Sask Health: Coverage, eligibility, card registration 2024

Saskatchewan Health (Sask Health) is Saskatchewan's provincial health insurance plan. It ensures that you have access to essential medical services at no cost. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, maternity care, emergency services, and more.

But what does Sask Health cover? How to get a Sask Health Card? How to use my Sask health record? Are you eligible? Find out all the answers in this complete guide and learn how to make the most of public healthcare in Saskatchewan.

What is Sask Health?

Sask Health, officially known as Saskatchewan Health, is the provincial healthcare system provided by the Government of Saskatchewan. The Sask Health Authority ensures that residents have access to essential medical services at no cost.

To access these services, you must have a Saskatchewan Health Card (commonly known as Sask Health Card), which covers 100% of doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and other essential services like maternity care and certain mental health treatments.

The Sask Health Card is necessary for receiving covered services across the province, ensuring you don't have to pay out of pocket for eligible healthcare needs.

While Sask Health provides comprehensive coverage for essential medical services, some areas aren't fully covered, such as dental care treatments, optical services, and prescription drugs (which we will discuss in the following sections). These services often require out-of-pocket payments, which can add up quickly.

This is where private health insurance becomes valuable, bridging the gap in coverage and ensuring you're fully protected against all health concerns. With the right supplemental plan, you can rest assured that unexpected health expenses won't catch you off guard. Use our free tool below to explore the best private health insurance plans in Canada and get free quotes in seconds.

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What does Sask Health cover?

Sask Health covers a broad range of essential medical services to ensure that residents have access to healthcare without out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s an overview of what is typically covered:

Sask Health Coverage

• Doctor Visits: Consultations with family doctors and specialists are fully covered.
• Hospital Services: This includes hospital stays, surgeries, nursing care, and most diagnostic tests like X-rays.
• Maternity Care: Prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal services are covered.
• Emergency Services: Coverage includes emergency room visits and necessary treatments during emergencies.
• Preventive Care: Routine immunizations for children and some vaccinations for adults are provided.
• Mental Health Services: Includes psychiatric consultations and inpatient mental health care.
• Long-term care: Sask Health Authority offers residential care for seniors and individuals with chronic conditions.   

Service Category	What’s Covered	Coverage Percentage
Doctor Visits	Visits to family doctors and specialists	100%
Hospital Services	Hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostics (e.g., X-rays)	100%
Maternity Care	Prenatal, childbirth, postnatal care	100%
Emergency Services	ER visits, treatments for emergencies	100%
Preventive Care	Vaccinations for children and some adults	100%
Mental Health Services	Psychiatric consultations, inpatient care	100%

Supplementary Sask Health Services

For individuals recommended by Social Services, Saskatchewan Health provides additional services such as:

• Dental Services: Select dental treatments.
• Prescription Drugs: Coverage for certain medications.
• Medical Supplies and Appliances: Essential medical devices and supplies.
• Optical Services: Vision care services.
• Podiatry (Chiropody) Services: Foot care services.
• Emergency Medical Transportation: Coverage for emergency transport costs.

Family Health Benefits

For lower-income working families eligible for provincial income support programs, additional health services are provided, especially targeting children under 18. These benefits mirror those offered under the Supplementary Health Program, with some restrictions on adult coverage.

You can take a look at the complete Sask Health coverage in the PDF below. It's free to download.

What does Sask Health not cover?

While Sask Health covers many essential medical services, there are several areas that it does not fully cover, requiring residents to either pay out-of-pocket or seek supplemental private insurance. These areas include:

• Dental Care: Routine dental treatments, such as cleanings, fillings, and orthodontics, are not covered. Only certain dental services might be covered under specific programs for eligible individuals as mentioned earlier. If you're not eligible for provincial dental coverage, you could consider private dental insurance plans that offer extensive coverage for all dental needs.
• Optical Services: Routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are generally not covered by Sask Health.
• Prescription Drugs: While some medications are covered, particularly in hospital settings, most outpatient prescription drugs are not covered unless you qualify for a specific provincial program.
• Home Care Services: In-home nursing care and other personal care services are not typically covered under Sask Health, requiring either out-of-pocket payment or private insurance like Blue Cross Health Insurance.
• Ambulance Services: Emergency medical transportation by ambulance is only partially covered, often leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket costs.
• Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Services: Routine visits to chiropractors and physiotherapists are generally not covered by Sask Health.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Any procedures considered cosmetic, such as plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes, are not covered.

These exclusions highlight the importance of considering additional private health insurance to cover areas where Sask Health does not provide full coverage. While choosing the best health insurance plan that suits your needs might be a tough choice, we've made it simple for you. Use our free tool below to compare the best private health insurance plans online and get instant quotes.

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How to get a Sask Health Card?

A Sask Health Card is a crucial identification document required to access healthcare services in Saskatchewan. It serves as proof of your eligibility for government-funded healthcare benefits within the province.   

