Health

Moving to a new country can be a stressful experience. It is important to take care of your health during this transition and after. Find information about health insurance, how to find a doctor or other medical professional, and health services for you and your family.

OHIP and Health Insurance

How do I apply for a Health Card (OHIP)?
To get an OHIP Card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), you have to fill out an application. You also need to collect some documents to submit with your application.
What documents do I need to apply for a Health Card (OHIP)?
To apply for a Health Card (OHIP) you need 3 types of documents. You must bring original documents. You cannot use photocopies.
Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP?
You still have healthcare options if you don't have Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) or other healthcare coverage.
Who is eligible for OHIP?
Some people are not eligible for OHIP. With certain exceptions, to qualify for OHIP, you must meet all of the minimum qualifications.
What services does OHIP cover?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for a wide range of health care services. It pays for most basic medical and emergency services. It can pay for all or part of the cost.
Do I need private health insurance if I have OHIP?
You may need private health insurance to cover additional costs like prescriptions. There are a few ways to start your search and things to consider when finding affordable insurance.

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Find a Doctor or Medical Professional

What is the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) offers routine dental services for eligible seniors aged 65 and over.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that will help cover some of the cost of various oral health care services for eligible residents of Canada.
Does OHIP cover dental services?
Generally no, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover dental services. You may have other options.
Where can I get dental care if I don't have insurance?
Some community dental programs have dental services that are free or less expensive than regular dentists.
How can I find a family doctor?
A family doctor is also called general practitioner (GP). Family doctors are usually the first doctors to diagnose and treat most medical problems. There is a shortage of GPs in many areas in Ontario. It may take you some time to find a doctor.
Where can I get medical help if I don't have a family doctor?
If you do not have a family doctor, you still have healthcare options.

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Community and Public Health

How do I get my proof of vaccination (vaccine passport)?
You should have received a receipt showing the details of the vaccine you were given and if it was your first or second dose. You will need to show the paper or digital copy along with identification to access certain spaces in Ontario.
Where can I find low-cost health care?
If you don't have OHIP, you can get free or low-cost health care at a Community Health Centre (CHC).
What are community health centres?
Community Health Centres (CHC) services help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their life situation or financial status.
What I Need to Know About the COVD-19 Vaccines
Multilingual factsheets with information about the vaccines.
What is community-based health care?
Community-based health care is for people of all ages who need health care assistance at home. Community care services include home support, nursing, physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services.
What is Public Health?
Public Health units are responsible for the protection and promotion of health and wellbeing of the general public. Public Health aims to improve the overall health of the population.

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Mental Health and Addiction

Where can I get help with an addiction?
If you, or someone you know, have an addiction, you can get help in many ways.
What is problem gambling?
Gambling is betting money or something valuable on an event with an uncertain outcome. Problem gambling means that the gambling has a negative effect on the person who is gambling, their family and friends.
What is mental health?
Mental health is about your overall emotional wellbeing; everyone has mental health. Just like physical health you need to take care of yourself to keep a healthy mind.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness occurs when your brain, just like any other organ in your body, such as the heart, or the kidney, is not working the way it should.
Where can I get help with my mental health?
It is important that you take care of your mental health, just like you take care of your physical health. There are different mental health and wellness professionals & programs that can help you improve and maintain your mental health.
How can I get mental health help in a crisis?
A crisis is an emergency. In a crisis, you might feel overwhelmed or out of control. You can get help from a crisis centre or distress centre.
Can crisis counselling help me with trauma?
Moving to a new country can take a toll on your mental health. Crisis counselling can help you cope with the traumatic aspects of the big change.
What can I do to feel less stressed during challenging times?
Multilingual videos about mental health support and how to cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keeping Newcomer Youth Safe
Newcomer adults face many settlement challenges upon arrival to Canada, such as finding appropriate employment and accommodation, adjusting to a new culture and learning English.

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Emergency Services

What you might not know about hospital emergency room (ER) visits.
If it's your first time going to the hospital, you may not know what to expect. Here are some tips to help you navigate the hospital's Emergency Department.
How can I get help in an emergency?
Call 9-1-1 if you have a life-threatening emergency. The 911 operator can get an interpreter for you, if you need one.
Where can I find a hospital in my area?
If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. If you need medical help quickly, but it is not an emergency, you may want to go to a hospital.

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Nutrition and Healthy Living

Checking for Breast Cancer
Staying healthy is important as you start your life in a new country. That’s why it is a good idea for women to get checked, or screened, for breast cancer.
What is a food bank?
A food bank is a free service that collects and gives out food basics and essential items to people who do not have enough to eat. Food banks typically give you food and supplies that last 2-3 days.
How can I find low-cost, healthy food?
Healthy food does not have to cost a lot of money. You can eat healthy food and save money by using some planning tips.

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Sexual and Reproductive Health

Creating a Safety Plan
This guide has many suggestions and ideas that an abused woman can use to create a safety plan for herself and her children.
How do I find a midwife?
You do not need a referral from a physician or OHIP to get a midwife in Ontario. It is a good idea to try to contact a midwife clinic as early in the pregnancy as possible to ensure that they have space for you.
How much does it cost to get care from a midwife?
Midwives are funded to provide care to all residents (and their babies) of their catchment area, regardless of whether or not you have OHIP. This can be a lower cost option if you do not have OHIP and live in Ontario.
What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?
A loss, even in the early weeks of pregnancy, can trigger mental health issues for the parents and their families. Along with the physical healing, there will be a grieving process.
I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?
This can be a very confusing and stressful time. You have choices.
How do I access abortion services in Ontario?
Abortions are available across Ontario and covered by OHIP until 24 weeks gestation; however not every city has equal access.
Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?
Many organizations and websites have information about sexual and reproductive health.
What types of birth control can I get in Ontario?
You can get many types of birth control in Ontario. Generally, OHIP does not cover birth control methods.
How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?
On top of screening for potential health problems and addressing any health concerns you are having, your first gynecology appointment can also act as a safe space for asking questions and learning about healthy habits.

