Health Card (OHIP)

People living in Ontario receive free health care through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Currently, there is no waiting period for OHIP. If you are eligible, you can immediately apply for health insurance coverage. 

Anyone older than 15½ years old must apply for their own health card and register in person.

OHIP covers:

  • Visits to a doctor
  • Diagnostic services
  • Treatment for injuries or illnesses
  • Hospital care

OHIP does not cover:

  • Prescription drugs for 25 years and older
  • Dental care
  • Eye care or eye glasses
  • Services that are not medically necessary (e.g. cosmetic surgery)

The Ontario Government’s website includes a list detailing what is covered by OHIP.

Prescription Drugs

You can buy medication at a pharmacy (drugstore). You will need a prescription from a health care provider to be able to get your prescribed medications at the pharmacy. Supplemental health insurance plans may provide partial or full coverage for medications.

Pharmacists at the drugstore and can answer any questions you may have about your medications.

You do not need a prescription to get over-the-counter medications.

OHIP+

OHIP+ provides coverage for many prescription drugs for children and youth up to 24 years old who are not covered by private benefits, while those covered by private plans will bill those first and the government second. You can use the OHIP+ website search to find out which prescription drugs are covered.

Am I eligible for OHIP?

With certain exceptions, to qualify for OHIP, you must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below plus at least 1 of the additional requirements.

To meet the minimum qualifications you must:

  • be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12‑month period
  • be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after you began living in the province
  • make Ontario your primary residence

You must also meet at least 1 of the following additional requirements. You:

  • are a Canadian citizen
  • are an Indigenous person (registered under the federal Indian Act)
  • are a permanent resident (formerly called a “landed immigrant”)
  • are applying for permanent residence in Canada and:
    • have submitted an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and
    • IRCC has confirmed they have reviewed the application and that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply (see document requirements) and
    • you have not yet been denied
  • are in Ontario on a valid work permit and are working full-time in Ontario, for an Ontario employer, for at least 6 months
    • if you meet this requirement, your spouse and dependants may also qualify for OHIP
    • if your work permit has expired but you hold “maintained status”, you may be eligible (please contact ServiceOntario for further information)
  • are in Ontario on a valid work permit under the federal Live-in Caregiver Program
  • are in Ontario on a valid work permit under the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (find more details on how to register)
  • are a convention refugee or other protected person (as defined by Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada)
  • have a Temporary Resident Permit (only certain case types, for example 86 through 95)
  • are a clergy member who can legally stay in Canada and will be ministering full time in Ontario for at least 6 months
    • if you meet this requirement, your spouse and dependants may also qualify for OHIP.

Getting your OHIP Card

Each family member must have their own OHIP card to receive health care services paid for by OHIP. Children older than 15½ years of age must apply for their own health card and register in person.

Apply for your health card as soon as you arrive in Canada.

To apply for an OHIP card as a newcomer to Ontario, visit the nearest Service Ontario Centre with your documents.

You must bring 3 original documents to prove your:

  • Citizenship/immigration status
  • Residency in Ontario
  • Identity

You may also be asked for additional documents. For example, if your name has changed, you may need to provide a marriage certificate or a change of name certificate.

More OHIP resources and information:

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