Saskatchewan Health Plan
Everything you need to know about Saskatchewan’s provincial health plan. Provincial coverage is limited. Compare health insurance quotes online before speaking to a broker with HealthQuotes.
Last updated: October 2026. Provincial coverage details are subject to change. Always confirm current coverage with the Government of Saskatchewan.
Quick Answer: The Saskatchewan Health Plan (often called Saskatchewan Health) is the province's public health insurance. It pays for medically necessary doctor visits, hospital care, most diagnostic tests and some community services for eligible residents. There are no premiums. You just need a valid Saskatchewan health card.
It does not pay for most prescription drugs, routine dental care, glasses, most paramedical services or ground ambulance trips. Some of those costs are reduced through separate provincial programs, like the Seniors' Drug Plan. The rest are paid out of pocket or through private health insurance.
Saskatchewan Health Coverage at a Glance (2026)
| Service | Covered? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visits (medically necessary) | Yes | Inpatient and outpatient physician services are free with a valid card. |
| Hospital care and emergency | Yes | Medically necessary hospital services in Saskatchewan are covered. |
| Mental health and addictions services | Yes, through the SHA | Services through the Saskatchewan Health Authority are covered. Private psychologists and counsellors are not. |
| Physiotherapy and occupational therapy | Partly | Covered only in hospitals, special care homes, community agencies or private clinics with an SHA contract. |
| Prescription drugs | Not automatically | Separate programs help: $25 per prescription for eligible seniors 65+ and children 14 and under, plus income-based help. |
| Eye exams | Partly | One exam a year for anyone under 18 or with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Eye emergencies are covered. |
| Glasses and contact lenses | No | Not covered for adults or children under the regular plan. |
| Routine dental care | No | Only limited oral surgery and medically required extractions are covered. |
| Chiropractic care | No | Removed from coverage in 2017. |
| Massage, naturopath, acupuncture | No | Paid out of pocket or through private insurance. |
| Hearing aids | No (most residents) | The Saskatchewan Hearing Aid Plan ended in 2017. |
| Ground ambulance | No (fees apply) | Seniors 65+ pay a maximum of $135 per trip within the province. |
| Air ambulance (SAA and STARS) | Partly | Flat $465 fee per trip with a valid health card. |
| Emergency care outside Canada | Very limited | Hospital stays are reimbursed up to $100 a day. Most of the bill is yours. |
Source: Government of Saskatchewan, Health Benefits Coverage. Last reviewed October 2026.
Coverage Summary
Important: as of July 1, 2017, chiropractic services will not be covered (even if you are eligible for Family Health Benefits or the Supplementary Health Benefit Program). Standard podiatry services and the Hearing Aid Plan have also been discontinued, although they are still covered if you qualify for the Family Health Benefits or Supplementary Health Benefit Programs.
Services Covered by Saskatchewan Health
All medically necessary services provided by physicians (inpatient/outpatient).
Physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
Screening mammography for women 50-69 via the Provincial Screening Program for Breast Cancer.
Some immunization services.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) treatment.
HIV testing which can be done anonymously.
Drug, alcohol abuse and gambling addiction treatment (done through the Saskatchewan Health Authority or Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Incorporated).
Mental health services via the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Supplementary health services for residents who are recommended by Social Services. Supplementary services consist of coverages like dental services, prescription drug costs, medical supplies, podiatry/chiropody and transportation costs resulting from a medical emergency.
Family health benefits: provided to low-income families who qualify. Benefits are the same as the supplementary services mentioned above, and are primarily for children under 18.
Home care services provided for free are: case assessment, home nursing and physical/occupational therapy. For partially covered homecare services see below.
Some major dental services such as medically necessary dental surgery, extraction of teeth, and dental implants MAY be covered (routine dental services are not covered). Click here for more information (see the “Dental Services” section).
Services Partially Covered by Saskatchewan Health
Air ambulance as a result of transportation to get medical services not available in Saskatchewan (there is a $350 fee). Must be ordered by a physician.
