Every province in Canada has its own healthcare system, and Ontario’s is considered one of the best in the world. We take a look at how it works, and what you need to do to take advantage of it, both as a resident and as an expatriate (working in the province for at least 6 months).
How does Ontario’s healthcare system work?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan( OHIP) is part of Canada’s health insurance system, but is administered by the province itself. In a way, the province pays for health care, and policy decisions are made by the Ministry of Health.
This is a universal plan that enables beneficiaries to benefit from full coverage of their healthcare costs (no advance payments or co-payments). In particular, the system covers
- medical visits and consultations,
- emergency room visits,
- medical tests,
- hospital surgery (oral and maxillofacial surgery are also covered),
- optometry, podiatry and abortion services,
- ambulances and transport costs,
- and all services related to hospital stays or visits.
OHIP, like other health care systems in Canada, is financed by permanent residents through taxes (the premium, deducted directly from wages, is assessed according to the family’s net income).
Benefiting from the system entitles you to an OHIP card. This acts like a pass, giving you free access to all these health services (like the carte vitale in France). To be covered, it is essential to present it to health professionals. What’s more, it must be in your name. It acts as proof of your enrolment in OHIP, so you need to show it every time you go to the doctor or hospital, or in the event of an emergency. If you forget to show it, or if the card expires, you’ll have to pay for your care.
Who can benefit from OHIP health insurance?
To be eligible, you must either
- be a Canadian citizen or Aboriginal Canadian
- be a permanent resident of the province or applying for permanent residency
- have a valid work permit in the province
- have a temporary resident permit
- have a full-time work permit valid in the province (issued by an Ontario employer for a minimum of six months)
- be a refugee or protected person
- or be a member of the clergy
You must also meet one of these three conditions:
- be a permanent resident
- be present in the territory for at least 153 days a year
- or be present for at least 153 of the first 183 days of your establishment
This is a compulsory plan, which means that everyone eligible must be registered. Please note: as an expatriate working in Ontario, you are eligible for OHIP, as are your spouse and/or dependents. However, tourists and/or visitors to the country are not eligible. Holders of a working vacation visa, or PVT, are also ineligible*.
How do I register?
To register, you need to go in person to one of our Service Centers (you can make an appointment or drop in on your own). All you need to bring is :
- the completed and printed registration form,
- three different identity documents(from this list).
You’ll probably be asked to take a passport photo on the spot. You’ll find a list of Service Centers on the official website (please note that not all centers handle registrations for non-citizens – find out before you go).
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be issued with a health insurance card, which entitles you to coverage in all public establishments in the region. Finally, there’s no waiting period: if you’re eligible and register with the health system, you’re covered immediately.
Do you need supplementary health insurance?
Although very efficient, the public health system does not cover all the healthcare offered in public or private establishments (such as dental or optical care, for example), and not all drugs bought in pharmacies are reimbursed. Depending on your needs, this can be quite restrictive. Especially since health care costs are relatively high in Canada.
So, whether or not you are covered by this insurance, we recommend that you take out supplementary health insurance, as many Canadian citizens do, to ensure that you are covered whatever your needs. This guarantees comprehensive coverage for all levels of medical services (depending on the benefit offered by the insurance). You can also take out private supplementary health insurance, ask your company to pay for your mutual insurance (for you and your family members), or join your company’s existing mutual insurance plan.
Visit Santexpat.fr for more information on international health insurance for expatriates and travellers to Canada, and read our article onhealth insurance in Canada. If required, our health experts can search and find the right health organization and offer for you.
*Whenobtaining a Working Holiday Permit, we recommend that you take out complementary private insurance to cover illness, hospitalization, repatriation and medical expenses. Dental, optical and other options depend on the provider. Finally, don’t forget to ask your insurance company for a list of establishments to consult in case of need (not all establishments offer the same services at the same price). You can also request this list from the Embassy.
