Health Care

Ontario has a universal, publicly-funded health care system, which is available through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

There is a three-month waiting period before OHIP coverage starts for most newcomers, but it is still a good idea to apply for an OHIP card as soon as you get here. To cover the waiting period you should buy private insurance.

This section explains how the Ontario health care system works and how to apply for OHIP. It has links to help you find a doctor or other health professionals as well as information about immunization rules for children. It includes information about healthy eating, active living, disease and injury prevention and other health programs and services offered by the Ontario government.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Ontario's health care system is one of the best in the world. Ontarians who qualify can access a variety of health care services in their community.

Health Care

Find out where you can buy health insurance if you have newly arrived or are visiting Canada. To read more, select your language from the drop-down menu above. Information provided by Settlement.org

ONTARIO IMMIGRATION

You can also get information about health care in Ontario in 27 languages.

Health Care Options

Get to know your health care options
Use the Health Care Options Directory to find a service near you.
Find out about the Government health and long-term care programs and services available to you

Community Health Centres

Community Health Centres are non-profit organizations that provide primary health and health promotion programs for individuals, families and communities.

Health Care Connect

If you don't have a family health care provider, Health Care Connect will refer you to a family doctor or a nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in your community.

Find a doctor

You can search the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s directory to find a doctor. Use the Language of service field to find services in your language of choice.

You can refer to the directory Cliquez Santé (in French) to connect with French-speaking health professionals.

Find a dentist

Use the Ontario Dental Association search tool to find a dentist in your area.

TeleHealth Ontario - 1-866-797-0000

If you have questions about the health options available to you or a family member, you can contact Telehealth Ontario. Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential 24 hours a day, 7 days a week telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse.

Senior’s Care

Many services are available in Ontario to help seniors lead healthy and independent lives.

Children’s Immunization

Find out about the required immunization for children attending school or day care in Ontario.

Healthy Ontario

Information and ideas here to help you and your family enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Mental Health

Mental Health Helpline

The Mental Health Helpline can provide you with information about mental health services and supports in your community and across Ontario. Call the Mental Health Service Information Line at 1-866-531-2600 or visit them online.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Ontario Division

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides fact sheets and details on how to find health care services in Ontario. It also lets you measure you stress levels and understand the connection between physical and mental health. Mental Health services are also available to families.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provides concise information about addictions and mental health issues. Whether you are an individual looking for a fact sheet on bipolar disorder, a parent concerned about drug use, or a service provider hoping to find resources in another language, you should find what you are looking for here.

Other health care information for newcomers

Find a list of articles providing useful health care information for newcomers

How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
Where can I find information about my new community?

Visit our Cities and Towns section for municipal information or use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community. You can also contact your municipality for information on recreational activities in your area.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
How can I find a doctor?

You can find a doctor by searching the directory of doctors in Ontario. You may also use you local telephone directory to find a doctor in your community.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and other specific groups may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public health insurance as soon as you arrive in order to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care in Canada.
Where can I get a health card?

If you are eligible, you can obtain a health card from a Service Ontario centre. You will need to fill out an application form and take it with you along with additional documents when you apply for a health card.
Where can I learn about Ontario's education system?

Find information about the school system and academic programs in Ontario.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
How do I become a Canadian citizen?

The requirements and applications are available from the Government of Canada.