OHIP Card: How to Apply, Renew & Use Your Health Card (2024 Guide)
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Discover the methodologyLooking to renew or apply for an OHIP card? Your OHIP card is essential for accessing free healthcare in Ontario, including doctor visits, emergency services, and more. Learn how to apply, renew, or replace it with this complete guide.
OHIP Card: 8 Key Points
- The OHIP card is essential for Ontario residents to access provincial healthcare.
- It is issued within four to six weeks of application.
- Applying for an OHIP card requires documents that verify identity, residency, and eligibility.
- There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage.
- Keeping the card up to date ensures uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced at ServiceOntario centers.
- OHIP does not cover certain expenses, such as prescription medications and dental services.
- Private insurance can supplement OHIP to cover additional medical costs.
- You can use HelloSafe to compare health insurance plans and get free quotes online.
What is an OHIP card?
An OHIP card confirms your eligibility for Ontario's Health Insurance Plan, giving you access to essential medical services. Residents typically receive their card within four to six weeks of applying. You’ll need to present it when visiting doctors, hospitals, or undergoing medical tests to prove your coverage.
Healthcare providers across Ontario rely on the card to verify eligibility for insured services. Keep your card handy to avoid disruptions in care.
The OHIP health card itself looks like this:
What coverage do you get using the OHIP card?
The OHIP card gives you access to the provincial healthcare plan that provides vital medical services encompassing doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostic tests, and more, all without upfront payment. It's important to know that the coverage has limitations, much like public health care programs in other provinces like the MSP in BC. Certain treatments, prescription drugs, and non-urgent procedures may not be included.
Here is a table summarizing what OHIP covers and does not cover:
| What does OHIP cover? | What does OHIP not cover? |
|---|---|
| Doctor visits | Prescription drugs (outside hospitals) for people under 65 |
| Hospital visits and stays | Alternative medicine (ex: Chinese medicine, homeopathy) |
| Medical or surgical abortions | Chiropractic services |
| Eligible dental surgery | Many birth control methods |
| Eligible eye health/optometry services | Dental services in a dentist’s office |
| Ambulance services | Eyeglasses and contact lenses, laser eye surgery |
| Travel for health services (Northern Ontario) | Cosmetic procedures and dermatology services |
| Blood tests (when medically necessary) | Travel immunizations (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, Twinrix, HPV) |
Good to know
It is to be noted that having a valid OHIP health card is essential to access these services. Renew your card if it has expired. The renewal process can be done online or in person. Seniors over 80 can do it over mail.
Non-covered services can be expensive and come as an unpleasant surprise when you are least expecting them. We highly recommend getting a private insurance plan. All you need to do is use our comparator to compare plans and get free quotes from multiple providers to help you buy a plan that's perfect for you.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
How do I apply for an OHIP card?
To apply for an OHIP card as a first-timer you will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. The card requirements and the list of documents necessary depend on your status as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, permanent resident applicant or other.
Citizens, permanent residents applying for an OHIP card
If you're a first-time applicant and wondering how to get an OHIP card, then:
- Visit the nearest ServiceOntario centre.
- Complete the Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form 0265-82 below:
- Submit appropriate original supporting documents proving:
- Your identity (Passport, permanent resident card, old age security card, etc.)
- Residency in Ontario (Ontario driver's license, pay stub, school transcript, utility or tax bill, mortgage or rental agreement, etc.)
- Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status (passport, birth certificate, certification of Canadian citizenship, etc.)
- If you are applying under your married name for the first time, you will also need your marriage licence
Watch out!
We emphasize that you must carry original documents. Photocopies will not be accepted for the OHIP card application.
Permanent residency applicants applying for an OHIP card
In addition to the documents required for citizens, applicants for permanent residency are also required to provide a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: (IRCC), for OHIP card application.
The letter must:
- Be on IRCC letterhead, addressed to you as the applicant
- State that the IRCC has confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada and that you have not yet been denied.
- Include an IRCC document (work permit, visitor record, temporary resident permit or study permit) with a note confirming that you have applied for permanent residence, met the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residency and have not been denied.
Other immigration statuses applying for the health card
Applicants with other immigration statuses may be required to have the following documents:
- A letter from the Immigration and Refugee Board confirming Convention Refugee or Protected Person status
- Protected Person Status document
- Verification of Status (IMM 5716 or IMM 5715)
- Written confirmation from IRCC that you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship under section 5.1 of Canada’s Citizenship Act.
- A temporary resident permit (case types 86 through 95 only)
- A work permit (proof of full-time employment in Ontario is required)
The work permit must be an original document (contract or letter) on a company letterhead signed and dated by your employer, which states the name of the company that you will be working for in Ontario. It needs to confirm full-time employment, your job title, the start date of your employment and that the employer intends to employ you for a minimum of six months.
