Walk-In Clinics in Canada

No. Walk-in clinics accept patients without appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Some clinics also offer online check-in or virtual queuing so you can join the queue from home and arrive when it's close to your turn, reducing time spent in the waiting room.

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in BC, Alberta Health Care card), a list of current medications with dosages, and any relevant medical records or recent test results. If you're visiting on behalf of a child, bring their health card as well. Patients without a valid health card may need to pay out of pocket — fees typically range from $50 to $150.

Yes. Most walk-in clinic visits for medically necessary services are fully covered by your provincial health insurance plan when you present a valid health card. Some services — such as travel vaccinations, sick notes, medical forms, and cosmetic procedures — may have additional fees that are not covered.

Walk-in clinics treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions including cold and flu symptoms, ear infections, urinary tract infections, skin rashes, minor cuts and burns, allergies, prescription refills, and routine health screenings. For life-threatening emergencies like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Most walk-in clinics are open Monday to Friday from around 8:00 or 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 8:00 PM. Many are also open on Saturdays, and some offer Sunday or evening hours. Hours vary by location — check individual clinic listings on ClinicFinder.ca for up-to-date hours.

Yes. Walk-in clinic doctors can write new prescriptions and provide refills for existing medications. However, some clinics may limit prescriptions for controlled substances to your regular family physician. The doctor may also request access to your medical history or contact your regular provider for certain medications.