How to Apply for an Ontario Health Card in Ottawa

Instructions

• 1

  Eligibility
  
  Prior to applying for a Health Card, it is imperative that one determine whether or not they are eligible for OHIP coverage. A person must meet the following criteria in order to be considered eligible as per the Ministry of Health website:
  
  - be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for OHIP as set out in Ontario’s Health Insurance Act ; and
  
  - be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period; and
  
  - be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province; and
  
  - make your primary place of residence in Ontario.
  
  If you are new to the province, you must reside in Ontario for at least 3 months before OHIP will cover you. If you were covered in another province prior to your move, the previous province will cover you for this 3 month period.
  
  If however you are new to Canada, it is strongly suggested that you get private health care to cover you during this waiting period.
• 2

  Application
  
  In order to apply for an Ontario Health Card, one must apply at a ServiceOntario Centre location with the following:
  
  - A completed Registration for Ontario Health Coverage (Form 0265-82) Form; and
  
  - original documentation that proves your Canadian Citizenship or eligible Immigration Status; and
  
  - proof of your residency in Ontario
  
  A full list of eligible documents for the latter two points above is available here.
  
  Note: All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be acknowledged.
  
  A map of the ServiceOntario Centre locations in Ottawa as well as travel information is available here.
• 3

  Age and Photograph
  
  If you or someone within your family is under the age of 15 and a half (6 months younger than 16), they do not require a photo on their Health Card and therefore do not have to appear in person to apply for a Health Card. Their parent or legal guardian however is responsible for providing their proof of residency and Citizenship/Immigration Status.
  
  Everyone over the age of 15 and a half is required to have their photograph on their Health Card. It is mandatory that they appear in person in order to apply successfully.
• 4

  Outreach Registration
  
  If you live in a rural area near the Ottawa area but do not have an office within travelling distance, you can contact ServiceOntario and ask for information on Outreach Registration.
  
  Contact – 1-800-664-8988
• 5

  It is important for the sake of your health and the ones that you love that your Health Card be kept with you at all times in case of emergency.