Ground ambulance for seniors (there is a maximum fee of $275).
The following public homecare services are partially covered: homemaking, meals and home maintenance. A fee will be charged, based on the resident’s income and services received. Private home care services are not covered.
Long term care costs, unless the resident is assessed as “Level 1”. Resident charges are based on the income of the resident.
Podiatry/chiropodist services (inserts are not covered though).
As of July 1, 2017, coverage for hearing-related services (e.g. tests, counselling, hearing aid fittings, etc.) is only available if you qualify for the Family Health Benefits or the Supplementary Benefits Program.
Optometric services: coverage for an annual eye exam for residents who: are less than 18 years old or; have diabetes or; have suffered some sort trauma to an eye. See Vision Care and Canadian Health Insurance for more information.
Services Not Covered by Saskatchewan Health
Prescription drugs, unless you qualify for a drug program (see below).
Routine dental services such as cleanings, scalings, fillings, etc.
Ground ambulance transportation, unless you are a senior (there is partial coverage for seniors, see “Partial Coverage” above).
Air ambulance, unless it is necessary to get treatment not available in Saskatchewan (in which case there is a $350 fee).
Eye glasses, lenses, etc. although there MAY be limited coverage for glasses if enrolled in the Family Health Benefits program.
Most paramedical services such as psychologists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, registered massage therapists, etc.
Does Saskatchewan Health Cover Eye Exams, Dental, Physio and Hearing Aids?
Eye Exams
Saskatchewan Health pays for one eye exam a year for anyone under 18 and for anyone with a confirmed type 1 or type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Eye emergencies, like an injury or something stuck in the eye, are covered for everyone, including follow-up visits. Routine exams for other adults, glasses and contacts are not covered. Many individual health insurance plans include a vision benefit for exams and eyewear.
Dental Care
Routine dental care isn't covered. That includes checkups, cleanings and fillings. The province only pays for limited oral surgery, some medically required extractions (for example, before heart surgery or certain cancer treatments) and dental implants in rare cases tied to tumours or birth defects. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan may help residents who don't have dental insurance and meet its income limit.
Physiotherapy
Physio is covered when you get it through a hospital, special care home, community agency or a private clinic that has a contract with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. A visit to a regular private physio clinic is usually paid out of pocket or through private insurance.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids aren't covered for most residents. The Saskatchewan Hearing Aid Plan was discontinued in 2017. People on the Supplementary Health or Family Health Benefits programs may still get some help. Many private health plans include a hearing aid benefit, often with a set amount every few years.
Ambulance
Ground ambulance trips aren't covered for most residents, so you'll get a bill. Seniors 65 and older pay a maximum of $135 per trip within Saskatchewan, and transfers between facilities inside the province are fully covered for them. Air ambulance costs a flat $465 per trip. Ambulance coverage is one of the most common reasons people add a private health plan.
Drug Plans and Extended Benefits Plans
Are Prescription Drugs Covered in Saskatchewan?
Prescription drugs you fill at a pharmacy aren't automatically covered by the Saskatchewan Health Plan. Drugs given to you during a hospital stay are covered. For everything else, the Saskatchewan Drug Plan offers a few programs that lower what you pay. For more information go to their Extended Benefits and Drug Plan web page.
Children’s Drug Plan
Maximum of $25 for prescription drugs for children aged 14 and under.
Seniors Drug Plan
Residents aged 65 years or older only pay up to $25 for necessary prescription drugs.
Family Health Benefits
Health benefits (including but not limited to prescription drugs) for low-income families who: have a low family income, or; are on Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, or; are on Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplements.
Emergency Assistance for Prescription Drugs
One-time emergency assistance if a resident cannot afford necessary prescription drugs.
Exception Drug Status
Coverage for specific prescription drugs, as recommended by the Drug Advisory Committee of Saskatchewan.
