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Public Information Health Care Providers News Media Text Only Version |
There is a three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. It affects new applicants for coverage and former residents returning to Canada after living in other countries for long periods. Is anyone exempt from the waiting period ?
Several groups are exempt from the waiting period. These include :
Ministry staff will help you determine if you are exempt. You must prove you meet the requirements for exemption. For more information about exemptions to the three-month waiting period :
The waiting period will not affect insured residents who travel outside Ontario for less than 212 days in each 12-month period. All insured Ontario residents can spend up to 212 days a year outside the country without losing their OHIP eligibility. Also, people approved for continuous OHIP eligibility during a longer absence are not affected. With the waiting period, when am I eligible for OHIP coverage ?
a) If you move to Ontario from another country : The waiting period begins on the date you establish or re-establish residency in Ontario. If you are an eligible temporary resident, such as a foreign worker or clergy member who meets the citizenship and residency requirements described in Ontario's Health Insurance Act, the waiting period begins on the date you establish residence in Ontario. Your coverage begins when the waiting period ends - after three calendar months. For example :
b) If you move to Ontario from another province or territory where you had provincial/territorial health coverage : If you move to Ontario directly from another province and apply for coverage, your OHIP coverage will begin on the first day of the third month after establishing residency, provided you were insured in your previous province or territory. Your valid health card from your former province will continue to provide you with health care coverage during this three-month waiting period. For example :
c) If you move to Ontario from another province or territory where you did not have provincial/territorial health coverage : If you are an uninsured person moving to Ontario from another Canadian province or territory, you will be subject to a waiting period lasting three full months. Your Ontario health coverage would become effective three full months after establishing permanent residence in Ontario. Please Note :
How can I get coverage during the waiting period ?
During the waiting period, you can purchase private health insurance through a private insurance company if you meet the company's eligibility requirements. Contact a private insurance company or call the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. at 1 800 268-8099. In Toronto, call (416) 777-2344. |
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Call the ministry INFOline at 1-800-664-8988 (Toll-free in Ontario only) TTY 1-800-387-5559 Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm |
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