Healthcare System in Saskatchewan
Introduction
In Saskatchewan, as in every Canadian province, many healthcare services are publicly funded and free to residents. Because care can be very expenesive if you are not insured, non-residents are encouraged to carry private insurance. Provincial services in Saskatchewan are delivered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), and registration for coverage is handled by its affiliate eHealth Saskatchewan. To receive insured care, you must apply from a Saskatchewan Hleath Card.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone who makes Saskatchewan their primary residence and meets the residency requirements is eligible for coverage. This means you should spend at least five months in a calendar year in Saskatchewan. The system covers Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary residents (like work-permit holders and international students) who meet the residency criteria. Technically, coverage starts on the day you establish residence or the first day of the third month after arrival, depending on your immigration status.
Required Documents
You must submit proof of both legal entitlement to be in Canada (for each person) and current Saskatchewan residency (once per family).
1. Legal entitlement to be in Canada
- Canadian Citizens: Birth certificate, Canadian passport, or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
- Permanent Residents: Permanent Resident Card (both sides), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), or Notice of Decision (Convention Refugees).
- Foreign Nationals: Study permit (and proof of full-time enrollment) or work permit, along with a valid passport.
2. Saskatchewan Residency
- Signed mortage, rental, or lease agreement.
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, etc.) with your name and address - cell phone bills are not accepted.
- Home, auto, or tenant insurance policy.
- Saskatchewan driver's license or ID card.
- Employer pay stub or letter of employment.
- CRA Notice of Assessment or property tax statement.
- Canada Child Tax Benefit statement.
- School or university transcript or report card.
How to Apply
- Online (fastest): Create a Saskatchewan Account and upload your documents at Government of Saskatchewan website.
- By E-Mail: Fill out the application form, and email it with copies of your documents to eHealth Saskatchewan at skhealthcardapp@ehealthsask.ca.
- By Mail: Send the filled application form and photocopies of your documents to:
eHealth Saskatchewan
Health Card Registration
2130 11th Ave
Regina, SK S4P 0J5
Download the application form here.
Processing time: Typically 4-6 weeks. Check current processing time estimates at the eHealth Saskatchewan website.
While You Wait for Your Card
- Save your confirmation e-mail/receipt. Many clinics will accept this as proof of application, together with your photo ID and immigration papers.
- If you must pay our of pocket before your coverage is active, keep all receipts. You can submit them to SHA for reimbursement once your card arrives. Please note that the reimbursement process can take several one to two years.
- Consider private insurance for prescriptions, dental, and vision care (as well as ambulance), as these are not covered by the provincial system.
Healthcare Services Covered
By registering in Saskatchewan's healthcare system, you will be covered for:
- Family Doctor Visits: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and referrals to specialists.
- Hospital Services: Emergency care, surgeries, and inpatient care.
- Certain Special Treatments: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and some mental health services.
You do not need to make direct payments for these services, as they are billed directly to the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Note: In Canada, all initial visits are to your family doctor, and any referrals to specialists must come from them. You cannot directly book appointments with specialists without a referral.
Healthcare Services Not Covered
Some services are not covered by the provincial healthcare system and require private or supplemental insurance, including:
- Dental Services: Routine check-ups, fillings, and orthodontics. You might be able to get some coverage through the Canada Dental Plan.
- Vision Care and Glassesses: Eye exams, contact lenses, and prescription glasses.
- Prescription Drugs: Most medications require private insurance or out-of-pocket payment. There are some exceptions for low-income residents and seniors.
- Ambulance Services: Emergency transportation by ambulance is not covered, and you will need to pay out of pocket or have private insurance (some exceptions apply).
- Cosmetic Procedures: Any non-medically necessary procedures, such as plastic surgery or cosmetic dentistry, are not covered.
It is common to receive employer-sponsored health benefits that cover many of these services, so check with your employer about what is included in your health plan.
USask Students
The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) at the University of Saskatchewan hold information sessions on health insurance and application for international students. You can find more details on their website.