Health Insurance for New Immigrants in Ontario (OHIP)

This guide focuses on public health services for newcomers in Ontario, where the provincial health insurance is called OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Keep reading to find out how to get health insurance, what is covered and what to do if you are not eligible.

If you are a newcomer, you need to know:

• What is OHIP
• Who qualifies for OHIP
• How to Apply for the Ontario Health Card
• What OHIP covers
• OHIP Waiting period
• OHIP Coverage Gaps

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

All provinces in Canada have their territorial health insurance plans, and in Ontario public health coverage is called the OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).

OHIP is Ontario’s publicly funded health insurance system, and it covers most medically necessary health services for eligible residents. The province pays for these services through tax funding, and the program is managed by the Ontario government.

The main goal of OHIP is simple: if you have a medical need, you should be able to receive care without facing very large hospital bills.

However, OHIP does not cover everything. And many newcomers are not immediately eligible for coverage when they arrive in Ontario.

Before we continue, here are a few important terms you should understand:

• OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan): Ontario’s public health insurance program.
• Health card: The card you receive after your OHIP application is approved. You must show it when visiting a doctor, clinic, or hospital.
• IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program): Temporary federal health coverage for certain groups, such as refugees.
• Private health insurance: Insurance you purchase yourself to cover services not included in OHIP or to protect you during any waiting period.

Understanding these basics will help you better navigate OHIP for newcomers and make informed decisions about your health coverage in Ontario.

However, OHIP does not cover everything. And many newcomers must wait before they qualify.

What does OHIP cover?

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers a wide range of medically necessary health care services for eligible residents. A few examples of covered services are:

• Visits to family doctors and specialists
• Specialist appointments (with referral)
• Hospital stays
• Emergency care
• Medically necessary surgeries
• Diagnostic tests (like X-rays and blood tests)
• In-patient and out-patient health care services,
• surgery
• diagnostic tests
• Treatment for sexually transmitted infections
• Some orthodontic services when there is a valid medical reason.

For children and youth up to 24 years old who are not covered by private benefits, OHIP+ provides coverage for many prescription drugs.

Age-based coverage limits

For example:

• Eye exams are covered once every 12 months for:
  • Children under 19
  • Adults 65 and older
• Adults between 20 and 64 usually pay out of pocket for routine eye exams.

OHIP does NOT cover:

• Prescription drugs (outside hospitals)
• Dental care
• Eyeglasses
• Cosmetic surgery
• Many physiotherapy services

Ambulance services may require a fee depending on the situation.

Always verify specific coverage details on the official Ontario government website if unsure.

OHIP Eligibility for Newcomers

To qualify for OHIP for newcomers, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including minimum qualifications set by the province. These eligibility criteria ensure that only those who meet the minimum qualifications, such as residency and immigration status, can access health insurance coverage.

1. You must fall into one of these categories (as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which oversees immigration, refugees and citizenship status in Canada):
   • Permanent resident
   • Applied for permanent residency
   • Valid work permit holder ( And be working full-time for at least 6 months for a company based in Ontario)
   • Spouse or dependent of eligible worker
   • Convention refugee or protected person
   • Temporary Resident Permit holder (in some cases)
2. Newcomers must be present in Ontario to apply for OHIP. (Proof of residency)

Your Canadian citizenship status can also affect your eligibility for health insurance, as only certain citizenship or immigration categories qualify for OHIP.

How to Apply for the Ontario Health Card

To apply for an OHIP health card, newcomers to Ontario must visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. Newcomers are advised to apply for their health card as soon as they arrive in Canada.

To receive OHIP, you must apply for an Ontario health card in person.

You need to visit a ServiceOntario location and provide three original documents to prove your identity and residency. Children older than 15½ years must apply for health card and register in person. Each family member must have their OHIP card to receive health care services paid for by OHIP.

Documents to apply for OHIP

1. Completed OHIP registration form
2. Proof of immigration status
3. Proof of Ontario residency (rent agreement, utility bill, bank statement)
4. Proof of identity

Children under 16 do not need to attend in person. A parent can apply for them.

After approval, your health card will be mailed to you.

Is There a Waiting Period for OHIP?

No. There is no waiting period before you can apply for OHIP coverage if all the requirements are met.

If you are a newcomer to Ontario, and you meet all the requirements, you will have immediate health insurance coverage. Find out if you qualify.

