Virtual visit or home visit?

Both are real appointments with a licensed Manitoba physician, and both are covered by Manitoba Health. The difference is what the doctor needs to see, and how soon you need to be seen.

Either way, you pay nothing. Both visit types are covered with a valid Manitoba Health card.

Book a visit Compare them

Not sure which? Call 204-586-6655 and we will tell you

A patient speaking with a Manitoba physician on a video call at home

Image goes here: a patient on a video call at home, or a split of both visit types Replace PASTE-HERO-IMAGE-URL image

Virtual is Manitoba wideHome visits are area specific

Nothing to examineGo virtual
Something to examineBook a home visit
Outside WinnipegVirtual is your option
EmergencyCall 911, not us

Side by side

Neither option is the better one. They are good at different things.

A virtual or phone visit suits

Prescription renewals and medication questions
Reviewing lab or imaging results
Common illnesses you can describe clearly
Follow-up on something already assessed
Advice on whether you need to be seen in person
Anyone in Manitoba, not just Winnipeg

Both you and the physician must be in Manitoba at the time of the appointment.

A home visit suits

Anything that needs listening, feeling, or looking closely
Wounds, rashes, swelling, and injuries
Patients who find leaving the house hard or painful
Recovery after surgery or a hospital stay
A full medication review with the bottles in hand
When seeing the home itself helps the assessment

Home visits cover Winnipeg neighbourhoods. Check the service areas page or call to confirm yours.

How to decide in under a minute

Ask yourself one question: does the doctor need to touch, listen to, or look closely at something? If yes, book a home visit. If no, a virtual visit will usually get you seen sooner.

If you are still unsure, start virtual

There is no penalty for guessing wrong. If a physician starts a virtual visit and decides a hands-on exam is needed, they will tell you and a home visit can be arranged. Starting virtual costs you nothing and often saves a wait.

Speed usually favours virtual

A phone or video appointment does not depend on where you live or on travel across the city, so it is often the quicker of the two. If being seen today matters more than being seen in person, say that when you call and we will work with it.

Geography decides it for some people

Virtual and phone visits are available anywhere in Manitoba with a valid health card. Home visits are area specific across Winnipeg. If you are outside the dispatch area, virtual is your option, and it is a real one, not a consolation prize.

Coverage is identical either way

Manitoba Health covers insured virtual and phone visits at the same rate as in-person care. With a valid health card you pay nothing for either. The coverage page sets out exactly what is included.

Neither option is for emergencies. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or any emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away.

The right care, the right way

Some things are quick over video, some are better in person, and some need an emergency room.

By phone or video

Great for prescription renewals, common illnesses, result reviews, and advice. Quick, and from wherever you are in Manitoba.

At your home

Best when a hands-on exam helps. A physician comes to your door across Winnipeg, often the same day.

In an emergency

For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or any emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away.

Not sure which you need? Call 204-586-6655 and we will help you find the right care.

Common questions

What patients ask before they choose.

Is a virtual visit covered the same as a home visit?

Yes. Manitoba Health covers insured virtual and phone visits at the same rate as in-person care. With a valid health card you pay nothing for either visit type.

What if I choose virtual and it turns out I need an exam?

The physician will tell you during the visit and a home visit can be arranged. Starting with a virtual appointment costs you nothing and often gets you seen sooner.

Can I get a virtual visit if I live outside Winnipeg?

Yes. Virtual and phone visits are available anywhere in Manitoba with a valid health card. Home visits are area specific across Winnipeg, so check the service areas page or call us to confirm.

Do I need special equipment for a virtual visit?

No. A phone is enough. If you prefer video and have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, that works too.

Which one is faster?

A virtual visit is often quicker because it does not depend on travel across the city. If being seen today matters most, mention that when you book and we will work with it.

Can either visit type handle an emergency?

No. Both are for non-emergency care only. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or any emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Keep reading

Go deeper on whichever option fits you.

Virtual care

Still not sure? We will tell you.

Call us, describe what is going on, and we will say which visit type suits. Both are covered by Manitoba Health.

Same-day visits
Virtual anywhere in Manitoba
No cost with a valid card

Book a visit