What Is OHIP and Who Is It For?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers medically necessary healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and certain medical tests. You don't need to be a Canadian citizen to qualify. Permanent residents, eligible foreign workers, protected persons, and some immigration applicants can also receive coverage.
However, OHIP doesn't cover everything. Most routine dental care, cosmetic procedures, and prescription medications outside hospitals are excluded. Ontario's OHIP+ program provides eligible prescription drug coverage for people aged 24 and under who don't have private drug insurance.
Do You Qualify? OHIP Eligibility for Immigrants
OHIP eligibility for newcomers depends on two main factors: meeting Ontario's residency requirements and having an eligible immigration status.
Minimum Residency Requirements
To qualify for OHIP, you must:
- Make Ontario your primary place of residence.
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days during any 12-month period.
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 of your first 183 days after establishing residency.
You must meet these residency conditions and belong to at least one qualifying immigration category.
Immigration Status Categories That Qualify
Several immigration statuses may make you eligible for OHIP:
- Permanent residents: People with Canadian permanent resident status generally qualify for OHIP when they meet Ontario's residency requirements.
- Work permit holders: You may qualify for OHIP coverage if you have a valid work permit and work full-time for an Ontario employer for at least six months. Your spouse and dependants may also qualify.
- Permanent residence applicants: Applicants living in Canada may qualify once Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms they meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence.
- Protected persons and Convention refugees: Individuals officially recognized as protected persons or Convention refugees may qualify.
- Temporary Resident Permit holders: Certain permit categories qualify, depending on the permit's case type.
- Caregivers and agricultural workers: Eligible participants in the federal Live-in Caregiver Program or Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program may qualify.
- Other eligible groups: Certain clergy members and people covered by specific emergency immigration measures may qualify.
International students with study permits alone, and visitors generally aren't eligible for OHIP.
For the latest requirements, check the Government of Ontario's official OHIP eligibility page.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for OHIP?
Understanding the OHIP documents required before visiting ServiceOntario can help prevent delays.
You'll need three original documents, each serving a different purpose.
- Proof of eligible immigration status: Examples include a Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or an eligible work permit. Certain IRCC confirmation letters may also be accepted.
- Proof of Ontario residency: Examples include a rental agreement, utility bill, or bank statement showing your name and Ontario address.
- Proof of identity: Examples include a passport, Ontario driver's licence, or another accepted identification document.
PLEASE NOTE: You must bring original documents, not photocopies. Each document can only be used for one category.
You'll also need a completed OHIP Registration form. Every family member needs their own health card. Parents can register children under 16, while children aged 15½ and older must generally attend in person.
How to Apply for Your Ontario Health Card
Applying for your Ontario health card is straightforward once you've gathered your documents.
- Download and complete the OHIP Registration form.
- Gather your three original supporting documents.
- Visit a ServiceOntario centre that processes health card applications.
- Submit your application and wait for approval.
Applications must be completed in person, although children under 16 can be registered by a parent.
Once approved, your coverage begins immediately. Your physical health card is typically mailed within four to six weeks.
Check your local ServiceOntario centre's hours and appointment options before visiting.
If you've been outside Ontario for 212 days or longer, you may need to reapply or confirm your eligibility.
What If You're Not Yet Eligible for OHIP?
If you don't currently qualify for OHIP, you still have options for healthcare coverage.
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary healthcare coverage to eligible refugee claimants and certain other protected groups. Coverage depends on your immigration circumstances.
Private health insurance
Visitors, international students, and newcomers waiting for eligible immigration status should consider private health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses. Without coverage, hospital visits and emergency treatment can become expensive. Remember, Ontario eliminated the previous three-month OHIP waiting period. Once you qualify and your application is approved, coverage can begin immediately.
Your Immigration Medical Exam & OHIP: What's the Connection?
Many immigration pathways require an immigration medical exam completed by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. Although the exam itself doesn't grant OHIP eligibility, it may be an important step toward receiving the immigration status or IRCC confirmation needed to qualify. At Immigration Physician Ottawa, our IRCC-approved Panel Physicians provide immigration medical exams for permanent residence applicants, temporary residents, workers, and refugees.
With locations on Bank Street and Innes Road in Orléans, we offer medical examinations, X-rays, and laboratory testing in one visit.
