How To Get Health Insurance In Saskatchewan: A Step-by-Step Guide
In Saskatchewan, health insurance comprises both public and private options. Residents start by applying for provincial health coverage (the Saskatchewan Health Card) to access the majority of health services. This coverage is offered by the Ministry of Health.
The process includes fulfilling eligibility requirements, collecting necessary documents and filing an application. Whether you’re among the 20,501 new residents of Saskatchewan in 2025 or someone seeking to enhance their public health coverage with private health insurance, we have all the details you need to begin immediately.
Key Takeaways: How To Get Health Insurance In Saskatchewan: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Live in Saskatchewan ≥ 153 days a year and hold Canadian status (citizen, PR, or 6-month work/study permit).
- Submit ID and proof of address to eHealth online, by mail, or in person; expect your card in about 4–6 weeks (coverage starts the third month if you’re moving from another province).
- Provincial care skips prescriptions, dental, vision, and ambulance. Saskatchewan Blue Cross plans close those gaps.
Who Can Apply For Saskatchewan Health Coverage
Individuals who have established residence in the province by living there for a minimum of five months (153 days) of the year in a 12-month period are eligible to apply for provincial health coverage in Saskatchewan, as long as the following is also true.
Individuals must either be a Canadian citizen by birth or naturalization, permanent resident of Canada, or hold an eligible work or study permit issued by the Government of Canada. In some cases, temporary residents of Canada may be eligible for coverage if they hold a work or study permit that is valid for a minimum of six months and can establish residence in Saskatchewan.
Children under 18 years of age and some dependents who move to Saskatchewan may also be covered under certain conditions. For example, children are usually covered if a parent or guardian is eligible for coverage.
Some exceptions apply. Federal health programs cover Canadian Armed Forces members and federal inmates, but they are not eligible for provincial health coverage.
Eligibility for the provincial plan is required before applying for most types of private health insurance.
What Documents Are Needed To Register
To apply for provincial health coverage in Saskatchewan, you’ll need to provide a handful of documents that verify who you are, your legal status, and where you live.
Proof of identity: This can include a valid federal or provincially issued document such as a passport, Canadian birth certificate, or Canadian citizenship card.
Proof of legal status: This shows your right to live in Canada, such as a permanent resident card, Canadian passport, work permit, study permit, Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization, Canadian Citizenship card, and more.
Proof of Saskatchewan residency: This confirms you live in the province. You can use a recent utility bill, rental or lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, and more. If you are applying for multiple family members under one residence, only one adult is required to submit proof of residency.
If you’re registering dependents, you’ll also need their birth certificates or guardianship papers. Special situations like recent name changes or adoptions might require extra documents.
Steps To Submit Your Application
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Confirm Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, double-check that you meet the basic residency and legal status requirements discussed above. If you’re moving to Saskatchewan from another province or country, be aware there may be a waiting period after establishing residency (often up to three months) before your provincial coverage actually starts. Applying at the right time (e.g. as soon as you arrive and have a local address) helps avoid gaps in coverage. For inter-provincial movers, Saskatchewan Health coverage typically kicks in on the first day of the third month after you become a resident.
That means if you moved to Saskatchewan on July 10, your provincial coverage would begin October 1 (so you’d need interim coverage for July, August, and September). If you’re moving from outside Canada as a new immigrant or returning Canadian, some categories may be eligible for coverage starting from your arrival date, whereas others might also face a waiting period up to the first day of the third month.
The key is to apply as soon as you’re eligible and have the required documents in hand.
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Gather Required Documentation
Collect all your documents before starting the application. Make sure nothing is expired or missing. Common issues that cause delays include using an expired ID or not providing sufficient proof of Saskatchewan residency.
For example, if you only have an out-of-province driver’s license as ID, that alone isn’t enough; you’d still need a birth certificate or passport and something that shows your Saskatchewan address. It’s much easier to gather and photocopy your passport/ID, PR card or permit, and a utility bill or lease ahead of time so you can attach them to the application.
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Complete The Application
The health card application form is available online through eHealth Saskatchewan. You can fill it out online or get a paper form from a local office.
The form asks for basic information like:
- Your full name and birth date
- Your address in Saskatchewan
- Your previous health coverage details
- Information about any family members you’re registering
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Submit Your Materials
You can send in your application and documents in three ways:
- Online through the eHealth Saskatchewan website
- By mail to the address on the form
- In person at an eHealth Saskatchewan office
If applying in person, bring original documents. For mail or online applications, copies are usually accepted, though some might need to be certified by an official.
