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)

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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 have no health insurance in Canada? ›

Uninsured hospital services, for which patients may be charged, include preferred hospital accommodation unless prescribed by a physician; private duty nursing services; and the provision of telephones and televisions.

What happens if you can't afford healthcare in America? ›

In a worst-case scenario, you could be sued and have your wages garnished. You might even be forced into bankruptcy. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 Health Care Affordability Survey found that 38% of people surveyed said they delayed or skipped needed healthcare or prescription drugs because they couldn't afford it.

What happens if you go to the hospital without 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 I use OHIP outside Canada? ›

OHIP provides coverage for health services received outside of Canada when regulatory criteria are met. There are 2 kinds of out-of-country ( OOC ) services that may be funded: OOC emergency health services for travellers. Prior approved OOC health services.

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

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.

How long can you be out of Ontario without losing healthcare? ›

You can be outside of Canada for 212 days in a 12-month period and still be covered by your OHIP. If you will be away for more than 212 days, you can apply for continuous OHIP eligibility. This means that you want to keep your OHIP benefits, even though you will be out of the country for more than 212 days.

Can I apply for OHIP as soon as I arrive in Ontario? ›

People living in Ontario receive free health care through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Currently, there is no waiting period for OHIP. If you are eligible, you can immediately apply for health insurance coverage. Anyone older than 15½ years old must apply for their own health card and register in person.

How much does an ER visit cost in Canada? ›

Hospital Fees for Patients without Canadian Health Insurance
Uninsured resident of CanadaNon-resident of Canada
Outpatient visit (Hospital appointments), each$386$1,158
Emergency visit, each$386$1,158

How much is health insurance in Ontario per month? ›

Assured Access Rates
AgesSingleFamily
0-29$21.65$38.66
30-44$21.65$38.66
45-54$24.76$41.77
55-64$27.85$44.85

Where in Canada is healthcare free? ›

All citizens and permanent residents in Canada have free access to medically necessary services through a doctor or hospital. Taxes fund this system, called Medicare, and while it's often referred to as “universal healthcare,” there's not actually one single national health insurance plan.

Can Americans get free healthcare? ›

California has tried and failed to replace private health insurance with a universal, state-funded program for years. Voters rejected such a proposal in 1994 and state lawmakers failed to find a way to fund a single-payer health system in 2017.

How do Americans pay for healthcare? ›

Healthcare in the United States is largely provided by private sector healthcare facilities, and paid for by a combination of public programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments.

What happens in the USA if there is no medical insurance? ›

Without health insurance coverage, a serious accident or a health issue that results in emergency care and/or an expensive treatment plan can result in poor credit or even bankruptcy.

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

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 to get a prescription without seeing a doctor Ontario? ›

Yes, online doctors at Gotodoctor.ca may provide you with prescriptions based on your consultation. Patient history is obtained like in an on-site walk-in clinic. Renewals can be obtained through our virtual care services as well. All the prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy that you choose.

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 I see a doctor for free in Canada? ›

Who Pays for Healthcare in Canada? In Canada, public healthcare is paid for through tax money. Basic health care services, like hospital visits and medical treatment, are free. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply for public health insurance.

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