Obtain the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Ontario OHIP Benefits and Application Guide
1、 OHIP Core Benefits
Free basic medical services
Coverage items: Family doctor consultation, emergency treatment, medical examinations (such as X-rays and blood tests), surgical and hospitalization expenses; Maternity checkups, partial psychological therapy, and cancer screening.
Special services: Emergency dental extraction, annual check ups and follow-up visits for specific ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Self funded projects
Excluding: Conventional dental treatments (such as dental fillings), optometry and glasses fitting, prescription drugs (excluding medications during hospitalization), physical therapy, and cosmetic surgery.
Additional suggestion: Cover the self funded portion through commercial insurance (such as company group plans) or provincial drug subsidy programs (such as Trillium Drug Program).
2、 Apply for Qualification
Identity and Residence Requirements
Citizens/permanent residents: must reside in Ontario for at least 153 days per year and recognize Ontario as their primary place of residence.
Work visa holder: must meet one of the following conditions:
Full time employment for at least 6 months, with the employer providing proof of contract continuity;
Hold a valid work visa and engage in long-term full-time employment (spouse and family members can apply together).
Student visa/visitor: Usually not eligible, medical needs need to be covered through school insurance (such as UHIP) or travel medical insurance.
Proof of Residence Document
Address proof: Ontario driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement or employer's letter (including company name and signature).
3、 Application process
Prepare materials
Identity documents: original passport, work/study visa/PR card.
Proof of Residence: Official documents of Ontario address (such as bank statements, rental contracts).
Work certificate: Employer's letter (indicating position, salary, contract period, and company contact information).
Submit application
Location: Go to the Service Ontario service center (it is recommended to make an appointment in advance).
Fill out the form: Fill out the Health Insurance Underwriting Registration Form on-site or download it in advance.
Waiting period: The health card is usually mailed to the registered address within 2-4 weeks.
4、 Precautions
Transitional insurance
New immigrants or work visa holders are advised to purchase temporary commercial insurance to cover sudden medical needs while waiting for OHIP to take effect (up to 3 months).
Cross provincial relocation
Moving out of Ontario requires re registration for the new province's medical insurance, and the original OHIP will automatically become invalid.
First use
When seeking medical treatment, it is necessary to bring a health card to the clinic/hospital for activation, and specialist referrals must be completed through a family doctor.
Summary: OHIP provides free basic medical services to Ontario residents, and work permit holders can participate in the insurance through full-time work qualifications. Applicants need to prepare proof of identity, residence, and work, and submit it to the Service Ontario Center in a timely manner. International students and visitors need to rely on alternative insurance plans, and it is recommended to plan ahead to protect their medical rights.