OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan): apply for an Ontario health card
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan): apply for an Ontario health card is a free service run by the Ministry of Health. You likely qualify if: People who make Ontario their main home; In Ontario 153+ days in 12 months; Citizen, PR, protected person or similar status (checked on the official page on October 4, 2026).
You likely qualify if: People who make Ontario their main home; In Ontario 153+ days in 12 months; Citizen, PR, protected person or similar status; Not visitors.
Apply any time. There is no waiting period, so you can apply as soon as you arrive in Ontario. For a baby born in an Ontario hospital or with a registered midwife, the health card is mailed within 8 weeks after the Infant Registration form is sent in.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 4, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 4, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
Ontario's public health insurance. With a health card, OHIP pays the full cost of medically necessary doctor visits and covers hospital visits and stays, lab tests and other services. You apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
Who qualifies
People who make Ontario their main home, are physically in Ontario at least 153 days in any 12-month period (and at least 153 of the first 183 days after starting to live here), and are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a registered Indigenous person, a convention refugee or other protected person, an applicant for permanent residence whose application IRCC has confirmed meets the eligibility requirements to apply, or a valid work permit holder working full time in Ontario for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months (some other groups also qualify). Visitors do not qualify. There is no waiting period: if you are eligible, your coverage starts right away.
You likely qualify if:
- People who make Ontario their main home
- In Ontario 153+ days in 12 months
- Citizen, PR, protected person or similar status
- Not visitors
How to apply
- Apply on their application form.
- Questions? 1-866-532-3161
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card.
Good to know
- CostNo fee to apply is listed. OHIP pays the full cost of medically necessary doctor visits. Renewing a health card is free.
- LanguagesEnglish, French
- Their stepsFill out the Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (014-0265-82). Gather 3 separate documents from the official list (no photocopies): one original that proves your citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status (for example a PR card or work permit), one that proves you live in Ontario (for example a pay stub, bank statement or utility bill), and one original that proves your identity (for example a passport). Take the form and your 3 documents to a ServiceOntario centre. Use the location finder to search by postal code. If you are eligible, your coverage starts right away. Call ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 if you have questions.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: 1-866-532-3161
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- The registration form (014-0265-82)
- Proof of status, Ontario address and identity
- Original documents, no photocopies
Dates
Apply any time. There is no waiting period, so you can apply as soon as you arrive in Ontario. For a baby born in an Ontario hospital or with a registered midwife, the health card is mailed within 8 weeks after the Infant Registration form is sent in.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.