Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP? (2024)

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You still have healthcare options if you don't have Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP). Some doctors accept patients with private health insurance or who can pay for their services.

If you are pregnant without OHIP and plan to give birth in Ontario, you may wish to contact a midwife. Midwives provide care to all residents of their catchment area, regardless of OHIP eligibility.

Community Health Centres

Community Health Centres (CHCs) are non-profit healthcare organizations that provide primary care for individuals, families and communities. CHCs have teams of health professionals and offer other community support programs.

Services at CHCs help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their situation. CHCs deliver primary healthcare services, health promotion, illness prevention, and community education.

Provincial Health Care

In Canada, if you are moving from one province to another, you may have a waiting period before you qualify for health insurance; you should check with your home province and your new province to learn about the rules.

IFHP

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) pays for your medical services for a while after you arrive in Canada.

IFHP is for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking. People detained by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are also covered. The type of IFHP coverage you receive and the length of your coverage depend on your status in Canada.

UHIP

As an international student, you are not eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Your school will offer special health plans for you. Public universities generally offer the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), while colleges and private universities use other plans. Your spouse and children may be eligible if they are with you in Canada.

These plans are not free. The cost of health insurance is part of your tuition and student fees.

Private Insurance

If you plan to buy insurance before you travel to Canada, read the full policy before you buy any insurance. Make sure that your coverage includes the time you are travelling to Canada. Many insurance companies will not cover you if you travel one way. Some companies will not pay for any costs after you arrive in Canada.

Working Holiday Visa

Rainbow Health states, "International travellers with a work visa are eligible for health coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) after 90 days of working full-time in Ontario." They also give general healthcare information to LGBTQIA+ people on working holiday visas.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies fill drug prescriptions and offer medication counselling. Pharmacists can also prescribe or suggest certain treatment options, including some of the most common medical ailments.

Health811

You can contact Health811 to connect with a registered nurse for free, secure and confidential health advice. This service is available any time of the day or night.

Settlement services and community agencies can help you find healthcare options in your area.

For More Information

  • I am pregnant and don't have OHIP. What health care can I get? An article about prenatal care options in Ontario.
  • OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI) - An independent complaint resolution and information service for Canadian life and health insurance consumers.
  • TheHealthLine.ca - This website can help you find health and community services in Ontario. From Community Care Access Centres.
  • Refugee HealthLine - Call this line (1-866-286-4770)for free to register for help in being connected with a health service provider who can assist with initial medical assessments and referral to other health services. This is not an emergency or crisis line.
  • HNUC.org - Health Network for the Uninsured offers information for people without OHIP in the Greater Toronto Area.

Related Articles

  • Do I need private health insurance if I have OHIP?
  • What are community health centres?
  • What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
  • How do I find a midwife?
  • How much does it cost to get care from a midwife?

Last updated: April 18, 2024 4001221

Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP? (1)

OHIP and Health Insurance

  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
  • Health (OHIP) Card
  • If You Don't Have OHIP
  • Low-Cost Health Care
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Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP? (2024)

FAQs

Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP? ›

Community Health Centre (CHC)

If you do not have OHIP, you might be able to get health care services at a CHC. In some cases, you can get help from a community health centre even if you do not yet have a health (OHIP) card. Learn more about CHCs. Find a CHC in Ontario.

How to see a doctor in Ontario without OHIP? ›

Community Health Centre (CHC)

If you do not have OHIP, you might be able to get health care services at a CHC. In some cases, you can get help from a community health centre even if you do not yet have a health (OHIP) card. Learn more about CHCs. Find a CHC in Ontario.

Can you go to a hospital in Ontario without OHIP? ›

All patients not covered under OHIP are required to pay directly for the care provided. As an inpatient you will be charged a daily per diem.

What happens if you don't have a health card in Ontario? ›

A patient without a health card may be insured through other means. For example, individuals who are refugee claimants or resettled refugees may be covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), while others may be covered under private insurance plans.

What happens if you have no health insurance in Canada? ›

Canadian residents without valid provincial or federal health insurance plan, considered uninsured residents of Canada, and non-residents of Canada are responsible for all Hospital fees. Hospital fees are in addition to attending physician fees as billed by the physician.

Can an American use a Canadian walk-in clinic? ›

Depending on your immigration status, the government of Canada provides free emergency medical services, even if you don't have a government health card. If you have an emergency, it is recommended to visit the nearest hospital. A walk-in clinic may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.

How to get a prescription without seeing a doctor Ontario? ›

You can get a prescription online in Canada through the Virtual Health Clinic. Book your appointment at our telemedicine clinic to acquire a new prescription or a prescription refill online.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Canada without insurance? ›

Additionally, there is a different cost for uninsured Canadian residents from other provinces versus an uninsured person who resides outside the country. That being said, you can expect a walk-in clinic visit to cost an average of $100CDN.

How can I see a doctor in Canada without insurance? ›

The Non-Insured Walk-in Clinic (NIWIC) offers confidential primary care services to people who do not have health insurance. We now offer you care on a “walk-in'' and appointment basis – see our hours below. We do not charge for the care we provide.

Can I get free healthcare in Canada? ›

Medicare covers 100% of the population and each province or territory manages all of its own residents with their specific residency requirements. The health system is funded mainly by provincial or territorial general tax revenue with some federal transfers and is free at the point of delivery for citizens.

Can I see a doctor in Canada without a health card? ›

Your immigration status doesn't matter. If treatment for your health condition is not medically necessary right now but you still need to see a doctor, you can call your local Community Health Centre (CHCs). CHCs will serve people even if they don't have status in Canada.

How much does it cost to get an Ontario health card? ›

Home / What does it cost to get/renew a health card? It is free. There is no cost to renew your Ontario health card.

Does Ontario have free healthcare? ›

There are free health services available to you and your family from the City of Toronto no matter how long you have been in Canada: If you have been a resident of Ontario for three months, you are entitled to health care services paid for by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How to qualify for health care in Canada? ›

Who Is Eligible to Enroll in Canada's Public Healthcare System
  1. Canadian citizens.
  2. Permanent residents.
  3. Indigenous people.
  4. Some refugees.
  5. People with valid Canadian work permits and full-time employment.

How to get health insurance in Ontario? ›

Typically, to obtain Ontario health insurance coverage initially or to reactivate OHIP coverage and be issued an Ontario health card, eligible residents over the age of 16 must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

What kind of healthcare is not free in Canada? ›

Most notably, the public health system does not cover prescriptions, dental care and vision care.

Can you see a doctor in Ontario without a health card? ›

If treatment for your health condition is not medically necessary right now but you still need to see a doctor, you can call your local Community Health Centre (CHCs). CHCs will serve people even if they don't have status in Canada. Most CHCs serve specific areas in Ontario.

How to see a doctor as a tourist in Canada? ›

Visiting a physician as a foreign visitor to Canada
  1. Always try to make an appointment ahead.
  2. Bring your. • ID. • credit card, debit card or cash. • travel health insurance policy.
  3. Ask for official proof of your medical exam or treatment including. • date, • name of the medical centre or hospital, • medical treatment,

Can you go to a walk-in clinic in Canada without a health card? ›

Those without a health card can see a doctor but will be required to pay a fee. According to the Wellesley Institute, the average cost of a walk-in clinic appointment in Toronto without OHIP is $60. In some cases, a walk-in doctor may suggest another diagnostic test, such as an ultrasound.

Can a foreigner see a doctor in Canada? ›

The country's universal healthcare system is funded through taxes. Under the Canada Health Act, any Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible for this public medical coverage, and so too are certain temporary residents (international students, visitors to Canada on a work permit, refugees, etc.).

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