Moving to another province: keeping health, drug and dental coverage without a gap

When you move from one Canadian province or territory to another, your old province generally keeps covering you during the new province's waiting period, which under the Canada Health Act's portability principle cannot exceed three months. In practice, you register with the new province's plan as soon as you arrive, and coverage there usually begins on the first day of the third month after arrival, with the old province covering the gap. What does not transfer automatically: provincial drug program enrolment, income-based deductibles, seniors' coverage rules and any provincial programs you used. Private and group plans usually continue, but premiums and benefits can change with your province, and in Quebec the mandatory drug insurance rules start to apply. This guide walks through the move.

It is part of the common health insurance mistakes in Canada overview. Rules are set by each province; confirm with both plans.

The basic rule

Worked example of dates. You move from Alberta to Nova Scotia on 15 May. Nova Scotia coverage would typically begin on 1 August (first day of the third month after the month of arrival, counting June and July as the two full months). Alberta covers insured services until 31 July. Check the exact rule with both provinces; some count differently.

Getting care during the transition

Insured hospital services are usually billed between provinces under reciprocal billing agreements, so you show your old health card. Physician services are also usually billed between provinces, with an important exception: Quebec does not take part in the reciprocal agreement for physician services. If you see a doctor in Quebec with an out-of-province card, you may have to pay and claim reimbursement from your home plan, which may pay only up to its own rates. Some services, such as certain tests or procedures, may not be covered across provinces at all. Ask before non-urgent care.

Drug coverage when you move

• Provincial programs do not transfer. If you were on Ontario's Trillium Drug Program or BC's Fair PharmaCare, you must apply to the new province's program once you are eligible there.
• Income-based programs in the new province may use your tax return information, and may ask for proof of residency.
• Seniors' programs begin once you are covered by the new provincial health plan.
• Moving to Quebec: once covered by RAMQ, you must have prescription drug insurance, through a private group plan if you have access, otherwise the RAMQ public plan; see Quebec's mandatory drug insurance.
• Leaving Quebec: your obligation and RAMQ drug coverage end with Quebec residency; check your new province's options.

Worked example (illustrative). A retiree aged 70 moves from British Columbia to Ontario. In BC, Fair PharmaCare with an income-based deductible covered most of their $4,800 yearly drug costs. Once covered by OHIP, they will qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit as a senior, with its own deductible and copayment rules based on income. During the transition months, they should fill prescriptions before leaving where medically appropriate, and ask about the coverage of prescriptions filled in Ontario before ODB eligibility starts, since the BC program generally covers prescriptions filled in BC.

Private and group plans

• Group plans usually continue if your employer is the same, but your benefits booklet may differ by province (for example, provincial dental fee guides and premium taxes). If you change employers, see losing group benefits.
• Individual plans: tell the insurer your new address. Premiums are set by province, so yours may change. Some insurers or plans are not offered in every province.
• Out-of-province coverage within Canada: some private plans include it for emergencies; check whether it matters during your transition.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

The CDCP is federal and applies in every province, so moving does not affect eligibility, but update your address and find a dental provider in your new area who accepts CDCP patients. See Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility.

Checklist for the move

1. Note your move date and tell your old provincial plan.
2. Register with the new province on arrival with proof of residency and identity.
3. Fill prescriptions you will need during the transition, where appropriate.
4. Apply to the new province's drug programs as soon as you are eligible.
5. Update your address with private insurers, the CRA and, in Quebec, Revenu Québec.
6. Find a new family doctor or join the new province's wait list for one.
7. Keep receipts for care paid directly during the move.

Mistakes to avoid

• Delaying registration, which can leave you uninsured after your old province's coverage ends.
• Assuming your drug program follows you.
• Paying a Quebec doctor without keeping itemized receipts for reimbursement.
• Keeping an individual plan with an old address, which can complicate claims.

Frequently asked questions

What if I move temporarily for work or school?

Students and temporary workers may keep their home province's coverage for a period if they keep residency there. Each province sets its own rules; check before you leave.

Do I need travel insurance within Canada?

Provincial plans cover insured services across Canada under portability rules, but not always at the full cost (for example, for ambulance fees or physician services billed at a different province's rate). Some people buy coverage for out-of-province costs; check your group plan first.

When should I change my driver's licence and health card?

Health card rules are separate from licensing rules; register for health coverage first.

Sources

• Health Canada — portability under the Canada Health Act
• Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec — moving to or leaving Quebec
• Government of Ontario — OHIP registration and Ontario Drug Benefit
• Government of British Columbia — MSP and Fair PharmaCare when leaving BC
• Government of Alberta — AHCIP when moving