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Monitor Your Application Status
Most applications take 4-6 weeks to process. You can check your status by contacting eHealth Saskatchewan. If you don’t hear anything after 6 weeks, follow up to make sure there are no problems with your application.
During any waiting period, private health insurance can help cover medical costs. Many Newcomers purchase temporary health insurance to bridge this gap.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Saskatchewan Health Card in the mail. This card proves you have provincial health coverage when you visit doctors or hospitals.
How To Maintain Your Saskatchewan Health Card
1. Update Personal Information
Tell eHealth Saskatchewan when your information changes. This includes:
- New name after marriage or legal name change
- New address if you move
- Family changes like having a child or divorce
Keeping your information current ensures you receive important notices and maintains your coverage without interruption.
2. Renew Before Expiry
Saskatchewan Health Cards expire every three years. eHealth Saskatchewan sends renewal notices before your card expires. The renewal process is simpler than the first application and can be done online or by mail.
3. Report Lost Or Stolen Cards
If you can’t find your health card or someone takes it, contact eHealth Saskatchewan immediately. You’ll need to verify your identity to get a replacement card. There might be a small fee for replacement cards.
What Saskatchewan Health Coverage Includes
Provincial health coverage pays for many basic medical services but not everything. Understanding what’s covered helps you plan for additional health insurance needs.
Covered services:
- Doctor visits and consultations
- Hospital care (ward rooms)
- Medically necessary surgeries
- Emergency medical care
- Most diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests)
- Some mental health services
Services not covered:
- Prescription drugs (except for special programs)
- Dental care and checkups
- Eye exams and glasses
- Ambulance services
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Physiotherapy (except in hospitals)
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
This is why many people choose extended health insurance to cover these additional services. Saskatchewan Blue Cross offers plans that fill these gaps in provincial coverage.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance
Provincial health coverage in Saskatchewan provides essential medical care, but many supplementary health services aren’t included. Private health insurance helps cover these additional costs.
Prescription medications can be expensive, especially for ongoing conditions. While some special provincial programs help certain groups with drug costs, most people pay out of pocket or through insurance.
Provincial health insurance does not cover dental care, including regular checkups, fillings and major procedures. The same applies to vision care, such as eye exams and glasses.
Emergency medical transportation by ambulance can cost hundreds of dollars without coverage. Extended insurance typically covers most or all of this expense.
Private health insurance plans vary in what they cover and how much they pay. Some plans focus on prescription drugs, while others offer comprehensive coverage across multiple service types.
Looking Ahead To Your Next Step
After getting your Saskatchewan Health Card, finding a family doctor is often the next priority. While you’re looking, remember that all Saskatchewan Blue Cross personal health plans include Virtual Care—24/7/365 access to a nurse practitioner who can assess and treat many non-emergency concerns (and prescribe or refer when appropriate). It’s a great option if you don’t currently have a family doctor.
Always bring your health card to medical appointments. The card has your health number, which healthcare providers use to bill the provincial plan for your care.
Take time to learn what services are covered by provincial health insurance and what aren’t. This helps avoid surprise costs when seeking medical care.
At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we offer various insurance options for services not covered by the provincial plan. Health coverage is an important part of financial planning. By understanding both provincial coverage and provincial insurance options, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance In Saskatchewan
How much is a health card in Saskatchewan?
A health card in Saskatchewan is free; there is no cost to apply for or renew your Saskatchewan Health Card.
Do full-time students qualify for Saskatchewan Health coverage?
Full-time students who live in Saskatchewan for at least 153 days per year and have legal status in Canada qualify for provincial health coverage. Students studying outside the province temporarily may keep their coverage by notifying eHealth Saskatchewan.
What happens to my health coverage if I move temporarily from Saskatchewan?
If you leave Saskatchewan temporarily (for example, an extended trip, temporary work assignment, or an out-of-province educational program), you can usually retain your Saskatchewan Health coverage for a defined period as long as you notify eHealth Saskatchewan in advance of your extended absence. Saskatchewan allows residents to be temporarily absent for up to 12 months while keeping their health card active, provided they intend to return.
How long does it take to receive a Saskatchewan Health Card after applying?
Most applications take 4-6 weeks to process. If you don’t receive your card after this time, contact eHealth Saskatchewan to check your application status.
Can I access healthcare services while waiting for my health card?
Some healthcare providers accept proof that you’ve applied for coverage. During the waiting period, temporary private health insurance can help cover medical costs until your provincial coverage begins.