
Understanding the limitations of OHIP coverage
October 6, 2014
Why travellers prefer Blue Cross
October 6, 2014
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is the provincially run health insurance program for Ontario residents. It provides Ontario residents with access to emergency care and preventative health care free of charge.
While the program is available to all residents who have permanent residency in the province, there are some limitations. The project provides coverage for basic care needs, it does not cover many forms of treatment, including most prescription drugs and dental care, among other things. For a full list of what is and is not covered under OHIP, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
To qualify for OHIP, you must meet the following criteria:
Most Ontarians qualify under these eligibility limitations. However, residents who are away from the province for an extended period of time or those who are new to the province will have to apply for coverage.
New residents are not automatically granted provincial health insurance coverage when they move to Ontario. Whether you are moving from another province or territory within Canada, or from another country, you are subject to a 3-month waiting period before you have access to health care coverage, a limitation of OHIP that is often overlooked.
Many Canadians and new immigrants assume they will receive government health care when they move to the country, only to find out they have to wait to receive their permanent resident card. If you find yourself in this situation, the good news is that visitors to Canada plans are available.
Whether you have lived in Ontario your entire life, are a Canadian citizen, or a new immigrant to the province, there are limitations of OHIP coverage that you need to be aware of. Because of these limitations, an increasing number of Canadians are opting for supplementary health insurance to help them cover the additional costs.
Here are some of the limitations:
Learn more about supplemental health insurance for OHIP and the costs that OHIP doesn’t cover.
For more information about the limitations of OHIP coverage, contact the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.