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.

• General Information and eligibility
• OHIP Coverage Waiting Period
• Financing health services for the first three months in Ontario
• Health services covered by OHIP
• How to sign up
• Apply for a Health card as soon as you arrive
• OHIP: Questions and Answers

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

Health Care Options

• Get to know your health care options 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.

• Smoke-Free Ontario
• Healthy Eating
• Active Living

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