Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

OHIP is Ontario’s health insurance plan. Through OHIP, the province pays for many health services you may need. You must submit an application, and once it’s approved you’ll receive an Ontario Health Card. Your health card proves that you’re covered by OHIP – that’s why you must show it at every doctor visit, emergency room visit, medical test, or surgery.

Who qualifies

With certain exceptions, to qualify for OHIP, you must meet all of the minimum qualifications listed below plus at least 1 of the additional requirements.

To meet the minimum qualifications you must:

• be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12‑month period
• be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after you began living in the province
• make Ontario your primary residence

You must also meet at least 1 of the following additional requirements. You:

• are a Canadian citizen
• are an Indigenous person (registered under the federal Indian Act)
• are a permanent resident (formerly called a “landed immigrant”)
• are applying for permanent residence in Canada and:
  • have submitted an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and
  • IRCC has confirmed they have reviewed the application and that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply (see document requirements) and
  • you have not yet been denied
• are in Ontario on a valid work permit and are working full-time in Ontario, for an Ontario employer, for at least 6 months
  • if you meet this requirement, your spouse and dependants may also qualify for OHIP
  • if your work permit has expired but you hold “maintained status”, you may be eligible (please contact ServiceOntario for further information)
• are in Ontario on a valid work permit under the federal Live-in Caregiver Program
• are in Ontario on a valid work permit under the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (find more details on how to register)
• are a convention refugee or other protected person (as defined by Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada)
• have a Temporary Resident Permit (only certain case types, for example 86 through 95)
• are a clergy member who can legally stay in Canada and will be ministering full time in Ontario for at least 6 months
  • if you meet this requirement, your spouse and dependants may also qualify for OHIP

How to apply

You must apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

You will need to bring these documents with you:

• a completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form
• 3 separate documents from the List of qualifying identification documents (photocopies not accepted):
  • one original document that proves your Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status
  • one document (original, printed or digital/electronic document as noted on the list) that proves your residency in Ontario
  • one original document that proves your identity

Reapplying for OHIP

If you’ve been out of Ontario for more than 212 days in any 12‑month period, you may have to reapply for OHIP at a specialized ServiceOntario Centre that provides the full-suite of health card services. You can call ServiceOntario to be sure.

If you are reapplying for OHIP, refer to the above section How to apply.

 

source:-Ministry of Health Ontario