How to Get an Ontario Health Card (OHIP): Step-by-Step
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is the Ontario Health Card (OHIP)?
The Ontario Health Card — commonly referred to as your OHIP card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) — is your key to accessing publicly funded healthcare in Ontario. With a valid health card, you can visit doctors, go to walk-in clinics, receive hospital care, and access many medical services at no direct cost. For newcomers to Ontario, getting your health card should be one of your first priorities after settling in.
See also: Canadian Healthcare System Guide
Ontario's public health insurance covers medically necessary services including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and most diagnostic tests. It does not cover dental care, vision care, prescription drugs (unless you qualify for specific programs), physiotherapy in private clinics, or cosmetic procedures.
Official information: Ontario.ca — Apply for OHIP.
Who Is Eligible for OHIP?
To qualify for an Ontario Health Card, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (convention refugee or person granted protected status)
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period
- Make Ontario your primary place of residence
Who Is NOT Eligible?
The following groups are generally not eligible for OHIP coverage:
- International students — most must purchase private health insurance through their institution (known as UHIP or equivalent)
- Visitors and tourists — must have travel insurance
- Temporary foreign workers — some may qualify if their work permit is for six months or longer; check specific eligibility rules
- Refugee claimants — may be covered under the federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) instead
If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 or visit a ServiceOntario location in person.
The Three-Month Waiting Period
One of the most important things newcomers need to understand is the three-month waiting period. When you first become eligible for OHIP (typically from your date of landing as a permanent resident), there is a mandatory waiting period of up to three months before your coverage begins.
During this waiting period, you are not covered by OHIP. This means:
- You will need to pay out of pocket for any medical services
- You should strongly consider purchasing private health insurance to bridge the gap
- Emergency rooms will still treat you, but you will be billed
Recommended Interim Insurance Options
Several Canadian insurers offer newcomer-specific health plans for the waiting period:
- Manulife CoverMe: coverme.com — plans specifically designed for newcomers waiting for provincial coverage
- Blue Cross: bluecross.ca — visitor and newcomer health plans
- Allianz Global Assistance: Visitors to Canada plans
Do not skip this step. A single emergency room visit without insurance can cost thousands of dollars.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before visiting a ServiceOntario location, prepare the following:
- Three pieces of identification — you must provide one document from each of three categories:
- Category 1 (Citizenship/Immigration): Canadian citizenship card, permanent resident card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or CoPR), valid passport with immigration stamp
- Category 2 (Residency in Ontario): Ontario driver's licence, utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage document, or a letter from your settlement agency
- Category 3 (Identity with signature): Passport, driver's licence from any country, credit card with signature, or a signed immigration document
- Completed Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form — you can fill this out at the ServiceOntario office or download it ahead of time
Step 2: Visit a ServiceOntario Location
You must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. You cannot apply online or by mail for a first-time health card. Find your nearest location: ServiceOntario locations.
See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
See also: Replace Lost PR Card Guide
See also: Canadian Citizenship Application Guide
Tips for your visit:
- Arrive early — some locations have long wait times, especially in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga
- Bring all original documents (not photocopies)
- You will have your photo taken at the office
- The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes
Step 3: Receive Your Temporary Document
After your application is processed, you will receive a temporary health card confirmation. This document confirms your registration and shows when your coverage will begin (after the three-month waiting period). Keep this document safe.
Step 4: Receive Your Photo Health Card by Mail
Your permanent Ontario Health Card (a photo card with a green background) will be mailed to your Ontario address, usually within 4-6 weeks. If you do not receive it within 6 weeks, contact ServiceOntario.
What Does OHIP Cover?
OHIP covers a wide range of medically necessary services:
- Visits to family doctors and specialists
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency care
- Diagnostic tests — blood work, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans (when ordered by a doctor)
- Mental health services — psychiatrist visits (psychologists are NOT covered)
- Maternity and newborn care
- Eye exams — for children under 20 and adults 65+; one exam every 12 months
- Some physiotherapy — in hospital settings only
What OHIP Does NOT Cover
- Dental care (covered separately for children under 18 through the Canadian Dental Care Plan)
- Prescription drugs (though Ontario Drug Benefit covers those 65+ and social assistance recipients; OHIP+ covers those 24 and under)
- Vision care and glasses (except eye exams for covered age groups)
- Physiotherapy in private clinics
- Cosmetic surgery
- Ambulance services (partial coverage — a co-payment of $45 applies for medically necessary ambulance trips, and $240 for non-medically-necessary trips)
Finding a Family Doctor in Ontario
Once you have your health card, finding a family doctor is essential. Here's how:
- Health Care Connect: Ontario's official program to match you with a doctor accepting new patients — register online
- Community Health Centres (CHCs): Offer primary care, often with multilingual staff and a focus on newcomer populations — find a CHC
- Walk-in clinics: For immediate non-emergency care while you search for a family doctor
Renewing Your Health Card
Ontario Health Cards expire every five years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration. Renewal can be done:
- Online through ServiceOntario (if eligible)
- In person at any ServiceOntario centre
An expired health card does not mean you lose OHIP coverage, but healthcare providers may ask you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement, which is time-consuming. Keep your card current.
