Moving to Manitoba from within Canada

If you have moved to Manitoba from another province or territory, and intend to live in Manitoba for six months or more, you are encouraged to apply for Manitoba Health coverage within three months of arriving in Manitoba.

If you are eligible, Manitoba Health coverage will begin on the first day of the third month after you arrive in Manitoba. For example, if you arrive on April 29, April will count as the first month, with May and June as the following two. Therefore, in this case your coverage would begin July 1.

Active Military Families

The three month waiting period is waived for Canadian military families in Manitoba.

Incoming Canadian Students

Students from other Canadian provinces or territories who are in Manitoba temporarily to attend school full time and who plan to return to their home province or territory after their studies must maintain their health insurance coverage with their home province. Contact your current health insurance plan to find out which services are covered after you move and to confirm how to receive reimbursement if you have to pay for some services out of pocket.

Arriving ahead of a spouse or minor children

If your spouse or minor children (under 18 years) plan to join you in Manitoba later, you should discuss continuation of your coverage with your previous province or territory until your family joins you in Manitoba. Please report changes such as a change in immigration status, new address, birth, adoption, death, marriage, divorce, or legal separation by filling out this eForm. Some documentation may be required.

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Moving to Manitoba from outside Canada

If you are moving to or returning to Manitoba from outside of Canada, coverage eligibility is based on proof of your legal status in Canada and your residence in Manitoba. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply for coverage from the date of arrival in Manitoba. When you apply, you will need to provide a copy of your passport and all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada documents which have been issued to you and your spouse and minor children (under 18 years). You will also need to provide proof of your residence in Manitoba.

Returning Canadians

If you are returning to live in Manitoba after having been outside of Canada for more than seven months in a calendar year, you may apply for Manitoba Health coverage from the date you arrive in Manitoba. In order for Manitoba Health to review and make a decision about your application, the following is required: proof of your Canadian citizenship and proof of residence in Manitoba.

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Permanent Residents

You may apply for Manitoba Health coverage from the date you arrive in Manitoba. In order for Manitoba Health to review and make a decision about your application, the following is required: proof of Permanent Resident Status and proof of residence in Manitoba.

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Work Permit Holders

You may apply for Manitoba Health coverage, from the date your valid work permit was issued. In order for Manitoba Health to review and make a decision about your application, the following is required: proof of your work permit(s) of minimum 12 consecutive months duration and proof of residence in Manitoba.

You may also apply for Manitoba Health coverage for your spouse and minor children (under 18 years) listed on your valid work permit. Proof of a spouse and/or minor children’s legal status in Canada that is valid for at least 6 months is required for each applicant.

If your work permit is going to expire and you plan to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for an extension of your work permit, you may be eligible to temporarily extend your Manitoba Health coverage.

In order to Temporarily extend your health coverage, please provide Manitoba Health with copies of the your confirmation that IRCC has received your application to extend your work permit online or Acknowledgement of Receipt letter from IRCC that confirms your existing authority to work has been extended to a specific date. Manitoba Health will also require the official receipt of payment from IRCC showing your online payment or the official bank receipt to show date of payment for your updated permit.

Should you need to temporarily extend your health coverage again, please contact Manitoba Health before your temporary extension has expired.

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Study Permit Holders

Effective September 1, 2018, individuals with a Study Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are no longer eligible for Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living coverage.

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Convention Refugee or Protected Person

A refugee claimant may be eligible for Manitoba Health benefits if they have been issued a work permit that satisfies the same criteria as “Work Permit Holders” above. If you are awaiting the outcome of a refugee claimant hearing and have not been issued a work permit that makes you eligible for Manitoba Health coverage, you may be eligible for the Interim Federal Healthcare Plan.

If you have undergone a hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Refugee Protection Division (RPD) or the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) and a positive decision has been rendered, you may apply for Manitoba Health benefits. The following is required: your positive decision letter and proof of residence in Manitoba. NOTE: Only those family members listed on your decision letter can be eligible for Manitoba Health benefits.

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Visitor Record Holders

Holders of a visitor record are not eligible for Manitoba Health coverage.

Exception: If you are the holder of a visitor record and the spouse or child (18 years or under) of a person who has a work permit valid for 12 months or more you may be eligible coverage. The visitor record must be valid for at least six months (183 days).

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Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

You may apply for Manitoba Health coverage, from the date your work permit was issued. In order for Manitoba Health to review and make a decision about your application, the following is required: proof of your work permit(s) and proof of residence in Manitoba.

Your employer may assist in your application process and/or submit an application on your behalf, but you can also apply on your own.

You may also apply for Manitoba Health coverage for your spouse and minor children (under 18 years). Proof of a spouse and/or minor children’s legal status in Canada is required.

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