Ontario Health Coverage for Work Permit Holders: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process
Ontario offers healthcare coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to eligible work permit holders in the province. Depending on your working and residency status, you may qualify for access to a wide range of medical services including doctor’s visits, emergency care, surgeries, and more.
This article will outline:
- Eligibility Requirements for OHIP Coverage
- Healthcare Services Covered by OHIP
- How to Apply for OHIP as a Work Permit Holder
1. Eligibility for OHIP Coverage
To be eligible for OHIP as a work permit holder in Ontario, you need to meet specific residency and employment criteria. Below are the key requirements:
- Residency Requirement: You must live in Ontario for at least 153 days within any 12-month period. Additionally, you must be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days within the first 183 days after arriving in the province.
- Primary Residence: Your primary residence must be in Ontario.
- Employment Requirements: To qualify, you must be employed full-time for at least six months with an Ontario-based employer on a valid work permit. Your spouse and dependents may also be eligible for coverage under this condition.
- Other Conditions: If you are under the Live-In Caregiver Program or the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, you are also eligible for OHIP. Furthermore, if you’ve applied for permanent residency and your application is under review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can apply for OHIP even before receiving a decision on your PR application.
Note: OHIP coverage is immediate for eligible work permit holders, with no waiting period required after application.
2. Healthcare Services Covered by OHIP
Ontario’s OHIP provides coverage for a variety of medical services, ensuring that work permit holders have access to essential healthcare when needed. Below are the primary services covered:
- Doctor’s Visits: Fully covered for necessary in-person consultations, including visits to family doctors and walk-in clinics.
- Hospital Care: Includes doctor’s services, diagnostic tests, inpatient medications, and accommodation (for basic rooms).
- Laboratory Tests: Medically necessary tests performed in hospitals or approved labs.
- Abortions: Covered for medically necessary procedures, including surgical abortion and the prescription of Mifegymiso.
- Dental Surgery (In-Hospital): Medically required procedures such as tooth extractions and fracture repairs are covered if performed in a hospital setting.
- Eye Health: Annual eye exams are free for individuals aged 19 or under, and limited coverage is available for seniors aged 65+.
- Podiatry (Foot Health): Partial coverage for foot health services, including a limited number of visits and X-rays.
- Ambulance Services: Partial coverage based on specific circumstances.
- Northern Ontario Travel Assistance: Provides support for travel and accommodation when receiving specialized medical care in northern Ontario.
3. How to Apply for OHIP
To apply for OHIP, you need to visit a ServiceOntario center in person. The process involves submitting the following documents:
- Completed Application Form: This can be obtained from Service Ontario.
- Proof of OHIP-eligible Immigration Status: Documents such as a valid work permit or verification of status (IMM 5716 or IMM 5715) are required, along with evidence of full-time employment.
- Proof of Ontario Residency: Provide a document such as a valid Ontario driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement.
- Proof of Identity: Acceptable documents include a passport, Ontario driver’s license, Canadian immigration card, or a certificate of Canadian citizenship.
Once approved, you will receive your health card, which you must present to healthcare providers when accessing services that are billed through OHIP.
Note: It’s important to check whether your selected Service Ontario office can process applications for OHIP, as some offices may have limited services.
– Services Not Covered by OHIP
While OHIP covers many essential health services, certain services are excluded. Below is an overview of what is and isn’t covered by the provincial healthcare plan:
| Service | Covered by OHIP? | Details |
| Doctor’s Visits | Yes | Fully covered for medically necessary visits, including walk-in clinics. |
| Hospital Care | Yes | Covers doctor/nurse services, inpatient medications, and basic room accommodation. |
| Laboratory Tests | Yes | Medically necessary tests are covered. |
| Abortions | Yes | Surgical and medication-based abortions are covered. |
| Dental Surgery (In-Hospital) | Yes | Medically necessary procedures in a hospital are covered. |
| Eye Health (Optometry) | Partially | Free for those under 19 or for specific conditions; limited coverage for seniors. |
| Podiatry (Foot Health) | Partially | Covers limited visits and X-rays. Surgeries are not covered. |
| Ambulance Services | Partially | Coverage varies based on specific circumstances. |
| Northern Ontario Travel Assistance | Partially | Covers travel and accommodation for specialized care in the north. |
| Prescription Medications | No | Not covered outside of hospital settings. |
| Dental Services | No | Routine dental care is not covered. |
| Vision Care | No | Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and non-medical surgeries are not covered. |
| Cosmetic Surgery | No | Non-medically necessary cosmetic procedures are not covered. |
| Experimental Treatments | No | Treatments that are experimental or not approved are excluded. |
In conclusion, Ontario provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for work permit holders who meet specific eligibility criteria. If you qualify, you can access essential medical services with no waiting period once your application is approved.
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
