The government-run health plan in Ontario is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he/she/they are entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for a wide range of services; however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary such as cosmetic surgery.
Eligibility
For specific requirements in determining your eligibility for Ontario health insurance coverage, contact Service Ontario at 1-800-267-8097 or 416-326-1234. Telephone service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm; or visit OHIP Eligibility
Coverage
Ontario Health Insurance covers most hospital stays and visits to doctors. For more detailed coverage information, please call Service Ontario at 1-800-267-8097 or 416-326-1234. Telephone service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm or visit the website at: What’s covered by OHIP?
OHIP+
OHIP+ provides more than 4,400 drug products at no cost for anyone age 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. You don’t need to enroll — all you need is a health card number and an eligible prescription. To learn more, please visit: Learn about OHIP+
The Ontario Health Premium
The Ontario Health Premium is based on taxable income for a taxation year. Taxable income is income after allowable deductions, such as childcare expenses, RRSP and pension contributions, union dues and non-taxable government benefits (e.g., Guaranteed Income Supplement, Ontario Disability Support Program, social assistance, workers' compensation). Ontario is the only province with a health premium based on income.
Individuals with taxable income of $20,000 or less pay nothing. This means 43 per cent of all Ontario tax filers and 48 per cent of Ontario senior tax filers pay no premium at all. The full-year premium ranges from $60 to $900 per year for people with taxable income of $21,000 or more. Just as an example, individuals with a taxable income from$48,600 to $72,000 will pay a $600 Ontario Health Premium for the tax year.
Procedure for Application
You must apply in person for health insurance. A card with your photo on it will be sent to your home by the time eligibility for you and your family begins.
Documents Required (Originals Only)
You must bring three original documents to prove your OHIP-eligible citizenship/immigration status, residency in Ontario, and your identity. If you do not have any of the following documents, you will need to contact Service Ontario at 1-800-267-8097 or 416-326-1234 to determine what other documents are acceptable. Or, a more detailed list of all acceptable documents may be found on the Service Ontario website by clicking on the following link Ontario Health Coverage Document List.
You must provide an original of all 3 types of documents. Please note that you cannot use the same document twice. For example, if you use your driver’s licence for section 2, you cannot use it again for section 3.
Waiting Period
Ontario has waived the three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage.
You may apply for OHIP as soon as you have a permanent residence in Ontario. Your health card will be mailed to you when eligibility begins. You will need to renew your card before the expiry date.
If you are moving to Ontario from another part of Canada, your former province’s health insurance will cover you for up to 3 months.
If you have any questions regarding Ontario Health Insurance, you may call Service Ontario INFO line at 1-800-267-8097 or in Toronto, call 416-326-1234
Location of Offices
To locate the closest office, please visit: Service Ontario
