The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides health insurance coverage to residents of Ontario, Canada. The OHIP card is commonly referred to as the “Ontario health card” and is required to access a variety of medical services in the province.
To be eligible for an OHIP card, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a newcomer to Canada who has applied for and received approval for OHIP coverage. You must also be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, and have a valid Ontario address.
To apply for an OHIP card, you need to visit a ServiceOntario location with the necessary documentation, which may include proof of citizenship or immigration status, proof of residency in Ontario, and proof of identity. Once your application is processed, you will receive your OHIP card in the mail.
It is important to keep your OHIP card up-to-date and carry it with you at all times, as it is required for most medical services in Ontario. If your card is lost or stolen, you should contact ServiceOntario as soon as possible to request a replacement.
Also Read: Health Card in Manitoba
Ontario health card requirements
To be eligible for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, you must meet the following requirements:
- Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or newcomer status: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a newcomer to Canada who has applied for and received approval for OHIP coverage.
- Ontario residency: You must be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, and have a valid Ontario address.
- Proof of identity: You must provide proof of your identity, which can include a valid passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of residency: You must provide proof of your residency in Ontario, which can include a lease agreement, utility bill, or other official document showing your name and address.
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status: You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or immigration status, which can include a Canadian birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents.
Note that the specific documents required may vary depending on your situation. You can check the ServiceOntario website for a full list of acceptable documents.
It is important to keep your OHIP card up-to-date and carry it with you at all times, as it is required for most medical services in Ontario. If your card is lost or stolen, you should contact ServiceOntario as soon as possible to request a replacement.
Book an Ontario health card appointment
To make an appointment for an OHIP card application, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the ServiceOntario website: Go to the ServiceOntario website and click on the “Appointments” tab at the top of the page.
- Select the type of appointment: Choose “Health Card Services” from the list of appointment types.
- Choose the location: Select the ServiceOntario location where you want to apply for your OHIP card. You can search by postal code, city, or location name.
- Choose a date and time: Select an available date and time that works for you. Note that some locations may have limited availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Provide your information: Enter your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information.
- Confirm your appointment: Review your appointment details and confirm your booking.
After you make your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Make sure to bring all necessary documentation with you to your appointment, as outlined in the previous answer. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can do so on the ServiceOntario website or by calling the ServiceOntario contact center at 1-800-267-8097.
How to apply for an Ontario health card
To apply for an OHIP card in Ontario, you can follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for OHIP coverage. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a newcomer to Canada who has applied for and received approval for OHIP coverage. You must also be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, and have a valid Ontario address.
- Gather the necessary documents: You will need to provide proof of your citizenship or immigration status, proof of residency in Ontario, and proof of identity. The specific documents required may vary depending on your situation. You can check the ServiceOntario website for a full list of acceptable documents.
- Visit a ServiceOntario location: You will need to visit a ServiceOntario location in person to apply for your OHIP card. You can find the nearest location by using the ServiceOntario locator tool on their website. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some locations may have limited hours or require appointments, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time.
- Complete the application: Once you are at the ServiceOntario location, you will need to fill out an application form and provide your documentation. The application form is available on the ServiceOntario website if you want to fill it out ahead of time.
- Wait for your OHIP card: After your application is processed, your OHIP card will be mailed to you within four to six weeks. In the meantime, you may be given a temporary document that will allow you to access medical services while you wait for your card to arrive.
If you have any questions or concerns about the OHIP application process, you can contact ServiceOntario or visit their website for more information.
Ontario health card renewal
If you currently have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card and need to renew it, you can follow these steps:
- Check your card’s expiration date: Your OHIP card will have an expiry date on it. It is recommended that you begin the renewal process a few months before the expiration date.
- Check your eligibility: Before you renew your OHIP card, make sure you still meet the eligibility requirements for OHIP coverage. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a newcomer to Canada who has applied for and received approval for OHIP coverage. You must also be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, and have a valid Ontario address.
- Visit a ServiceOntario location: To renew your OHIP card, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario location in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some locations may have limited hours or require appointments, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time.
- Bring the necessary documents: You will need to bring your current OHIP card, as well as proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. The specific documents required may vary depending on your situation. You can check the ServiceOntario website for a full list of acceptable documents.
- Complete the renewal process: Once you are at the ServiceOntario location, you will need to fill out a renewal form and provide your documentation. The renewal form is available on the ServiceOntario website if you want to fill it out ahead of time.
- Wait for your new OHIP card: After your renewal application is processed, your new OHIP card will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns about renewing your OHIP card, you can contact ServiceOntario or visit their website for more information.
Official website
The official website for ServiceOntario, which is the agency responsible for providing OHIP cards in Ontario, Canada, is https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario.
On the ServiceOntario website, you can find information about various government services, including applying for an OHIP card, renewing your driver’s license, registering a vehicle, and more.
To apply for an OHIP card or make an appointment, you can navigate to the “Health Cards” section of the website. Here, you’ll find information about eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and how to apply in person or online.
The ServiceOntario website is a great resource for information about government services in Ontario, and you can also contact them by phone or email if you have any specific questions or concerns.
