• Health
• OHIP and Health Insurance
• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Does OHIP cover me when I am outside Ontario?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for most of your health care costs when you are outside of Ontario but still in Canada. OHIP only pays for some services when you travel outside of Canada.

Outside of Ontario, In Canada

If you have OHIP, you get basic health care for free when you are in most other parts of Canada.

When you are in Quebec, you might have to pay for services. When you get back to Ontario you can send your receipt to your local Ministry of Health office. If you are eligible, they can send you back the money you paid for that service. However, they will only send you back an amount that equals what that service costs in Ontario.

Keep your OHIP card with you, even when you are not in Ontario. You need to show the doctor this card to have your costs paid for by OHIP.

Outside of Canada

If you travel outside of Canada, you should consider getting additional private health insurance coverage. OHIP coverage is limited when you are outside of Canada.

When you travel outside of Canada, OHIP will pay for insured, emergency health services that meet specific criteria. OHIP pays a set amount for these services.

There are many health services that are not covered by OHIP when you are outside of Ontario. For example, OHIP does not pay when you:

• Use an ambulance
• Get medical services that you can plan for and get in Ontario

Generally, you have to pay for the services upfront and OHIP will reimburse you, if you are eligible. Find out more about how to make a claim to OHIP.

How do I pay for my health care when I travel outside of Canada?

You can buy private health insurance when you travel. This can help you pay for services that OHIP does not cover.

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has information about what type of insurance you can get when you are outside of Canada. Call CLHIA:

• 1-888-295-8112
• In Toronto: 416-777-9002

How long can I stay outside of Canada and keep my OHIP coverage?

You can be outside of Canada for 212 days in a 12-month period and still be covered by your OHIP.

If you will be away for more than 212 days, you can apply for continuous OHIP eligibility. This means that you want to keep your OHIP benefits, even though you will be out of the country for more than 212 days. OHIP might cover you for a longer period of time if you are out of the country because you are:

• Studying
• Working
• Vacationing
• Doing missionary work

To apply for continuous OHIP eligibility, you might need to show documents explaining why you will be absent. Contact your local Service Ontario OHIP office for information about what documents you will need.

For the most up-to-date, official information, call the Ministry of Health INFOline:

• In Ontario:1-866-532-3161
• In Toronto: 416-314-5518
• TTY: 1-800-387-5559

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

For More Information

• Travelling Outside Canada - Information about OHIP coverage when you are outside of Canada.
• Health Coverage Outside of Ontario - Information from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care about which costs are covered when you travel outside of Ontario.
• Longer Absences from Ontario- Information about OHIP coverage if you will be out of Ontario for more than 212 days in a 12-month period. From the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Health Insurance for Travellers: What you should know before leaving Ontario - Information from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.