Where to Use It
- Health plans vary by province/territory.
- appointments with your family doctor
- visits to walk-in clinics and some other healthcare providers
- visits to an emergency room
- medical tests and surgeries
- Not for use as ID.
- services covered for all, with some restrictions based on immigration status.
How to Apply for a Health Card
You must apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
Minimum Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications:
- With an open work permit (proof of full-time employment for an employer in Ontario is required – restrictions apply)
- this must be an original or digital document (contract or letter) on employer company letterhead signed and dated by the employer and state:
- that the employee is working full-time
- the title/occupation of the position
- the start date of employment, and
- that the employer intends to employ the employee for a minimum of six (6) months (the letter can state the employee is permanent. However, this does not replace the criteria to confirm “Full Time”)
- With a closed work permit, the only documents required are the work permit itself and the job offer indicating the job title and that it is a full-time role.
Documents Required
In addition to the above-mentioned document(s).
- Proof of residency in Ontario. A document needs to prove you live in Ontario – choose one from this list. You may show an original, printed version (no photocopies) or digital image:
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence
- Temporary driver’s licence
- Only if accompanied by a photo licence card with the same address
- Valid Ontario Photo Card
- Utility bill (e.g. cable TV, hydro, gas, water)
- Monthly bank account statements
- Does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts
- Employer record (e.g. pay stub, letter from employer on company letterhead)
- School, college or university report card or transcript
- Child Tax Benefit statement
- Most recent income tax Notice of Assessment
- Insurance policy (e.g. home, tenant, auto or life)
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- Property tax bill
- Phone bill (e.g. home phone, cell phone)
- Credit card statement
- Statement of direct deposit for Ontario Works or for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid (T4E)
- Statement of Old Age Security (T4A) or statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits (T4A) (P)
- Any of the following statements from a bank, trust company or credit union:
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
- Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits (T5007)
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
Only original documents will be accepted for:
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence
- Temporary driver’s licence
- Only if accompanied by a photo licence card with the same address
- Valid Ontario Photo Card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- Proof of identity. A document needs to prove who you are. These documents must include your name and signature. Choose one from this list:
- Credit card
- Valid Ontario driver’s licence or temporary driver’s licence
- Valid Ontario Photo Card
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (plastic card)
- Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292)
- Only if a signature is shown
- Current employee ID card
- Current professional association licence
- Old Age Security Card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion only)
- Passport (Canadian or foreign)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Only if a signature is shown
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
- Student ID card
- Union card
Once you have the required documents ready, you need to book an appointment with Service Ontario through their website as all their offices don’t provide OHIP services.
Here’s the link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/book-serviceontario-appointment
Upon providing all the required documents and if you are eligible, you will be issued a temporary card on the spot while the physical card will get delivered to your home address.