Palliative Care Drug Coverage
Prescription drug coverage for palliative care patients in the late stages of a terminal illness. Does not provide drugs for terminal cancer patients (The Allan Blair Cancer Centre and the Saskatoon Cancer Centre Pharmacy provide free drug coverage to registered cancer patients).
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program
Financial assistance for residents with physical disabilities. It also provides assistance to residents in order to manage certain chronic medical conditions.
Supplementary Health Benefits
Provides assistance for non-insured benefits to residents who are government wards, inmates of correctional institutions, or are enrolled in one of the income support programs.
Saskatchewan Insulin Pump Program
Financial assistance for residents under the age of 26 who require an insulin pump and have Type 1 diabetes.
Guaranteed Income Supplement for Seniors
A monthly benefit for residents receiving Old Age Security who have a low income.
Seniors Income Plan (SIP)
Financial assistance to seniors aged 65 and over to help them meet their basic needs (including, but not limited to, prescription drugs).
High Drug Cost Assistance
Provides assistance with high drug costs (in relation to your income).
Only drugs on the Saskatchewan Formulary, or drugs approved through Exception Drug Status, qualify. Anyone outside these programs pays full price. A family taking one or two regular medications can easily spend hundreds of dollars a year.
Saskatchewan has not signed onto the federal pharmacare agreement for free contraception and diabetes medications. Those drugs still fall under the regular provincial programs. If you take prescriptions regularly, a private plan with drug coverage can pay a large share of what's left. If you have a pre-existing condition, guaranteed acceptance plans offer drug coverage with no medical questions.
Emergency Transportation Services
No one is refused ambulance transportation. For full ambulance service details see the Saskatchewan Ambulance Services web page.
There are ambulance fees that depend on the type of transportation, as follows:
Ground ambulance fees:
A pick-up rate ($245 to $325).
Distance rate (per kilometer) for rural (country) residents to be transported to a medical centre.
Waiting time rate ($50 to $100), for when an ambulance has to wait to transport a patient back home.
Special escort fee if you have to be accompanied by a medical professional while being transported.
Saskatchewan Air Ambulance fees:
Flat rate of $424.
Patients are responsible for ambulance costs incurred to and from airport.
STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society):
Air medical transportation provided by STARS, a non-profit organization.
$424 air ambulance fee (per flight).
Specialized Transportation Services:
Saskatchewan Pediatric Transport Service: transportation for children.
Northern Medical Transportation: funding for medical transportation in northern Saskatchewan. Can be emergency and non-emergency transportation via air or ground.
Saskatchewan Neonatal Transportation Service: transportation for infants.
Who Is Eligible for the Saskatchewan Health Plan?
You're generally eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage if you:
live in Saskatchewan and plan to keep living here
are physically in the province at least five months a year
can show proof that you're legally in Canada and that you live in Saskatchewan
Some people are covered federally instead. Canadian Forces members, federal inmates and refugee claimants don't get Saskatchewan coverage, though spouses and dependants of Forces members must apply. See the full rules on eHealth Saskatchewan's eligibility page.
How to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card
Check that you're eligible using the criteria above.
Gather your documents. You'll need proof of your legal status in Canada (such as a citizenship certificate, PR card or valid permit) and proof of your Saskatchewan address. If you're coming from another province, include your previous health card number.
Apply online through your Saskatchewan Account, or mail the paper form to eHealth Saskatchewan, 101-1901 Scarth St., Regina. You can also apply in person at that address on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Add your dependants to the same application so everyone in your household is covered.
The card is free. Processing times change, so check the current timeline on the eHealth apply page before you apply.
Saskatchewan Health Card Renewal (2026)
2026 is a renewal year. eHealth Saskatchewan is mailing renewal stickers to every household this fall. Your sticker shows you're covered until December 31, 2029. You don't need to apply or pay anything.
Watch for scams. eHealth has warned that texts and phone calls about health card renewal are fake. eHealth never charges for a card or asks for banking information. If your sticker doesn't arrive, contact eHealth Saskatchewan directly.
Moving to Saskatchewan: Is There a Waiting Period?