Do I need temporary private insurance while waiting for my OHIP?

Usually you don’t need temporary private insurance, since public healthcare coverage is almost immediate if you meet all requirements.

For those without status or waiting for documents, Community Health Centres (CHCs) offer primary healthcare at no cost. Community health centres in Ontario may provide services to uninsured individuals, including newcomers.

OHIP Coverage Gaps: Getting Private Health Insurance

OHIP covers many medically necessary services like doctor visits, hospital care, emergency care, lab tests, and some surgeries. But it does not cover everything you might need in daily life or during your first months in Canada. Knowing this helps you plan wisely.

Here are common OHIP coverage gaps:

• Regular dental care, check-ups, fillings and braces must be paid out of pocket unless you have other coverage.
• OHIP usually does not pay for glasses, contact lenses, or routine eye exams for most adults.
• Routine eye exams for adults 20–64 are not covered (only children and seniors have limited eye exam coverage).
• Ambulance may be partly covered only in certain emergencies, and medical care outside Ontario or Canada is limited.
• Many services like physiotherapy outside hospital settings, massage therapy, chiropractic or naturopathic care are not covered by OHIP.
• If you want a private or semi-private room, OHIP won’t pay for the extra cost.

Because of these gaps, private health insurance is one of the smartest moves you can make as a newcomer. During your first months in Ontario, you may not yet have OHIP — and even once you do, services like prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health support, and therapies remain uncovered. One emergency can cost thousands of dollars.

Cigna offers private international health insurance designed for newcomers and international residents staying 4 months or longer — covering exactly the gaps OHIP leaves behind.

Get your Cigna free quote here and check your coverage options in minutes!

Accessing Health Services as a Newcomer in Ontario

Once newcomers have coverage, here are somecommon entry points to access services:

• Family doctor (primary care)
• Walk-in clinic
• Hospital emergency room
• Telehealth Ontario (phone advice where registered nurses are available 24/7)

Using Emergency Care as a Newcomer

Call 911 if there is:

• Chest pain
• Severe injury
• Difficulty breathing
• Life-threatening emergency

Visit an emergency room for urgent but non-life-threatening situations.

If uninsured, you may receive a bill later. Hospitals will ask for:

• ID
• Immigration documents
• Insurance information

Keep copies with you.

Finding a Family Doctor in Ontario

After receiving your Ontario health card, your next step is finding a family doctor.

You can:

• Register with Health Care Connect
• Ask local walk-in clinics if they accept new patients
• Ask friends or community groups
• Use online doctor search tools

If you cannot find one immediately, you can continue using walk-in clinics. Read our full article about How to Find a Family Doctor in Canada.

Checklist for Newcomers’ Health Insurance in Ontario

Here is your simple action plan:

1. Confirm your immigration status eligibility
2. Collect proof of Ontario residency
3. Apply for your Ontario health card at ServiceOntario
4. Purchase private insurance if needed
5. Confirm IFHP eligibility if refugee
6. Keep copies of all documents
7. Find a family doctor after approval

Key contacts:

• Free Local immigrant settlement agencies
• Ontario Community health centres community health centres

FAQ: OHIP for Newcomers

How long does it take to get OHIP in Ontario?

Processing times vary. After applying in person and submitting the correct documents, your health card is mailed to you.

Is OHIP free for newcomers?

OHIP is publicly funded through taxes. If you are eligible, you do not pay monthly premiums. But not all services are covered.

Can I use OHIP immediately after arriving?

Yes, but you must meet eligibility requirements first. Some newcomers experience a delay.

Does OHIP cover dental care?

No. Dental care is generally not covered for adults.

What happens if I get sick before I have OHIP?

You must pay out of pocket unless you have private insurance or IFHP coverage.

Do work permit holders qualify for OHIP?

Yes, if they:

• Have a valid work permit and work reference letter from an Ontario-based company
• Work full-time for at least 6 months
• Meet residency requirements

Further Resources for Newcomers in Ontario

• Wondering about your prescription options? Dive into our article, where we explore everything you need to know about obtaining a prescription in Canada. Discover the process and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
• Learn how to get private health insurance to cover your first months in Canada if you are not eligible for OHIP.
• Want to learn more about how healthcare works in Canada? Check our article on all you need to know about the Canadian Healthcare System.
• If you are on maintained status, healthcare can be confusing. Read our guide Health Insurance While on Maintained Status in Canada