Saskatchewan Health Plan is the provincial healthcare plan available to all permanent Saskatchewan residents.
What’s Fully Covered
- All medically necessary services are 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 Social Services recommended. 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).
What’s Partially Covered
- Air ambulance for transportation to get medical services is not available in Saskatchewan (there is a $350 fee). Must be ordered by a physician.
- Ground ambulance for seniors (a maximum fee of $275).
- The following public homecare services are partially covered: homemaking, meals and home maintenance. Based on the resident’s income and benefits received, a fee will be charged. 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 resident’s income.
- Podiatry/chiropodist services (inserts are not covered).
- 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 of trauma to an eye
What’s Not Covered
- Prescription drugs, unless you qualify for a drug program.
- 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).
- Although there MAY be limited coverage for glasses if enrolled in the Family Health Benefits program, eyeglasses, lenses, etc.
- Most paramedical services such as psychologists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, registered massage therapists, etc.
Eligibility
If your home is in Saskatchewan and you usually live in the province for at least five months a year, then you are eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage.
If you are a member of the Canadian Forces or an inmate of a federal prison, you are covered under federal government programs. Your spouses and dependents are also eligible for provincial coverage and must register with eHealth Saskatchewan.