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• Health Insurance

Where can I buy private health insurance for newcomers and visitors to Canada?

It is a good idea to purchase private health insurance for the 3 months that you are not covered by OHIP (Health Card), or if you are not eligible for OHIP.

Generally, the coverage you need is for "visitors to Canada." You need to confirm with the insurance company that they have insurance plans for people who do not have OHIP.

Not all health related expenses are covered by private insurance. For example, pregnancy-related costs may not be covered. So, make sure that the plan you choose suits your needs. For some companies, you might have to buy insurance within a certain number of days after arriving in Ontario.

To find a private health insurance company, you can use the OmbudService Insurance Finder or look online.

Insurance Brokers

Insurance brokers are an alternative to insurance companies. Brokers represent several different insurance companies and can tell you about your choices.

To find an insurance broker, you can look online.

For More Information

• Insurance Finder - A list of insurance providers organized by type of insurance. From the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI).
• OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI) - An independent complaint resolution and information service for consumers of Canadian life and health insurance products and services.
• Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) - Represents more than 80 private insurance companies in Canada. The CLHIA website describes the different types of insurance products, services, and CLHIA publications.
• OHIP Coverage Waiting Period - Information about the 3-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. From the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.