As a new immigrant to Saskatchewan, one of your first jobs should be to apply for a Saskatchewan health card. This card is your record of your Saskatchewan health number and is proof of your eligibility for free healthcare under Saskatchewan’s Health Care Insurance Plan.
You will need to provide your health card whenever you need to access healthcare. You will also need this when registering with a family doctor.
This post will give you an overview of the Canadian and Saskatchewan healthcare systems and explain in simple terms how to apply for a Saskatchewan health card.
For more information on Canadian health care and other provincial health cards, refer to our article on applying for health cards in Canada.
Canadian Healthcare – An Overview
Canada’s excellent healthcare system provides free primary care to eligible residents. Healthcare is publicly funded and administered at the provincial level. The provincial systems operate similarly, but there is some variation in coverage.
Your provincial plan will also provide basic coverage while travelling within other provinces and territories. However, if you move province permanently, you will need to re-register for healthcare with your new province.
How To Apply For A Saskatchewan Health Card – The Basics
Your Saskatchewan health card application can appear complicated, but it involves the following basic steps.
- Download an application form (or access it via the online portal)
- Gather the required documentation.
- Complete the application form (one per family)
- Submit the application form and copies of documentation online or via email, fax or mail.
- Your Saskatchewan health cards will be mailed to you
The following sections explain these steps in more detail, but some basic facts about the process are provided below:
| Saskatchewan Health Plan | |
|---|---|
| Cost of Application | Free |
| Ongoing Insurance Cost | Free |
| Application Methods | Online, Mail, Fax or Email |
| In-Person Locations | None |
| Processing Time | 4-6 Weeks |
| Wait Period (moving from outside Canada) | None |
| Wait Period (moving from within Canada) | 2-3 Months |
Who Is Eligible For Saskatchewan Health Insurance?
Most residents of Saskatchewan will be eligible for provincial health coverage if:
- You are lawfully entitled to be or remain in Canada (e.g. Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or on a work or study permit) and,
- You make your home in and are ordinarily present in Saskatchewan. Ordinarily present means you are physically present in Saskatchewan for at least 5 months out of 12.
Who Isn’t Eligible For Saskatchewan Health Insurance?
If you are a student from another province or territory and plan to return to your home province after your studies, you won’t be eligible for Saskatchewan health insurance. However, you will still receive coverage from your home province while in Saskatchewan.
What Is The Wait Period for Saskatchewan Health Care Coverage?
If you move to Saskatchewan from overseas, there probably won’t be a waiting period, and you should apply for your health cards as soon as possible after you arrive.
However, there is a wait time for people who move to Saskatchewan from another province. In this situation, your coverage won’t start until the 1st day of the 3rd month following the date you became a resident.
For example: if you become a permanent Saskatchewan resident on July 12th, your coverage will start on October 1st.
You will continue to receive basic coverage from your previous province or territory in the interim period.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
Do you want to know how much a pharmacist earns in Canada or whether it would be better to live in Revelstoke, BC or Squamish, BC?
We have the answer to these and many more questions.
What Documentation Will I Need To Apply For A Saskatchewan Health Card?
To apply for Saskatchewan Health Card, you must provide TWO ID pieces. The first is proof of your entitlement to reside in Canada; you will need to provide this for each family member.
The second is proof of your residency in Saskatchewan, and you can provide one document for the whole family so long as you live together.
We have given some examples of acceptable IDs below; a comprehensive list is provided on the health card application form.
Proof Of Right To Reside In Canada
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship card/certificate
- Canadian birth certificate
- Permanent Resident Card
- Canada entry documents, such as a work permit/study permit
Proof Of Residency In Saskatchewan
- Utility, telephone, gas, or cable TV bill (NOT cell phone)
- Mortgage documents or residential lease
- Federal income tax return
- Vehicle registration documents
- Home Insurance
- Saskatchewan drivers license
You should submit photocopies of these documents, NOT the originals.
How To Apply For A Saskatchewan Health Card
Many people will find that the easiest way to apply for a Saskatchewan health card is via the Government of Saskatchewan health portal. You can complete the online application and submit copies of your documents online.
The alternative is to download an application form from the eHealth Saskatchewan website. You should complete this (one form for your family) and submit it along with copies of your documentation to one of the following:
- Mail to: eHealth Saskatchewan Health Registries, 2130 – 11th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 0J5
- Fax to: 306-787-8951
- Email to: skhealthcardapp@ehealthsask.ca
What Is Covered By The Saskatchewan Healthcare Insurance Plan?
The Saskatchewan healthcare plan will cover you for medically necessary healthcare services such as:
- Visits to general practitioners, surgeons and other doctors
- Hospital services
- Psychiatric care
- Medically required diagnostic tests such as X-rays
- Laboratory services (e.g. blood tests)
- Treatment of drug & alcohol abuse issues
- Problem gambling services
- Mammogram screening for women aged 50 to 69
- Immunizations for children and influenza vaccines for all residents
- Treatment of STIs and AIDS testing
- Medically necessary dental surgery
Some supplementary coverage is available to certain residents as identified by social services. These include:
- Ambulance services
- Dental services
- Prescription drugs
- Podiatry and chiropodist services
- Some public homecare services, such as meals, home maintenance and housework
- Optometric services
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
Do you want to know how much a pharmacist earns in Canada or whether it would be better to live in Revelstoke, BC or Squamish, BC?
We have the answer to these and many more questions.
What Isn’t Covered By The Saskatchewan Healthcare Insurance Plan?
The Saskatchewan health care plan generally won’t cover you for the following services:
- Prescriptions (apart from during a hospital stay)
- Eye care, unless medically necessary
- Dental care, unless medically necessary
- Alternative treatments such as naturopathy
- Complementary treatments such as massage therapy and chiropractic services
- Cosmetic procedures
Many Canadians have private supplementary insurance for medical services that aren’t covered by the provincial plan. Employers often provide supplementary health overage in employee benefit packages, or you can acquire your own coverage.
How Do I Register With A Family Doctor In Saskatchewan?
Once you receive your health card, you can register with a family doctor. You are free to register with any doctor in your area that is accepting new patients. Some options for finding a doctor would be:
- Ask for a recommendation from someone you know
- Search online for doctors in your area (you may also find some helpful reviews)
- Use the Saskatchewan Health Authority list of doctors accepting new patients
English 
French 
Chinese 
Spanish