5. Apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan
If your refugee claim or in most cases if your Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is accepted, it means you have status in Canada. Protected persons can apply for a health card under the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP).
Through OHIP, Ontario pays for many healthcare services. Once you apply for OHIP and are approved, you get a health card that proves you're covered by OHIP. You must show your card to doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers to get healthcare services.
What’s covered
OHIP covers many healthcare services, including:
- appointments with your family doctor
- visits to walk-in clinics
- visits to an emergency room
- medical tests and surgeries
How to apply
As soon as you become a protected person, you can apply for OHIP. It's best to apply right away because, your Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage will automatically expire 90 days after:
- your refugee claim is accepted, or
- your PRRA is accepted, in most cases
To apply for OHIP you have to fill out an application. You also need to collect some documents to submit with your application. These documents include:
- the decision accepting your refugee claim or PRRA that proves your protected person status
- a document that has your name and current home address in Ontario, such as your rental agreement, tax assessment, or school report card
- a document that has your name and your signature, like a credit card, employment identification card, or valid Ontario driver's license
Take your application and documents to your local ServiceOntario centre. You can drop in or book an appointment. Once your application is approved, you will get your OHIP health card in the mail.
Many settlement agencies can help you apply for OHIP.