor, newcomers can ask about available language services if communication is a concern.
What To Do in an Emergency
A family doctor is generally used for ongoing and non-emergency healthcare.
If someone has an immediate medical emergency or is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Canadian hospitals prioritize people according to the urgency of their medical needs.
A Simple Approach for Newcomers
Newcomers can follow a few basic steps when looking for a family doctor:
- Apply for a provincial or territorial health card if eligible.
- Check the official healthcare resources for your province or territory.
- Contact a local settlement service provider for guidance.
- Ask trusted people in your community for recommendations.
- Check whether local clinics or primary care providers are accepting new patients.
- Ask about language or interpretation services if needed.
- Use emergency services for urgent medical situations.
The Bigger Picture
Finding a regular family doctor can make it easier for newcomers to manage their health after moving to Canada.
The Government of Canada's official resources provide a starting point, but healthcare delivery is largely organized at the provincial and territorial level.
That means newcomers should combine federal guidance with the official healthcare resources available in their province or territory.
What Newcomers Should Do Next
The best place to start is the official Government of Canada healthcare information for newcomers.
From there, check your province or territory's health authority, apply for a health card if eligible, and contact a settlement service provider if you need additional help.
Using official government resources can help newcomers avoid outdated information and identify the healthcare services available in their local community.