After moving to Toronto, applying for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan should be one of your early settlement tasks. OHIP is Ontario’s publicly funded health insurance program. Eligible residents receive an Ontario health card that they can present when accessing insured medical services.
You must apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre and provide original documents proving your immigration or citizenship status, Ontario residency and identity. There is no fee to apply, and Ontario no longer has a standard three-month waiting period for eligible residents.
However, moving to Toronto does not automatically make every person eligible. Your immigration status, primary place of residence and time spent in Ontario all affect your eligibility.
Applying for OHIP at a Glance
| Step | What you need to do |
| Confirm eligibility | Check your immigration or citizenship status and Ontario residency requirements |
| Collect documents | Bring one document from each of the three required categories |
| Complete the form | Fill out the Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form |
| Visit ServiceOntario | Apply in person at a centre that provides health card services |
| Have your photo taken | ServiceOntario will take your photograph for the health card |
| Keep temporary confirmation | Use any eligibility or transaction document provided while waiting |
| Receive the card | Your Ontario health card will be mailed to your residential address |
The application itself is free. You should use only official Ontario government forms and ServiceOntario locations.
What Is OHIP?
OHIP is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. It pays for many medically necessary healthcare services for eligible Ontario residents.
Covered services can include:
- Appointments with family doctors
- Visits to walk-in clinics
- Medically necessary hospital care
- Emergency room treatment
- Certain medical tests
- Some surgical procedures
- Medically necessary services provided by eligible physicians
- Certain dental procedures performed in a hospital
OHIP does not cover every healthcare expense. Routine dental care, most prescription medication used outside a hospital, many eye examinations, physiotherapy and other services may not be covered for every resident.
The Ontario government’s OHIP coverage guide explains what the provincial plan generally covers and where separate programs or private payment may apply.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for OHIP?
OHIP eligibility depends on both your residency in Ontario and your legal or immigration status.
To qualify, you generally must:
- Make Ontario your primary home
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days during any 12-month period
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days during the first 183 days after establishing residence
- Hold an eligible citizenship or immigration status
You do not need to wait until you have completed 153 days in Ontario before applying. The physical-presence requirements are ongoing eligibility conditions rather than a mandatory waiting period before submitting the application.
Which Immigration Statuses May Qualify?
You may qualify for OHIP if you meet the residency requirements and fall into an eligible category, such as:
- A Canadian citizen
- An Indigenous person registered under the federal Indian Act
- A permanent resident
- A protected person
- A person who has applied for permanent residence and has received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that eligibility requirements have been met, subject to applicable conditions
- A person holding an eligible work permit and working full-time in Ontario for an Ontario employer for at least six months
- The spouse or eligible dependant of certain qualifying workers
- A person holding another immigration status specifically recognized by Ontario’s eligibility rules
Immigration documents can be complicated, and not every temporary resident qualifies. Review the official Ontario OHIP application and eligibility page or ask ServiceOntario to confirm which documents apply to your status.
Newcomers who need help understanding government programs may also find assistance through free settlement services in Toronto. Settlement organizations can help explain processes and locate official resources, although ServiceOntario makes the final OHIP eligibility decision.
Can International Students Receive OHIP?
Most international students are not eligible for OHIP solely because they hold a study permit.
Colleges and universities generally arrange separate health coverage for international students. The type of plan and enrolment process depend on the institution.
An international student may become eligible through another qualifying status, but a study permit by itself normally does not establish OHIP eligibility.
Students should contact their educational institution and confirm:
- Which health plan applies
- When coverage begins
- Whether dependants are included
- How to obtain proof of coverage
- Which clinics and hospitals can bill the plan
- What services require personal payment
Do not assume that being enrolled at a Toronto college or university automatically provides provincial health coverage.
Can Work Permit Holders Apply for OHIP?
Some work permit holders can qualify.
