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OHIP / Health Insurance and Medicine

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for services that are medically necessary. OHIP does not cover all of your medical expenses. You might need private insurance, too.

How can I get health care coverage (OHIP)?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for services that are medically necessary. If you are eligible, you should apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive and have the documents you need to apply.

What types of health care service does my OHIP card cover?
Most basic health care services are covered. You should check with your doctor or hospital to find out whether a particular procedure or treatment is covered by OHIP.

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Who is eligible for an OHIP Card?
Most residents of Ontario are eligible.

How can I pay for health services in my first 3 months in Ontario without OHIP?
Generally, there is a 3-month waiting period from the date you arrive until you are covered. During this period, you have a couple of options to access health services in Ontario.

Do I need to renew my health card?
The front of your Health Card has a section near the bottom that says "Valid Until." You need to renew your card before this date.

Why would I need private health insurance?
Your employer may offer a group insurance plan that will cover some costs not covered by OHIP, or you can buy an individual plan from a private company.

If I leave Ontario, will I still have health care coverage?
Most of your Ontario health benefits are covered across Canada. If you travel outside of Canada, you may wish to get additional private insurance coverage.

What is the Interim Federal Health (IFH) program?
Refugee claimants who are not yet covered by OHIP are eligible to receive emergency and essential health services through the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program.

Where can I find hospital locations?
You can look in the Business section or Yellow Pages of your telephone book under “hospital.”

Medication / Prescriptions

How do I get a prescription for medicine?
If your doctor decides that you need medicine, she or he will give you a written prescription.

How do I pay for prescription medicine?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not pay for prescriptions. Your employer may offer a group insurance plan, or you can buy an individual plan from a private company.