OHIP covers medically necessary hospital and physician services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, maternity care, and some diagnostic testing. It does not generally cover prescription drugs (outside hospitals), dental, vision, or ambulance fees.

There are no direct premiums or monthly payments for OHIP for most residents. Healthcare funding comes from general taxes. Some services may be billed, such as ambulance fees. Immigration categories may have different eligibility periods.

Universal coverage, low out-of-pocket costs, accessible hospitals and clinics, and no pre-existing condition exclusions.

Wait times for some specialists and elective procedures, limited coverage for dental, vision, and prescriptions, and a waiting period for new arrivals (up to 3 months).

All eligible residents are enrolled in OHIP; provider selection mostly refers to family doctors or clinics, not insurance companies. Choose a primary care provider accepting new patients.

Private insurance policies can cover prescription drugs, dental, optical, paramedical services (chiropractor, physio), private hospital rooms, and emergency care not included by OHIP. Many plans are employer-provided.

Costs depend on coverage and age but typically range from CAD 50–200 per month for individuals. Family plans and comprehensive policies cost more. Some employers pay all or part of the premium.

Quicker access to some providers, wider choice in specialists, coverage for drugs, dental, vision, mental health, travel health, and semi-private rooms.

Extra monthly cost, potential exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and services may overlap with public coverage.

Anyone can purchase private insurance, but plans are particularly useful for those not yet eligible for OHIP, self-employed persons, or those seeking additional benefits.

Compare plans based on coverage needs (dental, vision, prescriptions), network size, price, and customer reviews. Check if employer-sponsored plans are available.

Expat health insurance typically appeals to new arrivals not yet covered by OHIP or those on temporary assignments. These international plans provide broad coverage, including emergency and routine care, access to networks in Canada and abroad, and easy online enrollment.

Expat plans often provide shorter wait times, English-language support, and coverage gaps for new arrivals, but cost more than public coverage. Public or private Canadian plans offer best integration and pricing for long-term stays.

Expat plans are more comprehensive, including routine care and chronic management, while travel insurance focuses on emergencies only.

Expat insurance is not a substitute for public coverage; it's designed for temporary gaps before public eligibility or emergencies, and may not cover chronic conditions or care outside of emergencies for residents.

Toronto offers community health centres, walk-in clinics, and student-specific health insurance plans. Low-income residents may qualify for additional government programs for drugs or dental care.

EHIC or European cards are not accepted in Canada. EU citizens must secure OHIP eligibility or appropriate private insurance.

There is no artist/freelancer insurance scheme equivalent to KSK in Canada. Freelancers can buy individual private health insurance.

1. Check eligibility for OHIP and apply soon after arrival. 2. Consider private insurance for the waiting period or for extra coverage. 3. Find a family doctor as your primary care provider. 4. Review employer benefits if working. 5. Keep all documents handy for healthcare access.

For help, contact ServiceOntario or visit a newcomer center in Toronto. Hospitals and clinics have patient services staff. Immigration and settlement agencies can provide guidance.