How to Apply for OHIP

OHIP (Ontario Health Insirance Plan) is the universal health care available to legal residents of the province of Ontario. OHIP covers all medically necessary procedures, emergency room visits and even preventative care. With OHIP, you receive a health card that you simply show your health care provider at the time of the visit, to receive care and benefits. You can only get OHIP if you apply for it.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements are: be a Canadian citizen or have legal immigrant status, have a principal home in Ontario, and reside there at least 153 days per calendar year.

• 2

  Gather three pieces of documentation to prove your immigration status and identity. See Resources for a complete list of approved documents for this purpose.

• 3

  Find the nearest Ontario Service Center near you. You must apply in person. You can find the closest service center by going to the Ontario Service Center Locator website (see Resources).

• 4

  Go to your nearest service center with your three pieces of documentation. There, you will receive the applicable forms to fill out to receive your OHIP card.

• 5

  File the application and your proof of identity and immigration status with the service center worker. You''ll also have your photo taken to place on your OHIP card. You may have to wait up to three months to receive your OHIP benefits.