Health - Applying For OHIP

I believe everybody needs to know more about HEALTH in Canada, most of you heard that HEALTH system in Canada is the best. Well that could be true on terms of quality but it's NOT true in terms of Capacity!

However, let me start by the basic information about OHIP and then I will more elaborate as we go.

Your Health Card

OHIP stands for Ontario Health Insurance Plan. It pays for most basic and emergency health care services. So what OHIP does not cover are: the cost of medication, dental services, and vision care.

Related Posts:

1. Applying For OHIP
2. Finding a Family Doctor
3. Dentist
4. Medical Emergencies
5. Help in a Crisis
6. TeleHealth Ontario
7. Medication or Prescription

Health care service providers, like doctors, hospitals and walk-in clinics, will check your Health Card (OHIP card) each time you visit. It is important to always carry your Health Card so you can receive medical help in an emergency.

Anyway, you CANNOT get an OHIP card until after you have lived in Ontario for 3 months. You can still apply for a Health Card as soon as you can show that you already live in Ontario, however, you will not receive your card before the 3-month waiting period.

To apply, you must go to an OHIP office. Call the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and ask where the nearest office is. The phone number is 1-800-268-1153, which is a free call from anywhere in Ontario, or 416-327-4327 if you are calling from Toronto or Mississauga or the GTA. You can also find a list of office locations at Health Card Services - OHIP Offices.

When you go to the OHIP office, you must complete an application form. You must also provide original documents that prove your immigration status and that you live in Ontario (rental agreement is usually used and accepted). If you have children 15 1/2 years old or older, they must go with you to the office. The staff at the OHIP office will take their picture for their card.
If your application is complete, OHIP will mail the card to you when you are eligible for coverage.

You can buy health insurance from a private company right away, so you can have health care during the 3-month waiting period. Contact the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Ombud Service (CLHIO) for information about insurance companies - 1-800-268-8099, which is a free call from anywhere in Ontario.

If you got a job, most companies (respectful ones) provide the extended health insurance which covers probably everything OHIP don't cover, for sure depends on the plan.