New to Toronto

If you are new to Toronto, you might need some information about how to get a health card and where to go to get health care. If you’re more comfortable speaking a language other than English this page can also help you find the appropriate services.

How to get a health card

If you have come to Canada as a permanent resident, or if you’ve moved to Ontario from another part of Canada, you’re eligible for health coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP covers all doctor’s visits, tests, and medically necessary procedures, etc. If you’ve just moved to Ontario, you will probably have to wait three months until your coverage begins.

To apply for an OHIP card, you’ll need to go into an OHIP office. You will need to fill out some forms, and prove your identity by showing them original identity documents. For more information on getting an OHIP card, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s website.

If you are a refugee or if your immigration status doesn’t qualify you for OHIP, you might be eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary medical coverage for immigrants in need of assistance. It doesn’t cover all medical procedures.

If you are not eligible for a health card or for IFH, there are still some free clinics in Toronto that you can visit for health care.

Accessing Health Care

Toronto has a wide range of health care options: to find a doctor ask someone you know for help or visit www.cpso.on.ca/docsearch/; you can visit a Community Health Centre, which are clinics in neighborhoods throughout Toronto; or in an emergency, you can go to the emergency department of one of the hospitals in town.

For people new to Toronto, Community Health Centres are often a really good choice. They offer a wide range of services. Usually, they are more sensitive to the needs of newcomers, including offering interpretation services and culturally appropriate health care.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 29, you can visit Planned Parenthood Toronto (PPT), a Community Health Centre that offers a full range of health care but also specializes in sexual health issues. The health care professionals there can offer you care for everything from coughs and colds to sexually transmitted infection testing, birth control or pregnancy testing and counselling. Also, PPT offers services to clients who are not eligible for OHIP, and they can help you to get a health card if you are eligible. PPT can also arrange to have an interpreter at your appointment if you’re more comfortable in a language other than English.