ONTARIO HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN (OHIP)
Each province of Canada operates their own healthcare plan and the rules do vary.
In Toronto we are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, commonly referred to as OHIP (pronounced “oh hip”). All your visits to the doctor, whether a primary care (family) doctor or a specialist will be directly billed to OHIP and you won’t have to pay anything. Similarly any care you receive in a hospital will be covered. What isn’t covered includes cosmetic procedures, eye care, dental care and medication (unless it’s prescribed while you are in hospital), although there are some exceptions for people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and seniors. If in doubt, when making an appointment ask if the service is covered by OHIP.
Many companies provide private insurance to cover you for the items which OHIP doesn’t cover and you can also buy this coverage privately if you wish.
If you travel within Canada, you will continue to be covered by OHIP you if you fall ill, but if you travel outside the country you’ll need to purchase private insurance.
It is MOST IMPORTANT to note that Ontario has a 3 month qualifying period for all new residents, which means that if you are moving here you will not be covered by OHIP until 3 months after you arrive. Many insurance companies offer short term policies for this purpose. To find a company you can contact either:-
You do not need to apply for your OHIP card as soon as you arrive in Canada, although it is best to do so within the first 2 months, to allow time for the card to be produced and mailed to you. Every member of your family needs a card, including children, but only those over age 12 need to have their photo taken. This means that children under the age of 12 do not have to go with you to the OHIP office provided you have their papers (item 1 only from the list below).
The full list of acceptable documents is here http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/014-9998E-82~1/$File/9998-82E.pdf But to summarize you need the following documents to prove:-
- Your legal status in Ontario (eg your visa if you’re a temporary resident, your Permanent Resident Card if you’re an immigrant or your Birth Certificate or Citizenship Card if you’re a citizen)
- You are resident in Ontario (eg a lease or mortgage document in your name or a utility bill or bank statement which has been mailed to your home and has your address on it)
- Photo ID (eg your passport)
- The date you arrived in Ontario (eg a travel ticket)
The second item sometimes causes newcomers problems because it can take a while to get settled in your permanent home. If you are working, one alternative is to have your employer write a letter to OHIP confirming your residency. A sample of the wording to use is here. Do note that both this and all other documents you present to government offices must be ORIGINALS. Photocopies, faxes and emails will not be accepted.
There is no charge for an OHIP card but you won’t know your OHIP number until the card is mailed to you, usually a couple of weeks before the end of the 3 month qualifying period.
Although there usually isn’t a long wait at OHIP offices, you can book an appointment by calling 1 888 376 5197
Learn more about OHIP here http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ministry/hc_system/
Located your nearest office here http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/STEL02_186323
< Back to resources |
