How to Apply for OHIP in Ontario
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) no longer has a waiting period. If you're eligible, you can apply as soon as you arrive. Here's what you need to know.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, you must meet all minimum requirements and at least one additional requirement.
Minimum requirements (all three):
- Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period
- Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days after you begin living in the province
- Make Ontario your primary residence
Additional requirements (at least one):
- Canadian citizen
- Indigenous person (registered under the federal Indian Act)
- Permanent resident
- Applied for permanent residence and IRCC has confirmed eligibility
- On a valid work permit, working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months (spouse and dependants may also qualify)
- On a valid work permit under the Live-in Caregiver Program
- On a valid work permit under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
- Convention refugee or protected person
- Temporary Resident Permit (certain case types)
- Clergy member ministering full-time in Ontario for at least 6 months
- Emergency authorization for humanitarian reasons (e.g., CUAET)
How to Apply
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Bring:
- Completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form
- 3 separate documents from the qualifying identification list (no photocopies):
- One original proving Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status
- One document proving residency in Ontario (original, printed, or digital as noted)
- One original proving identity
Common pitfalls:
- Photocopies are not accepted.
- Residency and identity documents must be different.
- If you've been outside Ontario for more than 212 days in any 12-month period, you may need to reapply.
Babies
- Born in a birthing hospital or with a registered midwife: The hospital or midwife will give you the Ontario Health Coverage Infant Registration form. They submit it for you. Keep the bottom part with your baby's health number. The health card arrives within 8 weeks.
- Born elsewhere: Apply in person at ServiceOntario. Within 90 days, bring proof of birth; after 90 days, bring proof of Canadian citizenship.
Adopted Children
- From outside Canada: Apply as soon as the child arrives. Bring child's immigration status, director approval from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, adoption documentation, plus your own registration form, residency proof, and identity proof.
- From within Ontario or another province: Contact ServiceOntario for required documents.
Military Family Members
Spouses or dependants of Canadian Forces members may qualify. Bring the registration form, 3 original documents (status, residency, identity), and military affiliation documentation. If the member is not present, bring a Special Passport, MPRR, or a letter from the local Military Family Resource Centre.
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