Renewing your health card in Canada should be a top priority and not something left to the last minute. Canada offers universal healthcare and eligible residents can apply to have a card for free healthcare. However, it is important to be renewing your card before it expires to avoid having to restart the process from the beginning.
How to Renew Your Health Card?
Generally, you will have two options to choose from when it comes to renewing your health card. You may opt to renew the card online or in person. Here are some tips for both of them:
Online
Renewing a health card online can be done by visiting the government website for your country. For example, if you live in Ontario, you will visit Ontario.ca. You can then renew your health card using your driver’s license.
In-Person
Alternatively, you may choose to renew your health card in person at a Services centre. In doing so, you will need to bring a few documents to your appointment and discuss with the service provider that you want to havew your health card renewed.
Renewing a Health Card Based on Age- What to Know?
The process to renewing your Canadian health card may change based on your age and situation. Here are some of the differences that may apply to your situation:
15 & Under
For children under 15 years old, they will need to have their health card renewed with the support of their parents. They will need to provide several documents, including citizenship, proof of residency, and identification- the same will go for their parents or guardian. Renewal can be done online.
15 & Older
Renewing a health card when you’re above the age of 15 is a bit trickier. For example, you no longer have the option to renew your card online but most book an in-person appointment. The same three original documents will need to be provided, but your child does not need to attend the appointment.
Seniors
For seniors over the age of 80, they typically have the option to renew their card by mail and will not need to visit a services centre. Please be reminded to bring the same documents that we will highlight in a section below.
What Do I Need to Renew My Health Card?
The documents needed to renew your health card may vary slightly based on your situation. Nonetheless, here are some of the common documents needed to apply for a health card renewal in Canada:
- Your most recent health card
- Current driver’s license
- Valid visa, Mastercard, or Interac
- Printer to print your temporary documents
- An ID photo
What is the Cost of Renewing a Health Card?
In many cases, you will not be required to pay anything to get your health card in a Canadian province. However, if you require a new identification photo, you may need to be a small fee to have the photo taken. We recommend using Smartphone iD to have your picture taken for a low cost and no wait times.
What is the Processing Time for Renewing a Health Card?
The processing time for a Canadian health card can range anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, with shipping times included. If you are in a rush to get your health card, make sure to take your ID photo using an app like Smartphone iD that ensures it will come out high quality and not be denied by the government office. In the meantime, you will likely receive temporary documents to use if needed.
When do you need to replace your photo?
We recommend replacing your photo each time that you renew your health card so that is accurately represents your appearance. To replace your photo, consider use the Smartphone iD app and taking your photo for a low cost and have it ready within minutes.
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Summary
If you need to renew your health card, make sure to follow some of the tips we provided in the article, but also check the government website for any changes. Additionally, if you require an identification photo, look no further than Smartphone iD. We provide excellent, high-quality photos for a fraction of the price.