Yes. If you move from another province or territory, your Saskatchewan coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you arrive. For example, if you move on September 27, you're covered starting December 1. Your old province's plan usually covers you during the gap, but confirm with them before you move.
If you arrive from outside Canada as a permanent resident, a returning Canadian, an international student or a temporary foreign worker, you may be covered on or before the first day of the third month. Coverage depends on your status. Since most private health plans require active provincial coverage first, newcomers often buy short-term newcomer or visitor insurance to cover the wait.
International students can qualify if they're enrolled full time at an accredited school and have a valid study permit.
Leaving Saskatchewan? Your coverage continues for the rest of the month you move, plus two full months. Apply in your new province right away.
Away for a while? If you'll be out of the province for more than seven months for work, travel or school, update your health card information with eHealth so your coverage stays active.
Saskatchewan Health vs Private Health Insurance
| Expense | Saskatchewan Health Plan | Private health plan (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor and hospital care | Covered | Not needed. Some plans add a semi-private room. |
| Prescription drugs | Only through programs like the Seniors' Drug Plan | Often covers a percentage of eligible drug costs |
| Dental checkups and cleanings | Not covered | Covered on plans with a dental option |
| Eye exams and glasses | Limited exams, no eyewear | Often includes exams and eyewear up to a set amount |
| Physio, chiro, massage, psychologist | Mostly not covered | Often covered per visit up to a yearly limit |
| Ground ambulance | You pay (seniors max $135) | Commonly covered |
| Hearing aids | Not covered for most people | Often covered up to a set amount |
| Emergency care outside Canada | Very limited | Available as optional travel coverage on some plans |
Private plan benefits, limits and waiting periods vary by insurer and plan level.
Protect yourself from costs not covered by Saskatchewan Health Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
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It covers medically necessary doctor visits, hospital care, most diagnostic tests, mental health and addictions services through the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and some home care. There are no premiums. You need a valid Saskatchewan health card.
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Most prescription drugs, routine dental care, glasses and contacts, chiropractic care, massage therapy, most private physio, hearing aids and ground ambulance trips aren't covered. Some of these costs are reduced through separate provincial programs for seniors, children and lower-income families.
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You're generally eligible if you live in Saskatchewan, plan to stay, are in the province at least five months a year, and can prove your legal status in Canada and your Saskatchewan address. International students with a valid study permit and full-time enrolment may also qualify.
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Yes for some people. One eye exam a year is covered for anyone under 18 and for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Eye emergencies are covered for everyone. Glasses and contact lenses are not covered.
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Ground ambulance trips are not covered for most residents. Seniors 65 and older pay a maximum of $135 per trip within the province. Air ambulance costs a flat $465 per trip for people with a valid health card.
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It isn't required, but it helps cover what the provincial plan doesn't, like prescriptions, dental, vision, paramedical care and ambulance trips. It's most useful for people without workplace benefits, including self-employed workers, early retirees and anyone who recently lost a group plan.
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Yes. If you move from another province, coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you arrive. Your previous province usually covers you until then. Some newcomers from outside Canada may be covered sooner, depending on their status.
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You don't need to apply. eHealth Saskatchewan is mailing renewal stickers to all households in fall 2026, valid until December 31, 2029. Renewal is free. Texts or calls asking you to pay or click a renewal link are scams.
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Not automatically. Seniors 65 and older who apply for the Seniors' Drug Plan, and children 14 and under, pay $25 per prescription for eligible drugs. The Special Support Program helps when yearly drug costs exceed 3.4% of adjusted family income.
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No, not for most residents. The Saskatchewan Hearing Aid Plan ended in 2017. People on the Supplementary Health or Family Health Benefits programs may get some help. Many private health plans include a hearing aid benefit.
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Only for emergencies, and coverage is limited. Saskatchewan pays up to $100 a day for a hospital stay and up to $50 per outpatient visit. Prescriptions bought outside Canada aren't covered. Buy travel insurance before you leave.