Get an NWT health care card

This page explains who should apply, what documents you need and how to submit your application.

Use this application if you:

• Live in the NWT and need your first NWT health care card
• Have moved to the NWT and intend to live here for more than one year
• Need to apply for your spouse, partner or children listed on your application

Do not use this application if you:

• Are applying for a newborn. Use Get a health care card for your newborn.
• Need to replace, renew or update your current card.
• Are in the NWT for term employment up to 12 months and do not intend to live here permanently. Your home province or territory may continue to cover insured services.
• Are not sure when your NWT coverage begins after moving. Use Moving to the NWT and your health coverage.

If you are a legal guardian, include your court document with your application. 

You must include documents that show your status in Canada. Examples include:

• Canadian citizens: Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, or status card
• Permanent residents: Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
• Foreign nationals: Study permit with proof of enrolment, work permit, or another valid document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Convention refugees or protected persons: Approved documentation

The name on your documents must match the name on your application.

• You must include two documents that show both:
• Your name
• Your current NWT home address
• Examples include:
• Signed mortgage, rental or lease agreement
• Rent receipt
• Letter from a private or government landlord
• One utility bill that is not a cell phone bill
• Property tax form
• NWT income tax return
• Letter from your employer or pay stub
• Other government-issued documents that show your name and residential address, such as: 
  • Child Tax Benefit Statement
  • Employment Insurance Benefit Statement
  • Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions (financial details obscured)
• Not accepted as residency documents:
• Cell phone bills
• Driver’s licences or other government ID cards

If you intend to live in the NWT for more than a year but cannot get two documents, you should complete the Residency Statutory Declaration.

If you indicate that you are First Nations, Inuvialuit, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Métis, you may need to include:

• A status card or letter from Indigenous Services Canada
• A letter from an Inuvialuit or Inuit registrar
• A Métis card or a letter from a Métis association or Métis local

• Start the online application or download the NWT Application for Health Care.
• Gather all required documents that show your identity, legal right to be in Canada and NWT residency.
• Complete every section of the application form.
• Submit your completed form and documents by email, mail or fax to the Health Services Administration Office.
• Keep a copy of your form and documents for your records.

There is no fee to apply.

The Health Services Administration Office reviews your application and contacts you if information is missing or unclear.

You will receive your health care card once your eligibility is confirmed.

If you do not hear back, you can contact the Health Services Administration Office for help.