Manitoba residents receive medically required physician care and hospital care at no charge.

As soon as you arrive in Manitoba you are eligible for health coverage. You MUST get a Manitoba Health Card first.Some services (such as eye care, dental care and prescriptions) may not be covered by the Government of Manitoba. But any employers offer health-care and dental insurance plans that pay some of these fees. Talk to your employer about which benefits may be available to you.

Guide to health services in Manitoba

For more information about what health services are eligible for government coverage, how to stay healthy and how to find the services you need visit the Manitoba Health website infohealth.

Here is a list of some health services in Manitoba:

• Emergencies: Go yourself to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. If you require an ambulance to take you, the service can cost you about $300.
• Walk-in clinics: These facilities have doctors and nurses. Services are free. You do not need an appointment.
• Family doctor: It can be hard to become a regular patient at a family practice. In Winnipeg phone Family Doctor Connection at 786-7111 to find doctors who are accepting new patients.
• Speak to a nurse by phone: Phone Health Links at 204-788-8200, toll-free 1-888-315-9257, any time, day or night to speak with a nurse about non-emergency health conditions. (For example, concerns such as a high fever in a baby, blood pressure information, possible fracture/sprain)
• Prescription drugs: Drugs prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner you must pay for yourself. You may be reimbursed by a private health plan or Manitoba Pharmacare Program.
• Mental and spiritual health care: Mobile crisis, crisis centres and help phone lines in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba are listed at Manitoba Health.
• Specialists: Outside of hospital, to see a specialist such as a physiotherapist or cardiologist you generally must be referred by your family doctor (general practitioner).
• Dentists, optometrists: To get your eyes or teeth checked you can make an appointment yourself. Dentistry is not covered by Manitoba Health. Some eye exams are covered.
• Non-medical services: Services including chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, naturopathy and Chinese medicine are not covered by Manitoba Health, but may be partially paid by a private health plan.