Beginning the application process for Ontario’s health card is crucial for newcomers when they first arrive in Canada. At times, new immigrants feel as if it is not a significant thing if they continue to remain without health insurance. However, you might as well go on without it for a few months, but it must be at the cost of a considerable risk.
Illness, injury, or accidents are certain events that can cause havoc in life. This is especially true if you’re in a new country. It is because health services without an insurance plan can drive you out of budget quickly. Why would you want that for yourself?
Now, let’s analyze the healthcare system prevalent in Ontario. Canada’s new immigrants can rejoice by accessing the publicly-funded health care system. So, if you seek to settle in Ontario, getting yourself a health card will be the foremost step you would have to take.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan gives access to some free standard health care services to the residents in Ontario. OHIP will cover the following services:
- Family doctor visits or walk-in clinics.
- Dental surgeries in a hospital.
- Individuals between the age group of 19 and 65 years can access health services related to one eye test. This is applicable if they are undergoing glaucoma or diabetes mellitus.
- People below 19 or above 65 years can have one eye test once every twelve months.
- Some other basic health services include coverage for hospital stays, medical practitioners, X-rays, medications, and meal costs of your hospital stay.
The application process for Ontario’s health card
Before you actually begin the application process for Ontario’s health card, make sure you fulfill the following basic eligibility requirements:
- Mark your physical presence in Ontario for at least 153 days within twelve months.
- Ensure you meet the 153-day physical presence requirement within the first 183 days of your arrival in Ontario.
- Highlight Ontario as your primary place of residence.
Additional Eligibility Requirements for Ontario’s Health Card
There is a need for you to fulfill other eligibility requirements; they’re as follows:
- You hold Canadian citizenship.
- Permanent Residence.
- Applying for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Documents required for the health card
Getting a health card in Ontario implies that you meet the following documentation requirements:
- As an applicant, you must ensure that you present relevant documents demonstrating your permanent residence or Canadian citizenship status. As a newcomer, you must prove your immigrant status via PR Card or IMM 1000 Record of Landing.
- Another essential document you must present for an Ontario health card application process is your residency proof. You could use any relevant document that demonstrates clearly that you reside in Ontario. It could be your Ontario driver’s license or utility bills.
- The last document is related to your identity, and you must show proof with your name and signature.
Applying for Ontario’s health card – what steps should you take?
Here are a few easy steps that you can take toward your application process for a health card in Ontario; they’re as follows:
- Take the first step and fill out the registration form for Ontario health coverage before visiting the Service Ontario Centre. The form is available in two languages: French and English.
- The Service Ontario Centre doesn’t accept photocopied documents, so you must show your authentic proofs in the form of three identity documents.
- Try to visit the Centre early in the morning as lunchtime might be busier than usual. In case you have any dependents aged 15 or below, make sure you also apply on their behalf at that point in time. However, children above 15 must physically visit and get separate forms and photographs.
- The OHIP card will not have any cost.
- Be ready to receive your OHIP card between one to two weeks via mail.
Common FAQs about OHIP
Will I receive OHIP coverage if I am outside Ontario?
OHIP does provide coverage to those outside Ontario; however, how much coverage you receive will rely on your location. For instance, traveling to another Canadian province might provide you with equivalent coverage as in Ontario. But Quebec’s healthcare is separate, so you still might need to pay extra charges despite having an OHIP.
What about OHIP coverage if I am outside Canada?
Even while traveling outside Canada, OHIP remains relevant as it offers you coverage to a certain extent. However, you will only be able to access minimum coverage and must stay prepared to pay for most of your health expenditures. You must get a travel health insurance plan in Canada to deal with such circumstances where you might face sudden accidents, illness, etc.
What will happen if I lose my Ontario Health Card?
ServiceOntario will be the right place for such cases, and you must inform the representative there. He will deactivate your lost card and provide a new one to help you. In case you need to modify your address, make sure you visit the Service Ontario Centre.