A person may be eligible when they:
- Hold a valid work permit
- Work full-time in Ontario
- Work for an employer located in Ontario
- Have an employment arrangement lasting at least six months
- Meet Ontario’s residency and physical-presence requirements
ServiceOntario may request an employer letter confirming:
- The employee’s name
- The employer’s name
- The position
- Full-time employment status
- The employment start date
- The intended length of employment
- The employer’s Ontario location
The letter should be signed, dated and written on company letterhead.
People searching for qualifying employment may find our guide to finding a first job in Toronto as an immigrant helpful. Employment eligibility for OHIP still depends on the official provincial requirements and the documents presented to ServiceOntario.
Is There an OHIP Waiting Period?
Ontario no longer applies the previous three-month waiting period for eligible applicants.
If you qualify, coverage may begin immediately based on the eligibility date determined by ServiceOntario. You do not have to live in Ontario for three months before submitting an application.
However, immediate eligibility does not mean you receive the physical health card during your ServiceOntario visit. The card is normally mailed after the application is processed.
Keep any temporary confirmation or transaction document provided by ServiceOntario. Ask how you should demonstrate coverage while waiting for the physical card.
People who are uncertain about their eligibility should consider maintaining appropriate health insurance until ServiceOntario confirms that OHIP coverage is active.
What Documents Do You Need?
You normally need three separate original documents:
- One proving Canadian citizenship or eligible immigration status
- One proving Ontario residency
- One supporting your identity
A single document generally cannot be used to satisfy more than one category.
ServiceOntario usually requires original documents rather than photocopies, screenshots or digital images. Additional documents may be required depending on your status.
Review Ontario’s official health card document list before visiting a centre.
Documents Proving Citizenship or Immigration Status
The first category establishes that you hold a status that may qualify for OHIP.
Depending on your circumstances, an accepted document could include:
- Canadian birth certificate
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- Permanent resident card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Record of Landing
- Protected Person Status Document
- Valid work permit
- Another immigration document included on Ontario’s accepted list
The exact document required depends on your status. An expired or incomplete immigration document may not be accepted.
If you recently arrived through a permanent residence or protected-person process, bring all relevant original immigration documents to avoid an unnecessary return visit.
Documents Proving Ontario Residency
The second category shows that Ontario is your primary home.
An accepted residency document may include:
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence
- Valid Ontario Photo Card
- Residential lease or rental agreement
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Employer record
- Income tax assessment
- Insurance policy
- Mortgage document
- School report card or transcript
- Another document accepted by ServiceOntario
The document should display your name and current Ontario residential address.
A Toronto address written on an informal note may not be sufficient. If you recently moved and have few documents showing the new address, review the official list before visiting ServiceOntario.
Documents Supporting Your Identity
The third category confirms your identity and normally includes a document showing your name and signature.
Examples may include:
- Credit card
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence
- Canadian immigration identification card
- Employee identification card
- Professional association licence
- Student identification card
- Union card
- Another accepted identity document
Remember that the same document generally cannot be used for both residency and identity. Bring additional accepted identification in case one document cannot be used in the way you expected.
Do Children Need Separate OHIP Applications?
Yes. Every eligible family member needs individual health coverage and a health card.
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child. Required documents may include:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship or immigration documents
- Proof that the child lives in Ontario
- Identification for the parent or guardian
- Guardianship documentation, when applicable
Children younger than 15½ years generally receive a health card without a photograph or signature. Requirements can vary depending on age and circumstances, so confirm what to bring before visiting ServiceOntario.
Do not assume a child is automatically added to a parent’s application.
How to Complete the OHIP Application
The form used to apply is called the Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form.
You can download and complete the form before visiting ServiceOntario or request a copy at the centre.
The form asks for information such as:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Sex designation
- Residential address
- Mailing address
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Date you established residence in Ontario
- Previous health insurance information
- Expected absences from Ontario
- Information about a parent or guardian when applying for a child
Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your supporting documents. Inconsistent names, incomplete dates or incorrect immigration details may delay the application.
Do not sign a section that must be witnessed by a ServiceOntario employee until instructed to do so.
Where Do You Apply for OHIP in Toronto?
You must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre that provides health card services.