Good to know
A full list of accepted documents is at the bottom of this page. Note that original documents are required. Photocopies will not be accepted.
How do you apply for an OHIP card online?
If you're wondering how to get an OHIP card online, then you must know that the OHIP card can only be renewed online. First-time applicants are required to physically go to the nearest ServiceOntario centre to apply. To renew your expired OHIP card continue below.
How do you renew your OHIP card?
Did your OHIP card expire? You can renew your Ontario health card for free online at ServiceOntario or in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Both older red and white OHIP cards and newer OHIP photo cards are eligible for renewal. After submitting your renewal request, you can expect to receive your new OHIP card by mail within four to six weeks.
Renew OHIP card online
You will need the following documents to renew your OHIP card online:
- Your most recent health card
- Your current driver’s license
After renewing online, you will be able to print temporary documents to prove your status until your new card arrives in the mail.
If your mailing address is up-to-date, you should receive an OHIP card renewal notice. To use the OHIP card renewal online service you must be eligible for OHIP coverage. Your photo health card must expire within 90 days or have been expired for fewer than 90 days. You will also need to have an up-to-date photo and signature on your health card.
Watch out!
If your address has changed within the last 90 days, you will not be eligible for online renewal. In this case, you will need to renew your OHIP card in person at your nearest ServiceOntario centre.
Renew OHIP card in person
You will need the following documents to renew your OHIP card in person:
- Your current health card
- An original document that proves your Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status.
- See the list of eligible documents section for Canadian citizens.
- You will also find information in the list of eligible documents section for permanent residents, applicants for permanent residency and other immigration statuses.
People between the ages of 76 and 80 are required to renew in person to take a new photo.
Good to know
People 81 or older are eligible to renew their OHIP cards by mail.
How long does it take to get an OHIP card?
Getting your OHIP card is a relatively quick process. Once your OHIP application has been received, you can expect to receive your OHIP card by mail within four to six weeks. Before that, you will receive temporary paperwork to prove your coverage.
How do I replace a lost OHIP card?
To replace an unexpired lost, stolen or damaged OHIP card, visit your nearest ServiceOntario centre and start your replacement process. Alternatively, you may call 1-800-664-8988 to guide you on how to replace your lost card.
If you are someone whose Canadian citizenship or immigration status has changed since you received your most recent card, you will also need to bring your original citizenship or immigration documents for the OHIP card replacement. Remember that getting an OHIP card is extremely essential to have access to healthcare.
OHIP number on health card
The OHIP number is a unique identification number that is typically located on the front of the OHIP card, often followed by the individual's name, date of birth, and other relevant information. It's a crucial identifier when seeking medical services and billing through the provincial health care system. The OHIP card number is sensitive information, and you should treat it with care to prevent identity theft or unauthorized use.
What happens if your OHIP card expires?
If your OHIP card is expired when you seek medical care, doctors and private hospitals may refuse to treat you. While for major medical emergencies, you are still likely to receive care, they could bill you directly if you are unable to quickly renew your card. Because of this, it is best to always keep your Ontario health card up to date.
Good to know
Note that red and white cards are no longer accepted as proof of OHIP coverage. They have been replaced by photo cards.
If you need to replace an expired OHIP card you must visit your nearest ServiceOntario centre along with original documents proving your identity and residency in Ontario.
Remember that OHIP is not comprehensive, you can still have to pay significant costs out of pocket for prescriptions, dental and vision care or a private hospital stay. A private supplemental plan can ensure you are provided with full coverage for the services you need. You could use our comparator tool below and get personalized quotes from Canada's best health and dental insurance in seconds.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
How do I change the address on my OHIP card?
If you have moved or are considering moving, you will be required to change the address of your OHIP card within 30 days of your move. Making sure that your address is updated will help to ensure that you receive important information regarding your health insurance.
Your OHIP card change of address can be done in the following ways:
- Online: To change the address on your OHIP card or update it online, just click the start address change option on services.gov.on.ca.
- In-person: You can update or change the address on your card at your nearest ServiceOntario centre
- Submit a letter: You can submit a letter to your local ServiceOntario centre with the following information:
- Your name
- Your health number
- Your telephone number
- Your current address
- Your new address including the postal code
- By mail: The 1057-82 Change of Adress form below:
Good to know
Please be aware that if your OHIP health card already displays an address, online address changes are not possible. To update your address, a visit to a ServiceOntario center will be required.
Can I get a temporary OHIP card?
If you have applied for your OHIP card for the first time, or have recently applied for a renewal, your printed documents will act as a temporary card. Four to six weeks after getting these you should receive your card in the mail. You should be sure to carry these temporary documents with you until your OHIP card arrives to prove health insurance coverage.
Good to know
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you will be assigned a unique 10-digit health number which will be used to provide you with free OHIP-insured health services.
