Health Care
If you are new to Canada, you should be aware of the Healthcare services available to you and your family.
Some basic information to understand the Healthcare system in Ontario can be found at the following websites:
- Government of Canada: Just For You: Immigrants.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/just-for-you/immigrants.html
- Ministry of Health: Understanding Health Care in Ontario.
Website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ministry/hc_system/#1
OHIP
Finding a Doctor
Finding a Doctor
Finding a Doctor
Finding a Doctor
Finding a Doctor
Community Health Services
Rights & Responsibilities
Rights & Responsibilities
Rights & Responsibilities
Rights & Responsibilities
Rights & Responsibilities
OHIP
According to the Canada Health Act, immigrants are eligible for health care coverage. Sometimes there can be long waiting periods to receive health services.
Healthcare is free in Ontario if you have been a resident in this province for three months. In Ontario, the government provides a health plan called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP pays for many healthcare services. These services require you to have a health card.
These services could be fully or partially free, based on eligibility and type of service:
- Seeing a doctor
- Most basic and emergency health care services
- Medical surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Eligible dental surgery in hospital
- Eligible eye-care services
- Ambulance services
If you do not have a Health card in Ontario, or if you do not qualify for one, then you would be billed for the services. You can either pay your own health care costs or you could consider buying private health insurance.
Eligibility for OHIP:
1. Your main residence or home should be in Ontario
2. In the first six months of your residence in Ontario, you were away for less than 30 days
3. You have been in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period
OHIP coverage is applicable for the following status holders:
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant, registered Indian under the Indian Act.
Note: If you are still not a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, but you have written confirmation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that you are eligible, then you are eligible for OHIP.
- “Protected person”, (e.g., a Convention refugee)
- Foreign worker with a work permit that is valid for at least 6 months and whose Ontario employer can verify 6-month employment
- Foreign clergy member entitled to stay in Canada and who will be providing services to a religious congregation for at least 6 months
- Valid work permit holder under the federal Live-In Caregiver Program
- Valid work permit holder under the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
(A full list with some more categories can be found at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/ohipfaq_mn.aspx)
How to Apply for an Ontario Health Card:
1. Go to a Service Ontario Centre
To find your nearest Service Ontario Centre, go to:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario-locations-hours-and-contact
2. Complete a registration/application form
You can also access the form at:
http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/FormDetail?openform&ENV=WWE&NO=014-0265-82
3. Take all necessary documentation.
You must bring originals of the following documents:
- Proof of OHIP eligible status
- Proof of residency
- Support of identity
For more information, please visit:
Finding a Doctor
If you have an emergency health concern, you should go to a hospital emergency room or call 9-1-1.
When you have a new health concern or a non-emergency health concern, then you should make an appointment with a family doctor. Visits to a family doctor are publicly funded and covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan. You must book an appointment to see a family doctor and present your Health card at each visit.
How to Find a Family Doctor:
1. Ask a friend or family member if their doctor is accepting new patients.
2. Register with the Health Care Connect service. This program refers you to find a local doctor (or a nurse practitioner). To use this service, you must have a valid Ontario Health card and not be registered as a patient with any family health care provider.
3. Use the ‘Doctor Search’ area of the ‘College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’ at the following website: https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/?search=general
4. Use your telephone book or go to yellowpages.ca and search for Family Doctors or Physicians
5. Ask the nearest hospital if they have a family practice unit
What Family Doctors do:
1. Diagnosis and Treatment for common illnesses and injuries
2. Help with managing chronic health conditions
3. Referrals to specialists for treatments or consultations for specific conditions
4. Prescribe medications
5. Regular check-ups including physicals and routine screening tests
If You Do Not have a Family Doctor:
If you have not registered with a family doctor yet, and you are sick or injured, you could use one of the following options:
1. Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. It is a free, confidential phone service available 24 hours. A registered nurse will be able to give you general health information or advice with your problem.
2. Go to a walk-in clinic. These are non-hospital based clinics where care is provided for patients with uncomplicated and non-emergency needs. You do not need to make an appointment at a walk-in clinic. They usually provided extended hours in the evenings and on weekends as well. There is no fee. Bring your health card to the walk-in clinic. You can search for a walk-in clinic at: https://www.ontario.ca/locations/health/index.php?lang=en
3. Go to an Urgent Care centre. You can receive treatment for injuries and illnesses at Urgent Care Centres. Emergency-trained doctors and other healthcare professionals are available to treat urgent, but non-life threatening situations like sprains, strains, illnesses, cuts, minor burns, nose and throat complaints, eye injuries, earaches etc. You can search for Health care options near you at: https://www.ontario.ca/locations/health/index.php?lang=en
COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
Community Health Centres:
In Ontario, some non-profit organizations provide primary health programs as well as healthcare promotion programs for individuals, families and communities. These are called Community Health Centres. According to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care, there are 101 Community Health Centres.
Services at Community Health Centres are usually free or at a lower cost for eligible individuals. All services are confidential. Some tests (like pregnancy or HIV/AIDS) may be conducted anonymously.
If you do not have an OHIP card, you might still be eligible to receive services at a community health centre.
When to access Community Health Centres:
If any of the following cases applies to you, you might be eligible to access services at a community health centre:
- If you do not have a health care provider
- If you do not have health insurance
- If you are a newcomer to Canada
- If you face barriers like language, culture, disabilities, homelessness or poverty
- If you have mental health or addiction issues
- If you require counselling
Types of services provided at community health centres:
Community Health Centres focus on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations who might be facing barriers in accessing health services. Some of their services include:
- Health promotion initiatives in schools, workplaces and housing developments
- Supporting families to access resources from other community agencies
- Parenting education programs
- Domestic violence prevention/treatment programs or services
- Counselling related to family abuse, addictions counselling, conflict resolution, anger management, stress management etc.
- Counselling and educational services for teens/adolescents
Community Health Centre Programs for Youth:
All community health centres offer primary care services for youth, ages 14-24. Some types of services offered for youth include (but are not limited to):
- Support and education for teen pregnancy
- Self-help groups related to family violence
- Drop-in programs for street youth
- Employment support services
- Family counselling
Free Services in Toronto:
Some free health services available in Toronto can be accessed at the following website:
These services do not require a Health card.
Dental Health Services:
In general, OHIP does not cover dental services. Some community programs offer low-cost, affordable dental services:
- Community Health Organizations: Contact 211 or a community information centre to find out if there is a community health organization in your area.
- Public Health Programs: For eligible seniors and children, some public health programs offer some free dental services. Contact your local community health department to find out more information.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEALTHCARE RECIPIENTS
Your Rights As a Patient:
If you receive health care in Ontario, you have some rights, including (but not limited to):
- Receive safe and appropriate care
- Give consent or refuse consent for any medical procedure, for any reason
- Receive clear explanation about your health problems and treatments
- Request information, ask questions and express concerns
- Play an active role in your healthcare decisions
- Confidentiality by healthcare professionals in treating you
- Request to access your health information records
- Request the transfer of your health records to other professionals, using the proper protocol.
Some laws that protect your rights include:
- Health Care Consent Act
- Long-Term Care Act
- Mental Health Act
Your Responsibilities As a Patient:
Your responsibilities as a healthcare recipient are not mandated by any law. However, you have an important role to play in your own healthcare. Here are some things you should remember to follow:
- Choose appropriate health care providers
- Share accurate information with your health care provider about your condition
- Use healthcare resources responsibly
- Follow the prescribed instructions and medications as directed
- Report any concerns or file complaints if necessary
- Take an active role in maintaining good health