Not every location offers every ServiceOntario service. Use the official ServiceOntario location finder to identify a nearby centre and confirm:
- Health card services are available
- Current operating hours
- Whether an appointment is available or required
- Accessibility information
- Which payment or identification services are offered
- Whether the location has temporary closures
Toronto has multiple ServiceOntario centres, but waiting times and services can vary. Check the location information shortly before leaving.
What Happens During the ServiceOntario Visit?
The appointment or visit generally includes the following steps:
- Submit the completed registration form.
- Present the three required original documents.
- Answer questions about residency and eligibility.
- Have your photograph taken when required.
- Provide a signature when required.
- Review the information for accuracy.
- Receive confirmation that the application was submitted.
ServiceOntario may approve the application during the visit or request additional information.
If a document is not accepted, ask which specific replacement document is required. Write down the instructions rather than relying on memory.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply?
There is no fee to apply for OHIP or receive your first Ontario health card.
Be cautious of any website or business charging a fee simply to provide the standard OHIP application form. Official forms and eligibility information are available free from the Ontario government.
You may still have personal expenses connected to obtaining supporting documents, transportation or separate health insurance while resolving eligibility questions.
How Long Does the Health Card Take to Arrive?
The physical health card is mailed to the Ontario address provided in the application. Delivery time can vary.
Before leaving ServiceOntario, confirm:
- Whether your application was approved
- The effective date of coverage
- Whether you received temporary confirmation
- How to access care while waiting
- What to do if the card does not arrive
- Whether ServiceOntario needs additional information
Make sure your name is clearly displayed on your mailbox and that mail can be delivered securely.
Contact ServiceOntario if the expected delivery period passes and the card has not arrived.
Can You Use Healthcare Before the Card Arrives?
If ServiceOntario confirms that your OHIP coverage is active, ask what temporary document you can use until the physical card arrives.
A healthcare provider may need to verify your eligibility. Keep your confirmation document and government-issued identification available.
If coverage has not been confirmed, you may be asked to pay for treatment. Reimbursement is not automatic and depends on whether you were eligible on the date of service and whether the service was insured.
Urgent medical needs should not be delayed solely because an application is incomplete. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. However, a person without active provincial coverage may be billed for services.
What Does OHIP Cover?
OHIP generally covers medically necessary services, including:
- Visits to eligible physicians
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays
- Medically necessary surgeries
- Certain diagnostic tests
- Some medically necessary dental procedures performed in a hospital
- Certain eye examinations for eligible age or medical groups
- Some ambulance-related or specialized services under specific conditions
Coverage depends on the service, provider, medical need and provincial billing rules.
Always ask whether a service is covered before receiving non-emergency treatment.
What Does OHIP Usually Not Cover?
OHIP does not generally cover every health-related expense. Services that may require another government program, workplace benefits, student coverage, private insurance or personal payment include:
- Routine dental treatment
- Most prescription medication used outside a hospital
- Routine eye examinations for many adults
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Cosmetic procedures
- Medical forms and sick notes
- Travel vaccinations
- Many physiotherapy services
- Private hospital rooms
- Services from providers who do not participate in OHIP
- Ambulance costs in certain circumstances
Some people qualify for separate provincial programs based on age, income, medical condition or other factors. Review official program requirements rather than assuming a service is unavailable to everyone.
Do You Need Private Insurance While Waiting?
There is no general three-month OHIP waiting period, but temporary insurance may still be worth considering when:
- You are unsure whether your status qualifies.
- ServiceOntario requests additional documents.
- Your employment does not yet meet the eligibility conditions.
- You are an international student.
- You are visiting rather than establishing residence.
- Your provincial coverage from another province is ending.
- You need services that OHIP does not cover.
Read the policy carefully before purchasing private coverage. Waiting periods, exclusions, deductibles and pre-existing condition rules may apply.
This article does not recommend any insurer or insurance product.
What If You Moved From Another Canadian Province?
If you moved to Toronto from another province or territory, contact both your previous health plan and ServiceOntario.
Provincial plans have coordination rules for people who permanently relocate within Canada. Your previous province may continue providing temporary coverage for a limited period, depending on its rules.
