What is OHIP?
OHIP is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. It pays for a wide range of healthcare costs for people who live in Ontario. To qualify, you must be a citizen, landed immigrant, refugee, or have status under Canada’s Indian Act.
For newcomers to Ontario, there is normally a 3-month waiting period from the time of arrival. There are exceptions, for example: children under the age of 16 who are adopted by someone who already qualifies for OHIP; and a baby who is born in Ontario to someone who already qualifies for OHIP.
For more information,
- call Service Ontario at 1-866-532-3161 or
- visit the Ministry of Health website
Are drugs covered under OHIP?
OHIP+ pays for a wide range of drugs for children and youth aged 24 and under who have OHIP coverage and do not have a private plan. You do not need to enroll or register.
OHIP+ will stop on your 25th birthday or if you become covered by a private plan.
For more information, visit the OHIP+ Child and Youth Pharmacare website
What is IFHP?
IFHP is the Interim Federal Health program provides essential health care services for refugee claimants, and Convention refugees.
For more information,
- call Service Canada: 1-888-242-2100 or
- visit the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website
What if I do not qualify for OHIP or IFHP?
You will have to pay for services by yourself or get private insurance. If you cannot afford these options, you should call or visit a local Community Health Centre to find out if there are free services in your community. In Scarborough, there is a medical clinic for the uninsured; call 416-754-8116 for an appointment.
You can receive free and confidential health information and advice from a nurse through Telehealth Ontario – 1-866-797-0000 (24 hours)
In an emergency, go to a hospital immediately. You will not be turned away if you do not have OHIP.
