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How to Renew Your Health Card Most provincial health cards must be renewed every five years, and cards belonging to children under sixteen expire even sooner. Renewing on time is important because an expired card can delay coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital services, leaving you responsible for costs that would normally be paid by the health plan. There are three ways to renew: online through the health ministry's website, by mail, or in person at a service centre. Online renewal is fastest and usually takes about fifteen minutes, provided your address and photo on file are still current. If you have moved, changed your legal name, or your appearance has changed significantly, you will need to visit a service centre in person to update your photo and provide supporting documents such as a lease agreement or marriage certificate. Renewal notices are typically mailed six to eight weeks before the expiry date, but the ministry advises not to wait for this reminder, since mail can be delayed or lost. Applicants should also check that their card's expiry date is visible on the front, as newer cards no longer show this on the back. Processing usually takes two to three weeks, and a replacement card is mailed directly to the address on file. Temporary confirmation letters are available for urgent medical needs while the new card is being processed.