How newcomers can find a family doctor in Canada
Finding a family doctor is a key part of settling down in Canada for many newcomers, as having one can greatly improve short-term and long-term health.
In Canada, a family doctor is your main point of contact when it comes to your health, and you will need one to access most non-emergency healthcare.
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In this article, we will cover how you can find a family doctor and the benefits of obtaining one.
Methods for finding a family doctor
While finding a family doctor in Canada can be difficult, taking the actions listed below can improve your chances of success.
Join a provincial or territorial registry
Most provinces/territories in Canada have an online program and/or registry for individuals who are looking to connect with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
The general process includes filling out your information (or contacting the province), being added to a waitlist, and then getting notified when there is a primary care provider available for you. Requirements and services differ based on region.
For those who do not have a direct program or resource, you can contact the region’s health authority to inquire about finding a family doctor.
Province or territoryResource
AlbertaAlberta Find a Doctor
British Columbia-Health Connect Registry
ManitobaFamily Doctor Finder
New BrunswickNB Health Link
Newfoundland and LabradorPatient Connect NL
Nova ScotiaNeed a Family Practice Registry
OntarioHealth Care Connect
Prince Edward IslandPEI Patient Registry
QuébecQuébec Family Doctor Finder
SaskatchewanContact the Saskatchewan Health Authority directly or search through services in your community
YukonFind a Primary Care Provider Program
Northwest TerritoriesContact the NWT Health and Social Services Authority
NunavutContact the Nunavut Department of Health
Of note is that generally, you will need a valid health card from the province or territory you are residing in to access cost-free medical services once you find a family doctor.
But depending on the region, there may be healthcare options for those who are uninsured, such as Community Health Centres, which are non-profit health organizations staffed by teams of health professionals.
Use online platforms
There are a variety of online platforms developed to streamline the process of locating and accessing a healthcare provider, making it easier for you to find a fit matching your needs. Three examples are included below:
RateMDs: Provides up-to-date doctor ratings and reviews for family doctors and various specialists. This website allows you to filter doctors by location, see their operating hours, and, most importantly, find doctors currently accepting new patients.
Medimap: Allows you to search for local family doctor clinics and join up to three waitlists for free. This platform also has a paid service, where for $12.49/month, Medimap lets you know when family doctors are accepting new patients (even if you’re not on their waitlist).
Lumino Health: Through this digital health platform, you can search by specialty (such as family doctor or denturist), condition, service, or provider name. For family doctor searches, you’ll receive a list of clinics (with language options) and be able to see which are accepting new patients; when searching by healthcare provider, you’ll be their practicing location, services they offer, their operating hours, and whether they’re accepting new patients.
Ask your local settlement agency
Your local settlement agency may be able to help you find a family physician. Settlement agencies sometimes have a list of healthcare providers that are currently accepting new patients—and in some cases, the doctor may even speak your language, allowing for easy communication.
You can find all of Canada’s settlement service providers on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada‘s (IRCC’s) official webpage here.
Call around
Another option—though it may be more time-intensive—is to call local medical practices and directly ask if they are currently accepting new patients.
This method may allow you to find open spots that are not yet listed online and provides you with real-time information, as online listings may be outdated.
In some cases, a clinic may be able to add you to their waitlist.
This option can be particularly useful with clinics that have little to no online presence, resulting in fewer eyes and the potential ability to take on another patient (or at least a shorter waitlist).
Ask your network
Reach out to people in your personal and professional circle, such as family members, friends, coworkers, and even neighbours.
These individuals may have recommendations, knowledge about family doctors who are accepting new patients, and be able to provide meaningful perspectives based on their personal experiences with specific physicians or clinics.
By inquiring with those you know, you are able to gain insight not only into patient care, but things like office environment, appointment availability, and communication style.
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The benefits of having a family doctor
Having a family doctor, rather than relying solely on walk-in clinic services, can be beneficial for a plethora of reasons.
The list below features nine reasons why obtaining a family doctor after immigrating to Canada should be high on your list of priorities.
1. Trusted patient-doctor communication: When you have a trusted relationship with a family doctor, you’re more likely to ask questions, share concerns openly, and follow through on treatments.
This trust creates a safe space where you feel comfortable discussing everything from minor symptoms to major health decisions, leading to better health outcomes and heightened confidence in your internal and external health.
2. Health education and empowerment: Patients who understand their health make better choices. A family doctor can help you understand your condition(s), test results, medications, and what’s happening inside your body.
They can be particularly beneficial in navigating through complex medical jargon used in the healthcare industry, as well as walking you through various risks and options.
3. More efficient diagnosis: Over time, your family doctor becomes familiar with and has access to your overall medical history.
As a result, they know your “baseline” and can recognize red flags regarding your health earlier on—leading to quicker, more accurate diagnoses.
4. Preventive care: Access to a family physician ensures better long-term health, as they can provide consistent, personalized care that focuses on early detection and prevention of potentially serious health issues.
Whether it be through routine check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, or even simple lifestyle recommendations, having a dedicated healthcare provider can help you avoid health problems down the line.
5. Continuous care: Family doctors are familiar with your medical history, lifestyle, and health risks.
Close, long-term relationships with your family doctors help them detect changes over time, spot early signs of illness, and provide personalized care based on your unique circumstances.
6. Care for the whole family: A family doctor can treat all ages, from infants to seniors, meaning one doctor can care for the whole household.
Having your whole household treated by one doctor can help them understand your family’s medical history, lifestyle factors, and shared risks.
7. Coordinated care: Family doctors act as the main hub for all your healthcare needs, coordinating with (and facilitating efficient referrals to) specialists, labs, and even hospitals if necessary.
They keep track of all your treatments, ensure there is no duplication or conflict in medications or care plans, and receive reports from specialists, which they then analyze and use to adjust your care accordingly.
8. Chronic condition management: You or a family member of yours may have a chronic health condition that benefits from regular monitoring, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
A family doctor can offer advice and treatments to manage symptoms, review and change the times of medications you’re taking, and monitor your overall progress. They can also offer recommendations on triggers to avoid—such as high sodium foods for heart disease or dangerous activities for epilepsy.
9. Mental health support: Family doctors don’t just treat physical illnesses; they also play a vital role in supporting your mental and emotional well-being. They’re often the first point of contact for patients experiencing issues like stress, depression, grief, or more complex mental health conditions.
