Pregnant and new to Canada: getting health coverage for you and your baby
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Health care in Canada is provincial. The Canada Health Act forbids waiting periods longer than three months for new residents; Ontario has none for eligible people. Refugees and claimants may be covered by the Interim Federal Health Program, which includes pre and postnatal care. Contact your provincial plan the week you arrive, and ask about exceptions for pregnancy in writing.
How coverage works in Canada
Each province and territory runs its own health insurance plan. Under the Canada Health Act, insured health services include medically necessary hospital and physician services, and a province must not impose a waiting period in excess of three months before new residents are covered. Within that limit, each province decides.
| Province | Waiting period for eligible new residents |
|---|---|
| Ontario | None: Ontario states there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP |
| Alberta | Alberta says there may be a waiting period when you move from another province or country |
| British Columbia, Québec, others | Waiting periods apply to many newcomers: confirm with your provincial plan |
Sources: Justice Laws, Ontario.ca and Alberta.ca, as of October 2026.
Ontario: who is eligible for OHIP
Ontario lists, among others: Canadian citizens; permanent residents; some applicants for permanent residence whose application IRCC has confirmed meets the eligibility requirements; people in Ontario on a valid work permit working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months; and workers in the Live-in Caregiver and Seasonal Agricultural Worker programs. Children need their own immigration document from IRCC to register, but children under 16 do not need proof of residency or identity.
Refugees and refugee claimants: the IFHP
The Interim Federal Health Program covers eligible people until they can get provincial or territorial insurance or leave Canada. According to Canada.ca:
- Basic coverage (free): hospital services, doctor and nurse care, laboratory, diagnostic and ambulance services, including pre and postnatal care.
- Prescriptions: you pay $4 for each eligible prescription.
- Supplemental coverage: the program pays 70% of some costs (such as urgent dental care, vision care, mental health counselling, physiotherapy) and you pay 30%.
- Find a provider through the Medavie Blue Cross portal.
What to do in your first weeks, in order
- Contact your provincial health plan the week you arrive, with your immigration documents. Ask: Am I eligible? When does coverage start? Is there an exception for pregnancy?
- Get the answer in writing (email or letter) if you are told your pregnancy care will or will not be covered.
- During a waiting period: look at private insurance that covers you from arrival, and read the pregnancy exclusions: many plans exclude a pregnancy that began before the policy.
- Find care now, not later. Community health centres and some clinics see people without coverage. Midwifery practices accept self-referrals in many provinces.
- Ask the hospital where you plan to give birth about its fees for uninsured patients and whether it offers a payment plan.
- In an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency department. Do not let paperwork stop you from getting help.
Moving from another province
The Canada Health Act requires your old province to keep paying for insured services during your new province's waiting period, on the same basis as if you had not moved. Tell your old plan about the move, keep your old card until the new one arrives, and register with the new province right away.
Money and papers for newcomer families
- EI maternity benefits depend on insured hours worked in Canada (600 in the last 52 weeks), not on citizenship. See maternity leave in Canada.
- Canada Child Benefit: eligible if you or your partner is a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months with a valid permit in the 19th month. Send Schedule RC66SCH with Form RC66. See the CCB for your newborn.
- Your baby's papers: register the birth within the provincial deadline, then contact your own country's embassy or consulate if you want your baby registered there too. See register the birth, SIN and health card.
You are not alone
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada encourages newcomers to build a circle: cultural groups, places of worship, drop-in programs for pregnant women, a social worker, and your local public health unit. It also points to the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, a community-based program available to newcomers. Hospitals in large cities usually offer interpreters: ask for one when you book. In British Columbia, 8-1-1 offers translation in over 130 languages.
Questions parents ask
Is there a waiting period for health coverage in Canada?
It depends on the province. The Canada Health Act says a province must not impose a waiting period in excess of three months. Ontario states that there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP for eligible people.
Will my baby born in Canada be covered?
A baby born in Canada is generally a Canadian citizen and is enrolled in the provincial plan after birth, for example through Ontario's Infant Registration form. Ask your province how it applies to your family's situation.
Are refugee claimants covered during pregnancy?
The Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary coverage for eligible groups until they qualify for provincial insurance. Its basic coverage includes hospital, doctor and nurse care, including pre and postnatal care.
Can I get EI maternity benefits as a newcomer?
EI depends on insured hours worked in Canada, not on citizenship. With 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks, you can qualify.
Sources
- Canada Health Act (Justice Laws), section 11 and definitions checked October 13, 2026
- Ontario — Apply for OHIP and get a health card checked October 13, 2026
- Alberta — AHCIP eligibility checked October 13, 2026
- Government of Canada — Interim Federal Health Program, summary of coverage checked October 13, 2026
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Pregnancy planning for newcomers to Canada checked October 13, 2026
- Canada Revenue Agency — CCB, before you apply (status conditions) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.