If you are new to Saskatchewan and have come from another part of Canada, you are required to register for health coverage. As a general rule, coverage will begin on the first day of the third calendar month following the date you established residency in Saskatchewan. (This excludes people who are eligible for benefits under other Saskatchewan or federal programs - See Special Classes of Newcomers.)

For example - if you established residency in Saskatchewan September 27th, Saskatchewan Health would begin to cover you on December 1st.

You will have no interruption in health coverage if you move within Canada, as your home province covers you until your Saskatchewan benefits take effect.

• If you arrive in Saskatchewan and your spouse does not arrive with you, but joins you within 12 months of your arrival, Saskatchewan Health begins coverage for both of you starting the first day of the third calendar month following the arrival of your spouse in the province.

For example - If you arrive January 1 and your spouse arrives June 10, Saskatchewan Health would begin to cover you both on September 1.

• If your spouse does not join you within the 12-month period, you will each be considered individually. Your coverage will begin at the end of the 12-month period and your spouse's coverage will begin the first day of the third calendar month following his or her arrival.

For example - If you arrive in Saskatchewan January 1, 2009 and your spouse joins you in June 2010, your Saskatchewan coverage begins January 1, 2010 (at the end of the 12-month period), and your spouse's coverage begins September 1, 2010.

In both situations, your former province of residence will continue to cover you while you're in Saskatchewan until your Saskatchewan coverage takes effect.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health covers health services for certain special classes of newcomers from outside Canada who move to Saskatchewan on or before the first day of the third calendar month after arriving in Canada. If you are among the groups identified below, you may be eligible for benefits from the day you move to Saskatchewan.

• permanent residents (landed immigrants)
• people discharged from the Canadian Forces and the RCMP
• non-immigrants who are in Canada in connection with their trade or profession
• international students
• returning spouses of Canadian Forces members
• returning Canadian citizens
• returning residents
  

For more information, visit How To Register For a Health Services Card (Health Benefits) and Health Card and Health Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions links below.