The Ontario Health Insurance Program

The Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) will pay for a wide range of health care services, including emergency health related services. OHIP is financed through taxes dollars. There are medical or health related services that OHIP does not cover.

You are eligible for Health insurance in Ontario (OHIP) if you:

• are a Canadian citizen or have immigration status
• make your permanent and principal home in Ontario, and
• live in Ontario 153 days in any 12-month period

People who need medical attention and have an OHIP card show their health card to a service provider when they need medical attention. Each member of your family needs his or her own Health Insurance Card.

Apply for your health insurance card as soon as you can. You can get an application form from a doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy or one of our newcomer settlement agencies. You can also get forms from the Ontario ministry of health. You will need some identification papers with you when you apply, such as your birth certificate or passport, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence or your permanent resident card.

You can use your OHIP card to cover medical expenses three months after you established your residency in Ontario. If you can, purchase private health insurance to cover medical or health costs for the three-month waiting period. Some private health insurance plans cover services that OHIP does not, such as dental work. Some employers also offer additional health insurance for a monthly deduction from your paycheque.

If you are a refugee claimant or refugee, you can receive emergency and essential health services through the Interim Federal Health Program.

References. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2006; Health services, Accessed February 2007; Ontario Health Insurance Plan, Accessed February 2007; What types of health care services are covered by OHIP? Accessed February 2007.