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Health Care

 

Pregnant woman and a doctor

Canada has a high quality health care system that is funded by the government.

In Peel Region, everyone has access to a wide variety of health resources and services including  hospitals , community health centres , walk-in clinics , family doctors , dental services , mental health , emergency services and more.

Many of the costs are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) .

Your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will become effective after 90 days in Ontario.

You may need insurance as  you wait in case you need medical attention.

You should buy private health insurance right away (within 5 days) of arriving in Ontario.

You may not be approved for coverage if you apply for private insurance 5 days or more after your arrival.

Private insurance is recommended  for immigrating individuals and families, not for visitors or tourists.

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. /1-800-268-8099 can provide more information about private insurance.

 

 What to do during a medical emerency. 

When you have an emergency, you can call  9-1-1  for free.

9-1-1 will connect you to an ambulance, police or fire services to help you.

*If you have to take an ambulance to a hospital, you must pay a small fee.

You can dial 9-1-1 free from any telephone.

 If you do not speak English, translation services in over 140 languages are available.

Ask for service in your language if you cannot explain the situation in English, or if you cannot

understand the call-taker.

Examples of 9-1-1 emergencies are:

  • Fire
  • A crime in progress
  • Immediate medical issues