If you're a new resident of Saskatchewan, you'll need to apply for a Sask Health Card. Here's a general outline of the process:

1. Eligibility: Ensure you meet the residency requirements. Generally, you must have lived in Saskatchewan for at least five months of the year.
2. Gather necessary documents: Prepare identification documents such as birth certificate, proof of address and social insurance number (SIN) card.
3. Apply online: The most convenient way to apply is through the eHealth Saskatchewan website. This allows you to submit your application and supporting documents electronically.
4. In-person application: If you prefer, you can also apply in person at a designated location. Check the eHealth Saskatchewan website for details.
5. Processing time: It usually takes several weeks to process your application.

What is My Sask Health Record?

MySaskHealthRecord is an online platform provided by eHealth Saskatchewan that allows you to securely access your personal health information. Through this portal, you can view important details like your lab results, immunization records, and recent medical visits. It’s designed to give you better control over your health by allowing you to easily access and manage your medical information whenever you need it.

To get started with My Sask Health Record, you’ll need to register and verify your identity. Once registered, with your My Sask health login you can monitor your health, prepare for appointments, and stay informed about your medical history all in one convenient place.

To register and get a My Sask health record login, you must: 

1. Be 14 years of age or older;
2. Have a valid SGI driver’s license or SGI photo ID card;
3. Have an active Saskatchewan health card; and
4. Have your email address.

How to renew your Saskatchewan Health Card?

1. Automatic Renewal: Cards typically renew automatically every three to five years if your address is current.
2. Update Information: Ensure your contact details are up-to-date with eHealth Saskatchewan to receive your renewal card.
3. Manual Renewal: If you don’t receive a new card, contact eHealth Saskatchewan to request a renewal.

How to get a replacement Sask health card?

To get a replacement Saskatchewan Health Card, follow these steps:

1. Online Request: Visit the eHealth Saskatchewan website and use the online request form to apply for a replacement card. You'll need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and current address.
2. Phone Request: Alternatively, you can call eHealth Saskatchewan's Health Registration office at 1-800-667-7551 (within Saskatchewan) or 1-306-787-3251 (outside Saskatchewan) to request a replacement card.
3. Mail Request: You can also send a written request by mail to eHealth Saskatchewan. Include details, such as your full name, date of birth, and health card number if known, along with the reason for replacement. Send it to the address provided on the eHealth Saskatchewan website.
4. Processing Time: After submitting your request, it usually takes two to four weeks to receive your replacement card by mail.
5. Lost or Stolen Card: If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately when requesting a replacement to ensure that your information is protected.

How to get your Saskatchewan Health QR Code?

1. Access MySaskHealthRecord: Log in to your MySaskHealthRecord account to access your COVID-19 vaccination record.
2. Download QR Code: Download or print the QR code from your vaccination record for easy access.

How to contact Sask Health?

You can contact Sask Health in one of the following ways.

Contact Option	Details
General Inquiries	Sask Health Phone Number: 1-833-727-5829 (toll-free) or 306-787-0146
HealthLine 811	Phone: 811 (available 24/7 for health advice)
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)	Phone: 1-888-787-8996 or 306-787-7121 Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address	Ministry of Health 3475 Albert Street Regina, SK, S4S 6X6, Canada
Saskatchewan Health Authority Website	www.saskhealthauthority.ca
Social Media	Follow Saskatchewan Health Authority on platforms like Facebook and Twitter for updates and contact info.

FAQs on Sask Health Coverage

Does Sask Health cover eye exams?

Yes, Sask Health covers certain eye exams, but the coverage is limited based on age and medical necessity. Here's a breakdown:

1. Children (18 years and younger): Eye exams are covered once a year for children and youth under 18.
2. Adults (19 to 64 years old): Routine eye exams are generally not covered for adults in this age group. However, if the eye exam is required due to a diagnosed medical condition such as diabetes or glaucoma, it may be covered.
3. Seniors (65 years and older): Seniors in Saskatchewan are covered for one eye exam every 12 months.

Other types of coverage may be provided in cases where the eye exam is part of the treatment or diagnosis of a medical condition.

Does Sask Health cover hearing aids?

Sask Health does not cover the cost of hearing aids for most adults. However, there are some exceptions and assistance programs available for certain groups:

1. Children (under 18 years old): Hearing aids for children are typically covered through the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program. This program provides financial assistance for hearing aids for children and some additional services like repairs. If you don't qualify for SAIL, you could consider private health plans like Sun Life Health Insurance that cover hearing aids.
2. Adults: For most adults, hearing aids are not covered under Sask Health. However, individuals who qualify under specific government programs (such as the SAIL program for those with specific medical needs) may receive assistance. Coverage varies depending on the individual's circumstances.
3. Seniors and Low-Income Individuals: There may be some programs that help low-income seniors or individuals access hearing aids through subsidies, although these are not directly part of Sask Health.

If you need hearing aids and want to check if you qualify for any programs, it's a good idea to contact Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL). Alternatively, you can explore health insurance options that provide extensive coverage using our free tool below. Get personalized quotes from Canada's best providers.

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Does Sask Health cover CPAPs?

Sask Health CPAP coverage includes partial funding for CPAP machines and supplies through the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) Program for eligible residents diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

To qualify, a sleep study and physician referral are required. Some costs for maintenance and repairs are also covered. For more information, contact SAIL at 1-888-787-8996 or [email protected].