Manitoba Health Card: Eligibility Criteria and How to apply for it?

Individuals can register for the Manitoba Health Card which is used to cover many health related expenses such as your routine medical checkups and hospital stays. This card is based on your personal information including address, nine-digits PHIN, six digits registration number, etc. 

This card is now available in a more durable plastic version compared to the old paper version. The card design showcased northern line, polar bear or bison and this card will be bilingual, which allows residents to indicate their official language, either French or English. 

Manitoba Health Card

The Manitoba Health Card is an identification piece which is issued to all Manitobains as a proof of eligibility for health coverage under the Health Services Insurance Act. This card information includes the cardholder’s name, six digit registration number, Personal Health Identification Number (PHIN), birthdate, address, etc. 

This card provides access to a wide range of health services including hospital stays, doctor visits and in medical emergencies. It allows Manitobains to meet medical expenditures without high out of pocket expenses. If you want to apply for this card, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide crucial documents. 

You have to complete your registration process for this card through providing documents which prove your residence in Manitoba. Once you apply for the card online or offline, you have to wait for a few weeks to receive this card. 

Only two provinces in Canada, Manitoba and Alberta, are still using paper health cards. Each child and youth can receive their own cards instead of previous family cards. The new plastic cards are more durable and it’s available in French or English to indicate both official languages. 

Who is eligible for Manitoba Health Card coverages?

Manitobains have to meet certain qualifying criteria if they want to take advantage of Manitoba Health Card coverages. The qualifying requirements includes:

  • Permanent Canadian citizens who are residing in Manitoba are eligible. 
  • Individuals who are Indigenous persons, meaning they are registered under the federal Indian Act are also qualified. 
  • Those who are on valid work in Manitoba for a consecutive one year or more. 
  • Spouses and children under 18 are eligible if they hold work permits. 
  • Qualifying individuals are those who are considered a convention refugee or protected person.
  • Those who are providing agricultural services in Manitoba with valid work permits are eligible to take health card coverage benefits. 
  • Those who are physically living for six months(183 days) in Manitoba and those who are making Manitoba their homes. 
  • Tourists, Transients, Visitors, and students from other Canadian provinces or territories are not eligible for Manitoba Health Card Coverages. 

How can I apply for a Manitoba Health Card?

The applying process for the Manitoba Health Card is easy if you follow below given steps.

  • Individuals have to meet eligibility criteria first and after that they have to gather documents including proof of your legal status in Canada and residence in Manitoba. 
  • You can register for this card through an online or mail method and in both ways you have to upload or attach copies of supporting documents. 
  • After completely providing required information and supporting documents, submit your application in the preferred way. 
  • Online application will be submitted from the official website while the mail address is also available on the official website to use. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed thoroughly for verification of given information and for missing information, you will be contacted by relevant authorities. 

Once your application is approved, your health card will take a few weeks to arrive. The delivery of the card can take 7 to 10 additional days after approval. After receiving a health card, you have to keep it with yourself all the time to access healthcare services. 

What services are covered by the Manitoba Health Card?

The Manitoba Health Card provides coverage for many health services including Medical services and treatments provided by the doctors, For Surgery and Anesthesia, X-ray and Laboratory Services, Hospital Services including stays, medication, nursing service, meals, etc. 

You can confirm it at the time of accessing the card. This service ensures that Manitoba residents have enough support for medical expenses and there is no financial burden at the time of medical emergencies. 

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