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What is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In Canada, the government provides basic health care to those who live here and who meet the eligibility requirements.

In Ontario, the government-run health plan is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP is paid through taxes.

OHIP pays for many health care services. OHIP pays for services that are medically necessary. These services include visits to your family doctor and specialists. Most basic and emergency health care services are covered by OHIP. To find out if a procedure or treatment is covered by OHIP, check with a health care professional.

For more information, go to What services does OHIP cover?

Do I need a Health Card/OHIP Card?

You usually need a Health Card to get free public health care. The Health Card is sometimes called an OHIP Card.

If you do not have OHIP, you might be able to get free health care from a Community Health Centre.

How do I get a Health Card?

If you are eligible for OHIP, you have to apply for a Health Card. For information on eligibility, go to Who is eligible for OHIP?

For information about how to apply, go to How do I apply for a Health Card?

Many community agencies can help answer your questions about OHIP. To find help, go to Services Near Me and search for "community health centre" or "settlement agency" in your area.

For More Information

• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) - Describes how OHIP works and provides fact sheets, forms, answers to frequently asked questions and a list of OHIP offices across Ontario. Provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) - Frequently asked questions about OHIP answered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) Fact Sheets - A series of publications from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Health and Disability - Clear language publications on legal topics relating to health and disability.