One of the perks for newcomers to Canada is the access to publicly funded healthcare, renowned for its world-class quality. Healthcare services are provided through each of Canada’s provinces and territories, and in Ontario, it is known as the OHIP, which stands for the Ontario Health Insurance Program. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into what OHIP covers and how to apply, with a specific focus on OHIP application documents.
OHIP Application Documents:
Health Care Coverage in Ontario
OHIP offers a broad spectrum of standard healthcare services free of charge, as the costs are covered by provincial taxes. To access these services, you need an OHIP card, which is issued by the provincial government. Each eligible person, including children, is issued their own card. You must present a valid OHIP card each time you see a doctor, undergo medical tests, or receive hospital treatment.
What’s Covered Under OHIP
OHIP covers the full cost of several essential healthcare services, including:
- Visits to a family doctor or walk-in clinic.
- Hospital stays, encompassing medical practitioners, diagnostic tests (such as X-rays), medications during your hospital stay, and the cost of your hospital stay (excluding private or semi-private rooms).
- One eye exam every 12 months for anyone 19 years and younger or 65 years and older.
- One eye exam for anyone between 20-64 years of age with specific medical conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetes mellitus.
- Dental surgery that must be performed in a hospital.
- Travel expenses to access health services for residents of northern Ontario.
OHIP also covers the partial cost of certain services, like ambulance services and podiatry services.
Do You Need an OHIP Card for Hospital or ER Visits?
A hospital will treat you without a valid OHIP card, but to have the cost of your treatment covered by OHIP, you must present a valid card or a health insurance plan number.
What’s Not Covered Under OHIP?
OHIP primarily covers medically necessary basic services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays. However, it does not cover costs like prescription drugs for those under 65, dental care, eye examinations for those aged 20-64, complementary or alternative medical treatments, private psychotherapy, crutches, casts, immunizations for travel, the cost of missed appointments, and doctor’s notes.
Eligibility for OHIP
To be eligible for OHIP, you must meet specific criteria:
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant.
- You have applied for citizenship or permanent residence in Canada and meet the government’s eligibility requirements.
- You are a foreign worker with a valid work permit to legally work in Canada, including participants in the Live-in Caregiver Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
To maintain OHIP coverage’s validity, you must make Ontario your primary place of residence and be physically present in the province for at least 153 days in any 12-month period.
Length of Stay Outside Ontario
You can be temporarily outside Ontario or Canada for up to 212 days in any 12-month period, provided Ontario remains your primary place of residence.
Changes in OHIP Coverage
Before March 19, 2020, newcomers to Ontario faced a three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care waived the waiting period.
OHIP Application Documents
In order to apply for an OHIP card, you will need several essential documents. Here is the list of OHIP Application Documents:
1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Immigration Status
To prove your Canadian citizenship or immigration status, you can submit documents like your Permanent Resident card or work permit.
2. Proof of Residency in Ontario
Documents such as your Ontario driver’s license, utility bills, rental agreement, or pay stub can serve as proof of residency.
3. Proof of Identity
You will need to provide proof of your identity, which can be established with your passport or a credit card.
4. Completing the OHIP Application Form
The application process involves filling out the Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form. You can download the OHIP Application form from the official website or obtain a copy at a Service Ontario Centre.
Application Process for OHIP
Applications for OHIP must be completed in person at a ServiceOntario Centre. Detailed contact information for Service Ontario Centers is available on their website.
To apply for an OHIP card, follow these steps:
- Visit a ServiceOntario Centre: Applications for an OHIP card must be completed in person at a ServiceOntario Centre. You can find the nearest location by visiting the ServiceOntario Centre website. Additionally, you can contact ServiceOntario by phone at 416-326-1234 or 1-866-532-3161, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., for more information.
- Download the Application Form: Before visiting a ServiceOntario Centre, you have the option to download the required “Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” form. This form is available in both English and French. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of the form at a ServiceOntario Centre. Due to service limitations during the current pandemic, it’s recommended to download and complete the form in advance. Remember, each person in your family will need a separate form.
- Prepare Your Identification Documents: You would need all the OHIP Application Documents that we discussed before. Collect three original, valid pieces of identification to prove your eligibility to reside in Canada, verify your residency in Ontario, and confirm your identity. If you’re unsure about which documents are acceptable, the Ontario government provides a complete list of required documents to obtain a health card. Please note that photocopies of documents will not be accepted by ServiceOntario.
- Visit the ServiceOntario Centre: Head to a ServiceOntario Centre in person with your completed application form and the three required original identification documents. The staff at the ServiceOntario Centre may be able to provide guidance on avoiding busy times to minimize wait times. Typically, mornings are less crowded than later in the day, especially during lunch hours. If you have children or dependents aged 15-and-a-half years or younger, you can apply for them at the same time. However, older children must apply in person, as they will need to sign their own forms and have their photos taken. It’s important to note that there is no charge for obtaining an OHIP card.
- Wait for Your Card: Once your application is processed, your OHIP card will be mailed to you. This process usually takes one to two weeks.
FAQs – OHIP Application Documents
1. Does OHIP cover new immigrants?
- Yes, OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers new immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or foreign worker with a valid work permit to legally work in Canada.
2. How to apply for OHIP for new immigrants?
- New immigrants can apply for OHIP by visiting a ServiceOntario Centre in person. You will need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status, proof of residency in Ontario, and proof of identity. Complete the “Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” form.
3. Do you have to pay for a new health card in Ontario?
- No, applying for a new health card (OHIP card) in Ontario is free of charge.
4. Can I apply for OHIP while waiting for PR?
- Yes, individuals who have submitted an application for permanent residency (PR) and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for OHIP. You must be a foreign worker with a valid work permit in Canada, including programs like the Live-in Caregiver Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
5. Does OHIP cost money?
- OHIP provides coverage for basic medically necessary services and is funded through provincial taxes. While most basic services are covered, certain services or items, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and eye examinations for specific age groups, are not covered and may incur costs.
6. How long does it take to get an OHIP card?
- After applying for an OHIP card, it typically takes one to two weeks for the card to be processed and mailed to you.
7. What OHIP Application Documents are required to access Ontario Health Care?
- To apply for an OHIP card, you will need:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status (e.g., Permanent Resident card, work permit).
- Proof of residency in Ontario (e.g., Ontario driver’s license, utility bill, rental agreement, or pay stub).
- Proof of your identity (e.g., passport, credit card).
- A completed “Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage” form.
8. Is there a 3-month waiver for OHIP?
- The three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage was waived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Newcomers to the province no longer have to wait for three months to access OHIP coverage.
9. Can temporary residents get OHIP?
- Temporary residents, such as foreign workers with valid work permits, are eligible for OHIP coverage during their authorized stay in Ontario.
10. What is proof of address in OHIP Application Documents? – Proof of address in Ontario can be established with documents like utility bills, a rental agreement, or an Ontario driver’s license.
11. What is the difference between a health card and OHIP? – A health card in Ontario, often referred to as an OHIP card, is your proof of eligibility for publicly funded health care under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Essentially, the health card is a physical card that allows you to access OHIP-covered services.
12. What is proof of residency in OHIP Application Documents? – Proof of residency in Ontario typically includes documents like an Ontario driver’s license, utility bills, rental agreements, or pay stubs, which demonstrate that you live in the province.
CONCLUSION – OHIP Application Documents
Applying for an OHIP card is a significant step toward accessing healthcare in Ontario, and understanding the required OHIP application documents is crucial. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, newcomers to Ontario can navigate the application process with ease, ensuring they have the necessary documents to secure OHIP coverage.
