How does the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) work and which services are covered?
Health insurance is a provincial responsibility. In Ontario you must be insured by OHIP to use the health care services funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. For information on how to obtain health insurance in other parts of Canada please contact the Ministry of Health for your province or territory.
Sources: Ministries of Health
While every effort was made to assure that information provided here is accurate, it is advisable that consumers double-check the Ministry’s web site for changes and the latest updates:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan - Health Services
For more information, see OHIP: Questions and Answers
Ontario Health Insurance Plan - Questions and Answers
How does OHIP work?
Which services are covered by OHIP?
How does OHIP work?
Am I eligible for Ontario Health Insurance?
For eligibility criteria see:
OHIP Eligibility Fact Sheet
How long do I have to wait to be covered by OHIP?
Usually there is a three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage.
If you are a newcomer to Ontario, or a former resident returning to live here after being away for more than seven months, the waiting period begins on the date you establish or re-establish residence in Ontario.
If you are an eligible resident moving to Ontario from another part of Canada, your former province's health insurance will cover you for up to three months.
If you are not covered by another provincial or territorial plan, it is important to buy private health insurance to bridge you over until you get OHIP coverage.
How do I get an Ontario Health Card?
Health Card Fact Sheet
If you have never had an Ontario health card, you must register for a photo health card. To register :
Go in person to your nearest Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Ministry Office Locations
Complete a registration form
Provide the necessary documents
Ontario Health Coverage Document List (PDF)
If there is no ministry office in your area, call your closest Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office or refer to the blue pages in the telephone book under "Health" and ask for information about Outreach sites.
Do my children need separate Health cards?
All members of your family, including babies and children, must have their own Health cards. Children older than 15 1/2 years must register in person because they have to have a photo taken and sign their cards.
How do I keep my Health Card up-to-date?
To change your name, address or legal status on your Health Card complete a Change of Information (form 0280-82).
If you do not already have a photo Health Card, you must also provide three original documents to prove citizenship, Ontario residence and identity.
What documents should I bring when I register?
If you have any questions regarding your own specific situation, contact your local ministry office.
What if my Health Card is lost, stolen or damaged?
During business hours you should immediately call the Ministry’s INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (toll free in Ontario only). In Toronto, call 416-314-5518. For TTY service, call 1-800-387-5559. After business hours, you may report your lost, stolen or damaged health card to the Ministry’s Health Card Ontario inquiry system at 1-800-664-8988.
If there is no ministry office in your area, call your closest Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office, (or refer to the blue pages in the Bell Canada telephone book, under "Health"), and ask for information about Outreach sites.
What if I forget to bring my Health Card when I go for health care?
Always carry your Health card with you and be prepared to show it every time you need health services.
Even if you do not have a Health Card, physicians and hospitals must provide you with emergency health care services.
You may be charged for health care if you do not have a Health Card. The provider will reimburse you for the service if you can later show that you were covered by OHIP at the time of the service.
You may also complete a "Health number release form" at the hospital or doctor's office that allows the ministry to provide your Health Number to them.
What if I don't have a photo Health Card?
Both the red-and-white card or the photo Health Card are accepted as long as they are valid and belong to you.
If you register and receive a photo Health Card, you should destroy your red-and-white card if you still have it
What should I do if I move?
You should inform the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care if you change your address. It is important that the ministry has your current address for any direct communication with you.
There are four ways to update your address: 1. Use Ontario Online Services to send your change of address electronically.
2. Go to any ServiceOntario kiosk. They are similar to automated teller machines and provide extended hours of service seven days a week. Bring along the health cards of all family members for whom the change of address applies. Click here for a list list of ServiceOntario kiosk locations.
3. Obtain a "Change of Address" form and return it by mail. Forms are available from your local OHIP office or from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Website in the Forms Online section.
4. Send a letter to your local OHIP office. You must include your name, health number, telephone number, current address, and new address including postal code.
If you have a photo Health Card and you update your address, you will receive a new card with your new address. If you have a red and white health card, you will continue to use it but the ministry database will be updated.
For more information:
Call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (Toll-free in Ontario only). In Toronto, call 416-314-5518. For TTY service call 1-800-387-5559.
What if I know of someone who is using someone else’s Health Card?
It is against the law to receive insured health care when one is not an insured person. Call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Fraud Line at 1-888-781-5556 to report an incident. You may make your report anonymously if you wish.
What do I do with a deceased person's health card or health coverage?
The health card of a deceased person must be returned to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. You will need to complete a Change of Information (form 280-82) and then mail it with the health card of the deceased person to the ministry. You should include a copy of the death certificate. Copies of this form are available by:
Contacting your local ministry office and requesting that one be forwarded to you
Printing a copy of the form through Forms Online.
Alternately, you can send a letter to your local ministry office providing the deceased person's name, date of birth, sex and health number. Enclose a photocopy of the death certificate and the actual health card.
It is important to notify the Ministry as soon as possible when an insured person dies. The attending physician forwards this information to the ministry but this may take some time and the doctor is not responsible for the collection and return of the health card. The person who is looking after the affairs of the deceased must return the health card to the ministry.
Which services are covered by OHIP?
OHIP covers a wide range of health services.
For details on services covered, see:
Health Services covered by OHIP