Special Situations for Newcomers
Moving From Another Province
If you previously had health coverage in another province (e.g., BC MSP, Alberta AHCIP, Quebec RAMQ), your previous coverage continues for the first three months after you establish residency in Ontario. You should apply for OHIP immediately upon moving, and your coverage will start without a gap.
Newborn Babies
If you have a baby in Ontario, the hospital will give you a Newborn Registration form. Complete it to register your child for OHIP. Coverage for newborns begins on their date of birth — there is no waiting period.
Leaving Ontario Temporarily
OHIP covers emergency medical care in other Canadian provinces and, to a limited extent, outside Canada. However, out-of-country coverage is minimal. Always purchase travel insurance when leaving Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Apply for your Ontario Health Card in person at ServiceOntario as soon as you arrive
- Be prepared for a three-month waiting period — buy private insurance to cover the gap
- Bring three pieces of ID from different categories
- OHIP covers doctors, hospitals, and diagnostics but not dental, vision, or prescriptions
- Register with Health Care Connect to find a family doctor
- Renew your card before it expires every five years
- Check our BC Services Card guide if you are settling in British Columbia instead
Navigating Healthcare Coverage Before and Beyond OHIP
Congratulations on taking the steps to secure your Ontario Health Card! While OHIP provides essential medical coverage, it's crucial for newcomers to understand what happens during the initial waiting period and what services OHIP does not cover. For most new residents, there is a three-month waiting period from the date you establish residency in Ontario before your OHIP coverage begins. During this time, you are responsible for any medical costs. It is highly recommended to secure private health insurance to cover unexpected emergencies or medical needs during this initial period. Many employers offer benefits packages that include health insurance, but if you're not yet employed, exploring private options is a wise decision to protect your financial well-being.
Furthermore, it's important to know that OHIP does not cover everything. For instance, most dental services, vision care (like eye exams for adults aged 20-64, glasses, and contact lenses), and many prescription medications for adults are not covered. While some provincial programs may offer assistance for specific needs, you should anticipate these as out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding the full scope of your healthcare costs is vital for financial planning in Canada. Our Cost of Living Calculator can help you budget for these additional health-related expenses, and our Benefits Finder can help you explore other provincial programs you might be eligible for to supplement your OHIP coverage. For detailed information on OHIP coverage and the waiting period, you can always refer to the official Ontario Ministry of Health website.
Finding a Family Doctor and Accessing Services with OHIP
Once you have your OHIP card, one of your next key steps will be to find a family doctor. Having a family doctor is highly beneficial for consistent, personalized care and for managing your overall health in Ontario. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can sometimes take time, especially in larger urban centres. The primary service to help you with this is Health Care Connect, a program run by the Ontario government. They will register you and connect you with a doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in your area. You can register for this service online or by phone through the official Ontario government portal.
In the interim, or if you prefer, you can access healthcare services through walk-in clinics, urgent care centres, or virtual care options. These services are covered by OHIP and can address immediate health concerns that are not life-threatening. For more complex issues or ongoing care, a family doctor is invaluable as they can provide referrals to specialists, order diagnostic tests, and maintain a comprehensive record of your health history. Integrating this important step into your overall settlement journey is key. Our Settlement Checklist includes healthcare as a crucial area, and our AI Navigator can provide personalized guidance and resources to help you locate healthcare providers and understand the Ontario health system better.
Related Resources
WelcomeAide Tools
Related Guides
Official Government Sources
Keep WelcomeAide Free
This guide is free — and always will be.
WelcomeAide is a nonprofit. If this helped you, a small donation keeps us running for the next newcomer.
Support WelcomeAide →