Karmactive Staff
The first batch of Manitoba’s new plastic health cards is now arriving in mailboxes across the province, marking a significant shift from the decades-old paper cards that have frustrated residents for years.
More than 200,000 Manitobans have applied for the redesigned cards since the online application opened on January 15, 2025. The plastic cards, featuring an image of the northern lights, are designed to solve a common complaint about the current paper versions — their tendency to become faded, dog-eared, and worn.
The change aligns Manitoba with most Canadian jurisdictions that already use plastic health cards. Only Alberta continues to use paper cards after Manitoba’s transition.
Application Options and Timeline
Manitobans can apply for the new cards online, by mail, or in person. The transition is voluntary — paper health cards remain valid at all healthcare facilities, and only those applying for replacement cards or first-time cards will automatically receive the plastic version.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara noted the switch includes transitioning to individual cards for all residents, including children who were previously listed on family cards.
“This ensures that every child and youth in Manitoba has a health card of their own,” Asagwara said.
Made-in-Canada Cards with New Features
The bilingual cards are produced in Canada by a Canadian company. They include a field allowing residents to indicate their language preference (English or French), making Manitoba only the second jurisdiction in Canada to offer this feature.
The province estimates the production cost is less than what was spent on COVID-19 vaccination cards, which cost $1.67 each.
A digital version of the health card is also planned for later this year, further modernizing the system.
Northern Lights Design
Premier Wab Kinew had previously announced the cards would feature northern lights imagery, chosen through a design competition. The colorful design represents a stark contrast to the utilitarian paper cards that have been in use for decades.
The transition to more durable cards fulfills a campaign promise made by the NDP during the 2023 provincial election.
For those wanting to apply for the new card, applications can be submitted at https://manitoba.ca/health/mhsip/
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FAQs About Manitoba’s New Health Cards
1. Do I need to replace my paper health card immediately? No. The transition is voluntary, and paper health cards remain valid at all healthcare facilities. Only those who need replacements or are getting their first card will automatically receive the plastic version.
2. How do I apply for the new plastic health card? You can apply online at https://manitoba.ca/health/mhsip/, by mail, or in person at designated locations.
3. Will my children need their own health cards now? Yes. The new system issues individual health cards for all Manitobans, including children who were previously listed on family cards.
4. When will I receive my new card after applying? According to the province, cards should arrive in mailboxes “in the coming days” for those who have already applied.
5. Is there a fee for the new plastic health card? The province hasn’t specified any fees for the cards in the provided information.
6. Will there be a digital version of the health card? Yes. The government plans to introduce a digital health card option later in 2025, which will allow Manitobans to access their health cards on smartphones or other digital devices.
