Every way to get care while you wait for a family doctor: waitlists, pharmacists, virtual care, walk-in clinics, and nurse practitioners. Covers all 10 provinces and 3 territories, with 5 printable tools.
adults in Canada don't have a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team they see regularly. Source: 2025 OurCare national survey.
This guide puts every option in one place, in the order to use them, for where you live.
minor ailments Ontario pharmacists can treat as of July 2026, including urinary tract infections, free with a health card.
the free number to talk to a nurse in most provinces and territories.
regions with no central waitlist, and what to do instead if you live there.
the usual wait for health coverage for newcomers in BC, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
Yes. All 10 provinces and 3 territories.
Yes. One section explains health coverage for students, work permit holders, and new permanent residents, with a worksheet to plan yours.
No. It helps you find and use public healthcare services. It doesn't diagnose or replace a doctor.
You get a PDF download right after payment. Read it on any device and print the tools.