List of Documents for applying to OHIP
Whether you are applying for your OHIP card for the first time or renewing your old red and white card you may be asked to prove your status, your residency and your identity. See below for a list of accepted documents.
You can download this official PDF that contains all the information on the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Document List.
A Proof of Canadian citizenship
To prove you are a Canadian Citizen or have OHIP-eligible immigration status, you will need to provide one of the following original documents:
- Canadian passport (valid or expired within the last five years)
- Birth certificate issued by Ontario or another Canadian province or territory
- Canadian Certificate Of Registration of Birth Abroad
- Canadian Certified Statement of Live Birth
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Indian Status
- Registered Indian Record
- Temporary Confirmation of Registration document
Proof of permanent residency
- Permanent Resident Card (valid or expired with the last five years)
- Canadian Immigration Identification Card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency (IMM 5292, 5688)
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
A Proof of other immigration statuses
- Verification of status (IMM 5716 or IMM 5715)
- Protected Person Status document
- An Immigration and Refugee Board letter confirming your status as a Convention Refugee or Protected Person
- Written confirmation from IRB confirming eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship
- Temporary Resident Permit
- Work Permit
Proof of Identity
To provide proof of your identity, you should use a document that is different from the one you provided to show proof of residence, proof of citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status. It is important to verify that these documents include both your name and signature. Accepted documents include:
- Valid Canadian or foreign passport
- Permanent resident card, Ontario driver’s licence or temporary driver’s licence or photo card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit
- Canadian Immigration Identification card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (plastic card)
- Certificate of Indian status (paper or plastic card)
- Current employee ID card
- Current professional licence
- Old age security card
- Credit card
- Student ID card
- Union card
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
Proof of residency
To provide proof of your residency in Ontario, documents include:
- Ontario driver's license, or photo card
- Utility, phone, or property tax bill
- Monthly bank account or credit card statement, a registered retirement savings plan, a registered retirement income fund, registered home ownership savings plan all of which can be registered at a bank, trust company or credit union.
- Insurance policy (home, apartment, car or life)
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Property tax bill
- Recent income tax notice of assessment or child tax benefit statement
- Statement of direct deposit for Ontario Works or for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits (T5007), statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid (T4E), or Statement of Old Age Security (T4A) or statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits (T4A) (P)
- Employees: a pay stub or a letter from your employer on company letterhead.
- Students: a report card or school transcript from a school, college or university
FAQs on OHIP Card
To renew your OHIP card, you need proof of identity (like a driver’s license or passport), proof of residency in Ontario (such as a utility bill), and your current health card. Visit a ServiceOntario center or renew online if eligible.
If your OHIP card is expired, you may still receive healthcare services, but it’s at the provider’s discretion. It’s best to renew it as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in coverage. You can renew your OHIP card online or at a ServiceOntario center with proof of identity, residency, and your current card. Some renewals may also require a new photo.
OHIP coverage now starts immediately for eligible residents, with no waiting period. As soon as you meet the eligibility requirements and apply, you are covered and can access healthcare services without delay.
To get a temporary OHIP card, apply for a new or replacement card at a ServiceOntario center. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a temporary document that provides proof of coverage until your physical card arrives in 4-6 weeks.
In Ontario, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to receive your health card after applying. A temporary document will be provided for use in the meantime.
You cannot apply for a new OHIP card online; the initial application must be done in person at a ServiceOntario center. However, you can renew your health card online if you meet eligibility requirements, such as having a photo health card and updated personal information. Check the ServiceOntario website for specific guidelines.
You can renew your OHIP card at any ServiceOntario center or online if eligible. Visit the nearest center with the required documents, or check the ServiceOntario website to see if you qualify for online renewal.
To become an Ontario resident for OHIP, you must move to Ontario and make it your primary home. Apply for an OHIP card at a ServiceOntario center within 30 days of arrival, providing proof of identity and residency, such as a lease or utility bill. There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. Eligible residents now receive immediate health insurance coverage upon approval.
I am a Canadian citizen who has residing outside of Canada for the last couple of years and has not returned during this period. My OHIP Card has expire. I plan to return to Canada in January 2025. How long will it take me to reinstate my OHIP coverage?
Hello Jonathan,
As a Canadian citizen returning to Ontario after residing abroad for several years, you will need to reapply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Upon establishing residency in Ontario, there is typically a three-month waiting period before OHIP coverage becomes effective. During this time, it's advisable to secure private health insurance to cover any medical expenses.
I recently turned 65, is a new card automatically issued?
Hello Loretta,
When you turn 65, a new OHIP card is not automatically issued. Generally, you need to renew your health card if it is expiring soon. You can check the expiry date on your current card. If it’s close to expiry, you can renew it online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario center.
This process ensures your card remains valid for accessing health services in Ontario.
