The Healthcare System

Canada has a universal healthcare system. This means that the government pays for most basic healthcare. The healthcare system is different in each province. In Ontario the health insurance program is called the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

OHIP, Your Health Card, and Health Insurance Options

You must have a health card to show that you get healthcare services paid for by the government Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Apply for a health card as soon as you get to Ontario.  It will take at least 3 months to get your health card after first coming to Canada.  You may also like to read about OHIP eligibility.

To get free healthcare, you will need to show your health card any time you see a doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider. OHIP and your health card will cover most basic and emergency medical services. Find out which services are covered by OHIP.

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) suggests that newcomers buy private health insurance for personal health coverage while they wait for their health card.  You must buy this insurance within 5 days of arriving in Ontario, or the insurance company may not give it to you.

There is also a federal program to provide temporary health insurance for refugees. Go to the Service Canada website to learn about the Interim Federal Health Program and how to apply. 

You can also talk to settlement workers at local immigrant organizations about healthcare.

Local healthcare agencies and centres

• Hospital Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Clinics.
• Community Health Centres - Some offer services for people without health cards. Check with your local centre. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has a full list of Community Health Centres.
• Private practice - Many healthcare providers have their own office or share an office with a team of doctors. Doctors and many healthcare providers are regulated by the government and associations.
• Region of Waterloo Public Health – Their programs focus on health promotion and protection through education and clinics. Visit the Region of Waterloo Public Health programs for more information.

Health care providers

Most people in Canada visit their doctors or healthcare providers to talk about health problems and what to do. Healthcare providers include family doctors and: 

• Nurse practitioners
• Registered nurses
• Alternative medicine practitioners

Your healthcare provider is the person you see when you are sick or need a regular check-up. You usually go to the same person each time. It may take a while to find a doctor that is taking new patients.

You need to make an appointment to see most healthcare providers. You may not be able to get an appointment on the day that you call. If you need help right away, you need emergency care.

Most healthcare providers are very busy.  Before the visit, make a list of everything you want to say. If you do not speak English, bring a friend or family member who speaks English, or get an interpreter through the K-W Multicultural Centre.  

Medications by prescription and over-the-counter

You need a prescription to get some medications or drugs. Your healthcare provider gives you the prescription. You do not need a prescription to get over-the-counter medications. OHIP does not pay for  medications.

You can buy medication at a pharmacy (drugstore). Pharmacists work at the drugstore and give you the medications you need. They also answer questions about medications. 

Alternative medicines

There are many kinds of alternative medicines and healthcare in Canada, such as chiropractic, naturopathy, and acupuncture.

These services may be partly covered by OHIP or private health insurance or benefits plans, but many are not covered. Settlement.Org has more information on alternative medicine and what may be covered by OHIP.

You may also be interested in Additional Health Services.