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Family Health

What should I do if a loved one has blood cancer?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada offers many services and resources for caregivers of people with blood cancer.
Do we need a pediatrician?
Pediatricians are primary care doctors who specialize in children's health, including physical, mental, and social health.
What is domestic abuse?
Abuse means that someone hurts you mentally or physically. Domestic abuse is when a family member or romantic partner (spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend) does this.
What do immigrants and refugees need to know about domestic abuse?
Ontario criminal law and family law protect you against domestic abuse. If you are a permanent resident, you will not lose your status for reporting abuse or leaving an abusive relationship.
Where can I get help for domestic abuse?
You can get help in an emergency, in a crisis, or anytime that you experience abuse. You can get help in many ways.
Where can I find health services for seniors?
In general, you can use the same health programs and services as other adults. Some programs and services may be especially useful.
What help can seniors get to continue living at home?
If you want to live in your own home, you can get some health services in your home. You can also get financial help to make your home safe for you.
What are seniors' homes?
You can choose to live in different kinds of special housing for seniors only. Some homes are for independent living, which means that you do not get any special services. Some homes have health care or personal care services for you.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is hurt or neglect of a senior (elderly) person. Often, it is done by someone who is responsible for caring for the senior person.

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Refugee Health

What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a program that pays for medical services for a short period of time for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking.
I came to Canada as a refugee. Am I eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
The type of coverage you are eligible for depends on your status in Canada.
I came to Canada as a refugee. What mental health services can I get?
It may be difficult to establish a new life in Canada. It may be difficult to communicate with government officials or other people. You may find that counselling can help you.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

What are my rights as a patient?
As a patient or health care consumer in Ontario, you have both rights and responsibilities. If a health care professional violates your rights, you can make a complaint.
What are my responsibilities as a patient?
As a patient or health care consumer in Ontario, you have both rights and responsibilities. Your responsibilities are not described in any law.
What are my rights as a mental health patient?
As a mental health (psychiatric) patient, you have rights. If you are a danger to yourself or others, a doctor can limit your rights.

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Disability

What is a disability?
“Disability” is a term that groups different types of conditions that may impact your movements, senses, or approach to how you engage in daily life. There are disabilities that you can see and others that are less obvious or even “invisible”.
What financial assistance can I get if I have a disability?
If you or a family member have a disability that may impact your income or personal finances, there may be options to help in this list of programs.
My child was diagnosed with a disability. What do I do next?
Steps you can take to find help for your child with special needs.
What is the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and how do I apply?
This program gives financial and employment assistance to people with disabilities.
I have a disability. What kinds of services can I get?
In Ontario, you can get many different kinds of programs and services to support you.
I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?
You can ask for reasonable accommodations at any point during your employment once you know that you need a change in your job due to your disability.

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Health

OHIP and Health Insurance

How do I apply for a Health Card (OHIP)?

What documents do I need to apply for a Health Card (OHIP)?

Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP?

Who is eligible for OHIP?

What services does OHIP cover?

Do I need private health insurance if I have OHIP?

Find a Doctor or Medical Professional

What is the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Does OHIP cover dental services?

Where can I get dental care if I don't have insurance?

How can I find a family doctor?

Where can I get medical help if I don't have a family doctor?

Community and Public Health

How do I get my proof of vaccination (vaccine passport)?

Where can I find low-cost health care?

What are community health centres?

What I Need to Know About the COVD-19 Vaccines

What is community-based health care?

What is Public Health?

Mental Health and Addiction

Where can I get help with an addiction?

What is problem gambling?

What is mental health?

What is mental illness?

Where can I get help with my mental health?

How can I get mental health help in a crisis?

Can crisis counselling help me with trauma?

What can I do to feel less stressed during challenging times?

Keeping Newcomer Youth Safe

Emergency Services

What you might not know about hospital emergency room (ER) visits.

How can I get help in an emergency?

Where can I find a hospital in my area?

Nutrition and Healthy Living

Checking for Breast Cancer

What is a food bank?

How can I find low-cost, healthy food?

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Creating a Safety Plan

How do I find a midwife?

How much does it cost to get care from a midwife?

What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?

I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?

How do I access abortion services in Ontario?

Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?

What types of birth control can I get in Ontario?

How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?

Family Health

What should I do if a loved one has blood cancer?

Do we need a pediatrician?

What is domestic abuse?

What do immigrants and refugees need to know about domestic abuse?

Where can I get help for domestic abuse?

Where can I find health services for seniors?

What help can seniors get to continue living at home?

What are seniors' homes?

What is elder abuse?

Refugee Health

What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?

I came to Canada as a refugee. Am I eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

I came to Canada as a refugee. What mental health services can I get?

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

What are my rights as a patient?

What are my responsibilities as a patient?

What are my rights as a mental health patient?

Disability

What is a disability?

What financial assistance can I get if I have a disability?

My child was diagnosed with a disability. What do I do next?

What is the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and how do I apply?

I have a disability. What kinds of services can I get?

I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?