Health Guide

OHIP for Newcomers: How to Get Your Ontario Health Card

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers medically necessary doctor and hospital services for eligible residents. Ontario no longer has a waiting period, so eligible newcomers are covered from the start and should apply in their first weeks.

Newcomer applying for an Ontario health card

Key Point

Ontario no longer has a three-month wait

Ontario has removed the waiting period for OHIP. If you are eligible, your coverage can start right away. You still need to apply in person at ServiceOntario with the right documents.

Covers medically necessary doctor visits and hospital care for eligible residents
No waiting period for eligible new residents
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with original documents
Prescription drugs, dental, and vision are mostly not covered for adults

Who Is Eligible

OHIP eligibility for newcomers

You must meet the residency requirements and have an eligible status.

Residency: make Ontario your primary home, be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, and spend at least 153 of your first 183 days in Ontario.
Permanent residents are eligible once they meet the residency rules.
People applying for permanent residence may be eligible if their application has not been denied.
Work permit holders may be eligible if they have worked full-time for an Ontario employer for at least six months, and their spouse and dependants may qualify too.
International students and most visitors are generally not eligible and need private or school health insurance.

What to Bring

The three documents ServiceOntario needs

Bring originals. Photocopies are not accepted.

Status Document

One document proving citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status, such as a PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or work permit.

Residency Document

One document proving you live in Ontario, such as a lease, bank statement, or employment letter with your Ontario address.

Identity Document

One document with your name and signature, such as a passport or a credit or debit card from a Canadian bank.

While You Wait

Protecting your family while you apply

Private Coverage

Consider short-term private health insurance for your first weeks, especially for children or anyone with a medical condition.

Walk-in Clinics

Walk-in clinics can see you without a family doctor. Ask about fees if you do not have your OHIP card yet.

Find a Family Doctor

Once you have OHIP, register with Health Care Connect to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Medication & Dental

Most adult prescriptions, dental, and vision care are not covered by OHIP. Check whether your employer offers a benefits plan.

Using Healthcare in Ontario

Where to go for care once you have OHIP

Choosing the right place saves time and keeps emergency rooms for emergencies.

Family doctor or nurse practitioner for regular check-ups, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
Walk-in clinics and virtual care for minor illnesses when you cannot see your own doctor.
Health811, Ontario's free health advice line, by phone or online, when you are unsure whether you need care.
Pharmacists can assess and prescribe for some minor conditions in Ontario.
Emergency department for serious or life-threatening problems, or call 911.
Children and youth under 25 without a private drug plan may be covered for many prescriptions through OHIP+.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

Get Your SIN

Another first-week task.

Open SIN Guide →

First 30 Days in Canada

Your month-one checklist.

Open Checklist →

Your First Day in Canada

What happens when you land at Pearson.

Open Arrival Guide →

Canada Child Benefit

Support for families with children.

Open CCB Guide →

Questions People Ask

OHIP: common questions from newcomers

No. Ontario has removed the waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, your coverage can start right away.

Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with a completed registration form and three original documents: one proving your status, one proving Ontario residency, and one proving your identity.

Work permit holders may qualify if they have worked full-time for an Ontario employer for at least six months and meet the residency rules. Their spouse and dependants may also qualify.

Generally no. International students usually need health insurance through their school or a private plan.

OHIP generally does not cover most prescription drugs, dental care, or vision care for adults. Workplace benefits or private plans can fill these gaps.

Want help with your first-month checklist?

Book a consultation and we will help you plan OHIP, SIN, banking, and other first-month tasks in the right order.

Book Consultation View 30-Day Checklist