OHIP is Ontario's public health insurance. Your health card is how you show that you have it. There is no longer a waiting period. If you are eligible, your coverage starts right away. You apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
Who can get OHIP
You need to meet all three of these:
- You are physically in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period.
- You were physically in Ontario for at least 153 of the first 183 days after you began living here.
- Ontario is your primary home.
You also need to meet at least one of these:
- You are a Canadian citizen.
- You are a permanent resident.
- You are an Indigenous person registered under the federal *Indian Act*.
- You are a convention refugee or another protected person.
Some other people can also qualify. For example, some people on work permits, and people who have applied for permanent residence. The rules for these groups have extra conditions, so check the full list on Ontario.ca.
What you need to apply
Bring three separate original documents. Photocopies are not accepted.
- One document that shows your citizenship or immigration status
- One document that shows you live in Ontario
- One document that shows your identity
The full list of accepted documents is on Ontario.ca. You will also need a completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form (014-0265-82).
Where to apply
You must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Fill out the form before you go, and bring your documents.
What OHIP covers
OHIP covers medically necessary care, including:
- Appointments with a family doctor
- Visits to walk-in clinics and some other health care providers
- Emergency room visits
- Medical tests and surgeries
Services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery, are not covered. See what OHIP covers for the full list.
Medications prescribed at a clinic are not covered by OHIP. Other programs may help pay for them, and we will cover those in a separate article.
Other situations
Some situations, such as newborns, adopted children, military families, and appeals, have their own steps. Ontario.ca explains them on its OHIP page.
After you have your health card
A valid health card is what you need to register with Health Care Connect, which can match you with a family doctor or nurse practitioner. While you wait for a card, some community health centres may be able to help, so see who can use a community health centre. For all of your options, read how to find a family doctor in Ontario.