Hello.
If i apply to OHIP today, how long would it take me to be covered? Will i be covered as soon as i apply or should i wait 153 days residing in Canada to benefit from it?
Hi Ray,
Once you've applied for OHIP, you receive your card in the mail in 4 to 6 weeks. You are immediately covered, as soon as you get the card. There is no waiting period.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi, I will be travelling on July 15th with the whole family however my two sons do not have a passport and in order to get the passport they need to have valid government photo ID, is there any way they can get an expedited health card in order to get the passport on time..
Hi Peter,
As of today, there is no way to get a OHIP card in such a short time.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
December 3rd 2021 I went and had my health card renewed. I have not received my new card yet, this is over 7 months now.
Hi David,
You can directly contact the OHIP services regarding this issue - health cards normally don't take more than 6 weeks to get mailed.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi
I have an expired OHIP card. It has been six years. Today I went to a service ontario center to renew my card and the employee refused to do it. I had myCanadian birth certificate. Proof of my Ontario address and my expired card. Why wouldn't it be renewed?
Hi Susan,
If you've had an issue with a renewal in a Service Ontario center, please contact directly the OHIP services to find the source of the problem.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi,
we will move from Germany to Ontario in Summer this year. My kids and I are Canadian citizen. We will apply for OHIP as soon as possible after arriving. how long will it take to get the Health card and will we be covered while waiting for the card?
Hi Sam,
Once your application is accepted, your card will be mailed to you. It will take one to two weeks to arrive.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Can I use a colour photocopy of my OHIP card? The original is kept on file in the Long Term Care home where I live and it's inconvenient to keep asking for it for a dr. or hospital visit.
Hi,
No, unfortunately you cannot use a photocopy of your OHIP documents.
Have a nice day,
The Hellosafe team
I am a newly landed migrant, will I have to wait 3 months before applying for my health card? or does it mean if I apply now, I would have to wait 3 months before it is approved?
Hi Kie,
You can apply for your OHIP card as soon as you want or need. Once your application is approved, there will be a period of three months during which you won't be covered yet.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi there. when a child is born, are they assigned a "temp" health card number and then a permanent one is issued?
Hi Ann,
If a newborn meets the three criteria of eligibility (born in Ontario, at least one parent is a permanent Ontario resident, and will be staying in Ontario for at least 153 days after they're born), they can be issued a permanent OHIP number directly at birth.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hello, I am a student, my partner is also an international student, can we apply for OHIP card already? We arrived in Canada last December 15, 2021.
Hi Maria,
You must meet several requirements in order to apply for an OHIP card. You must be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12‑month period as well as being physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after you began living in the province.
You can find the detail of these as well as other criteria directly on the Ontario Government website.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi
I am PR and moving to Ontario from abroad.
I am wondering to know how long it will take to get my OHIP card and am I covered by insurance during this time?
Hi Amin,
It usually takes four to six weeks for your OHIP card to get delivered. You will be covered as soon as you receive it.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Hi, if I apply for OHIP, it covers my wife too? Or she need to go separately? Thanks
Hi Martin,
No, your wife is not covered by you OHIP protection. She needs to get a separate coverage.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
does new landed immigrant need to wait for 3 months before applying for OHIP?
Hi Sam,
You can apply to OHIP as soon as you want, but you won't get get a Health Card until after the three months.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
I applied for my new OHIP card in August 2021 and have not received it.I went to Service Ontario on Jan 6/2022 to inquire but I still have not received it.What should I do?
Hi Dallas,
Unfortunately we cannot help you. This issue has to be solved with Service Ontario.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe Team
Mother is 92 outdated Ohio card
No credit card
No utility billls
New address as well
What does she she need to get a new card snd does she have to be present?
Hi Darlene,
In our article called "What is OHIP? All about the Ontario Health Insurance Plan" you will find a section called "How do I renew my OHIP card ?". You can find all the information you need there.
You can click on this link to access it.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe Team
I am 80 years old Can I renew my health card on line ?
Hi Tatiana,
You will find every information you need to renew your OHIP card online at this adress.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Does the 3 month waiting period apply to me as an international student on a work permit and as been working full time for about 7months?
Hello,
Yes, it does apply.
Have a nice day,
The Safe team
I received an OHIP renewal form, filled it out, and mailed it in early November 2021. I have not received my new card. Please let me know when it will be issued. Thank you.
Hi Jaqueline,
We cannot help you. You should probably take contact with the Ontario Ministry of Health regarding this issue, for example by filling the form on their website.
Have a nice day,
The Safe team
what if i move back to another province? Does OHIP cover me for a while?
Hi Catherine,
When moving permanently to another province in Canada, OHIP will cover you for the same services, until the last day of the second full month after you leave Ontario.
Have a nice day,
the Safe Team.