The healthcare system in Toronto operates under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which provides publicly funded health services to all residents of Ontario, including new arrivals.
OHIP comes at a minimal monthly premium paid automatically through income tax deductions, giving you access to doctors, specialists, and all medically necessary surgeries without extra cost. Co-payments are either minimal or not applicable at all.
Only expats with residence or work permits are eligible for OHIP, meaning others will need private health insurance. Fortunately, the waiting period for new residents has been waived, meaning you get immediate access to OHIP once eligible.
Residence Permits in Canada
Work Permits in Canada
Getting public health insurance in Toronto
If you are moving to Toronto, you must visit a ServiceOntario centre in person to apply for your OHIP card. You’ll need to provide proof of identity (such as your passport), evidence of your OHIP-eligible immigration status (like a Permanent Resident Card), and proof that you live in Toronto (such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or local driving licence).
Once approved, a card that gives you access to OHIP through a personal health number will be sent to your home, usually within one to two weeks. Make sure to carry this card at all times, as you’ll need it for any healthcare services. OHIP provides coverage throughout Canada, provided Ontario is your primary residence, and you spend more than six months of the year in the province.
Although the healthcare system is excellent and staffed with highly skilled professionals, it often struggles with the typical bureaucratic challenges. Waiting times can be long, and finding a general practitioner who is accepting new patients may be difficult.
That’s why many new arrivals might want to consider private insurance. Private health insurance can offer additional benefits not covered by OHIP, such as private hospital rooms, routine dental care, and vision services beyond the basic coverage.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Canada
Hospitals in Toronto
Below are some of the most prominent hospitals in Toronto. All of them provide world-class medical services and are well-known for their expertise in different areas of healthcare.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Website: www.mountsinai.on.ca
Address: 600 University Avenue, Toronto
St Michael’s Hospital
Website: www.stmichaelshospital.com
Address: 36 Queen St E, Toronto
The Hospital for Sick Kids
Website: www.sickkids.ca
Address: 170 Elizabeth St, Toronto
Toronto General Hospital
Website: www.uhn.ca
Address: 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto