Ontario Healthcare

Section 1

Health Cards

Depending on the province you live in, getting a health card can vary. For now, this guide focuses on how to apply for an Ontario Health Card, specifically how to apply for OHIP, Ontario’s health care plan.

Through OHIP, the province pays for many health services you may need. You have to apply, and when approved, you will receive an Ontario health card. This health card can cover doctor visits, emergency room visits, medical tests, and surgery expenses.

To be eligible for OHIP, you must meet the minimum requirements and one additional requirement. For the minimum requirements, you must have been in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period, be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after living in the province, and make Ontario your primary residence.

You must also qualify under at least one additional category, such as being a Canadian citizen, an Indigenous person, a permanent resident, applying for permanent residence in Canada, or being in Ontario on a valid work permit and working full-time in Ontario for an Ontario-based employer for at least 6 months.

If you meet the work permit requirement, your spouse and dependants may also qualify for OHIP. Other qualifications can be found through official Ontario resources.

You must apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre. When you apply, bring a completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form and three separate original documents from the list of qualifying identification documents.

• One original document proving Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status.
• One document proving residency in Ontario.
• One original document proving your identity.

Section 2

Walk-In Clinics, Family Doctors, and Medical Help

Walk-in clinics are medical clinics for same-day, non-urgent care, often without a designed appointment. With a valid medical reason, these visits may be covered by OHIP. Doctors and nurses at these clinics can assess and treat minor injuries and illnesses.

Family doctors are primary care clinicians who provide comprehensive and continuous health care for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They are typically the first point of contact for non-emergency health issues. They provide preventative care, treat acute illnesses, and manage chronic conditions.

For serious medical care, there are options such as 24/7 emergency departments, urgent care centres, and virtual care options. For severe, life-threatening, or critical conditions, go to an emergency department near you. You should always know the closest one in case of an emergency.

Urgent care centres are mainly used for injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as cuts needing stitches, sprains, or possible broken bones. For virtual care, you can call Health811 by dialing 811 to talk to a registered nurse 24/7.