Did you know that each of Canada's provinces is responsible for providing health care? One of the perks for people relocating to Canada is its access to publicly funded health care. In Ontario, it is called OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program).

The provincial government uses a portion of the taxes paid by citizens and residents in each Canadian province to administer health care. This allows eligible people to access essential health and medical care for free or at a lower cost.

In this article, you will have everything you need to know about Ontario Health Insurance, including what it covers, eligibility, documents required, and how to apply for an OHIP card.

Applying For Health Insurance Card

A health insurance card is required in Canada to get medical services. Because the costs of these medical services are funded by provincial taxes, OHIP provides a wide variety of primary health care at zero cost. That's why if you plan to relocate to Ontario, an OHIP card, which the local government issues, is required. This card verifies that you are entitled to free health care in the province.

Each eligible person, including children, receives their card. Every time you see a doctor, get a medical test or visit a hospital, you'll be requested to present your valid OHIP card. To get a card as a newcomer to Ontario, you must visit and apply to Service Ontario.

OHIP Eligibility

You are eligible for OHIP if: - You live in Ontario whether you're a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a landed immigrant. - You have applied for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and have met the government's eligibility conditions. - During your first six months, you did not leave the province for more than 30 days. That means you must spend 153 days in Ontario during your first 183 days and in any 12 months in the province. - You are a foreign worker having a valid work permit that allows you to work in Canada. - You can be away from Ontario or Canada for up to 212 days in 12 months and still be covered as long as your primary residence remains in Ontario.

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OHIP Coverage

OHIP covers the following expenses fully and partially: - When you visit a family doctor, walk-in clinic, and hospital stays, including medical practitioners, diagnostic tests (such as an x-ray), medications, and meals. - A one eye exam every 12 months for anyone under 20 years old and 65 years old above. - If you live in northern Ontario, you get to travel for free to access health care. - Dental surgery - Ambulance services - Podiatry services

What is not covered by the OHIP?

In most cases, OHIP will only pay for necessary medical services, such as a doctor or hospital visits. The Ontario healthcare system excludes some essential benefits, including:

• Prescription medicine costs for people under the age of 65
• Dental care
• Eye exams for people aged 20 to 64, as well as the cost of prescription glasses
• Chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, and reflexology
• Psychotherapy or private counselling
• Casts or crutches
• Vaccinations and immunizations for travel
• Missed visits and doctor's notes
• Medical tests for applications for permanent residency

How do I apply for an OHIP Card?

You must fill out an application to get an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card. You'll also need to present a few documents to provide with your application. Original documents must be brought because photocopies are not accepted. You'll need three different types of documents.

A document proving that your immigrant status qualifies you for OHIP.

For Canadian Citizens - A birth certificate from a province in Canada - Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad - Certified Statement of Live Birth - Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship - Certificate of Indian Status - Certified Registered Indian Record - Valid Passport

For landed immigrants Valid Permanent Resident Card that is less than five years old. Permanent Residency Confirmation Record of Landing

Other Immigration Status

• IRB letter verifying Convention Refugee or Protected Person statusPermit to Reside Temporarily (optional) Permit to Work (optional)
• Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada must provide you with written confirmation that you are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada must provide you with written confirmation that you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
• Status verification
• A document that has your name and address on it.
• Proof of Residency
• A document that shows your signature as well as your name.
• Government Issued Ids

You can apply if you have all of the required documentation. However, you will not be eligible for a Health Card until after the 3-month waiting period is up.

To apply, you can get an application form online or at a ServiceOntario office near you. Gather the documentation you'll need and bring your application and supporting documents to their office center.

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