Do not cancel your previous health coverage until you understand:
- When the previous coverage ends
- When Ontario coverage begins
- Which card to use during the transition
- How out-of-province claims are handled
- Whether family members have different dates
Keep copies of your previous health card and any correspondence until the transition is complete.
What If Your OHIP Application Is Refused?
If ServiceOntario determines that you are not currently eligible, ask for a clear explanation.
Possible reasons may include:
- Immigration status does not qualify
- Required employment conditions are not met
- Ontario is not established as the primary residence
- Residency documents are insufficient
- Documents are expired
- Information is inconsistent
- Physical-presence requirements cannot be met
- Additional immigration confirmation is required
Ask whether you can submit another document or request a review. Keep copies of all forms, correspondence and instructions.
Settlement organizations may help you understand the process, but they cannot guarantee approval or change Ontario’s eligibility rules.
Updating Your Health Card After Moving
If you move to another Toronto address after receiving your health card, update your address with ServiceOntario.
Changing your address helps ensure:
- Renewal notices reach you
- Government records remain accurate
- Replacement cards are mailed correctly
- Eligibility information reflects your residence
The Ontario government provides official instructions for changing information on a health card.
You may also need to update your address with other government agencies, financial institutions, employers, schools and service providers.
Common OHIP Application Mistakes
Avoid these common problems:
- Bringing photocopies instead of original documents
- Using one document for two required categories
- Providing a document with an old address
- Assuming every ServiceOntario centre offers health card services
- Arriving without confirming operating hours
- Using a name that does not match supporting documents
- Failing to bring employment confirmation
- Assuming a study permit automatically provides eligibility
- Waiting three months unnecessarily before applying
- Applying separately for yourself but forgetting your children
- Assuming OHIP covers prescriptions, dental care and every medical expense
- Cancelling previous provincial coverage too early
Review the official document list before leaving home. Bringing extra accepted identification can prevent a second visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for OHIP online?
The application must generally be completed in person at a ServiceOntario centre that provides health card services. You can download and prepare the registration form in advance.
Is there a fee to apply for OHIP?
No. Applying for OHIP and receiving your first Ontario health card are free.
Do I have to wait three months for OHIP?
No. Ontario no longer has the previous standard three-month waiting period. Eligible applicants can receive coverage based on the eligibility date determined by ServiceOntario.
Can I apply immediately after moving to Toronto?
Yes, if you have established Ontario as your primary home, hold an eligible status and can provide the required original documents.
Do permanent residents qualify for OHIP?
Permanent residents can qualify when they meet Ontario’s residency and physical-presence requirements.
Can a work permit holder receive OHIP?
Some work permit holders qualify when they work full-time in Ontario for an Ontario employer for at least six months and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Can an international student apply for OHIP?
A study permit alone does not normally provide OHIP eligibility. International students generally receive coverage through a plan arranged by their educational institution unless they qualify under another eligible category.
Do children need their own health cards?
Yes. Each eligible child needs an individual application and health card.
Can I use a photocopy of my passport or immigration document?
ServiceOntario generally requires original documents. Check the official document list for the requirements that apply to your application.
Can I apply without proof of a Toronto address?
You need acceptable evidence that Ontario is your primary residence. The document should show your name and current residential address.
What if my health card does not arrive?
Contact ServiceOntario and confirm the mailing address and application status. Do not submit another application unless instructed.
Does OHIP cover prescription medication?
OHIP does not generally cover most prescription medication used outside a hospital. Separate Ontario programs, workplace benefits, student plans or private insurance may provide coverage.
Applying for OHIP soon after establishing your Toronto residence can make it easier to access insured healthcare and avoid unnecessary uncertainty. Confirm your eligibility, organize three separate original documents and visit a ServiceOntario centre that provides health card services.
Toronto Newcomer Note: OHIP eligibility and documentation requirements can change and may differ according to immigration status, employment and residency. Confirm current requirements through the Government of Ontario or ServiceOntario before applying. This article provides general information and does not replace official eligibility advice.