3. Apply for a health card

To use OHIP, you must have an Ontario Health Card. You can't apply for a health card online. You must apply for a health card in person at a Service Ontario location. You can drop in or book an appointment.

When you go to Service Ontario, take your completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form. You must also take documents that show:

  • who you are,
  • where you live in Ontario, and
  • that you are a Canadian citizen, , or that you have some other immigration status that allows you to get OHIP.

These documents must be original, so you can't use photocopies. And you must bring at least three different documents with you. You can't use any document more than once.

You can find a full list of documents that you can bring here. Here are the most common examples of documents that people use.

Proof of Immigration Status

  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Canadian passport or citizenship certificate
  • signed or Record of Landing
  • letter from IRCC stating that you are eligible for permanent residence, also called an Approval in Principle letter
  • study permit
  • confirmation of Convention Refugee or Protected Person status
  • work permit, with a letter from your employer that describes your job, when it started, and that you are employed full time in Ontario for at least 6 months

Proof that you live in Ontario

  • Ontario driver's license or Ontario photo ID card
  • utility bill with your address
  • pay stub with your address
  • mailed bank statement with your address
  • mortgage, rental, or lease agreement
  • school report card with your address
  • university or college transcript with your address

Proof of identity

  • Ontario driver's license or Ontario photo ID card
  • Canadian or foreign passport
  • signed union card
  • signed employee card
  • signed Permanent Residency card
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