OHIP Wait Period : Does Ontario Still Have a 3-Month Waiting Period? (2025 Update)

Moving to Ontario? One of your first concerns is probably healthcare coverage. You've likely heard about the infamous "OHIP waiting period"—but here's the good news: the rules have changed, and many newcomers can now get immediate coverage.

However, there's still confusion about what "immediate" actually means and who qualifies. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about OHIP eligibility and wait times in 2025.

✅The Big Change: Ontario Eliminated the 3-Month Wait Period

Let's clear this up immediately: there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage upon approval.

This policy change was implemented during COVID-19 and remains in effect as of 2025. It's a significant shift that benefits thousands of newcomers every year.

But here's the catch: "Immediate coverage" doesn't mean instant coverage the moment you land at Toronto Pearson Airport. It means that once your OHIP application is approved, your coverage begins right away—rather than three months later like it used to.

✅What Does "Immediate Coverage" Really Mean?

Understanding this distinction is crucial:

Old System (Before 2020):

Apply for OHIP on Day 1
Wait 3 months with no coverage
Coverage starts on Day 91

New System (2025):

Apply for OHIP on Day 1
Application processed in 4-6 weeks
Coverage starts immediately after approval (around Week 4-6)
You receive a temporary confirmation document right away

So while you don't wait three months anymore, you still need coverage during that 4-6 week application processing period.

✅Who Qualifies for Immediate OHIP Coverage?

To qualify for OHIP, you must meet minimum residency requirements: be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days after moving to the province, and make Ontario your primary place of residence.

✔️ You Qualify If You Are:

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Anyone with Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
Must intend to make Ontario your primary home
Must meet the physical presence requirements (153 out of first 183 days)

Approved Permanent Residence Applicants

Those who have received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that their application meets OHIP eligibility requirements
Coverage can begin before receiving physical PR card

Protected Persons

Convention refugees
Persons in need of protection
Immediate coverage upon approval

Eligible Work Permit Holders

Work permit holders employed full-time in Ontario for at least 6 months
Spouses and dependents of eligible work permit holders
Must have valid employment documentation

Emergency Authorization Holders

Those granted emergency authorization to enter Canada for humanitarian reasons
Examples: Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
Must have documentation from IRCC confirming the authorization
No waiting period for coverage

❌ You Do NOT Qualify If You Are:

International Students

International students are generally not eligible for OHIP
Most Ontario universities require enrollment in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
Annual cost: $600-$900
Similar coverage to OHIP but separate system

Temporary Foreign Workers (Short-term)

Work permit holders not meeting the 6-month full-time employment requirement
Seasonal workers
Contract workers under 6 months

Visitors and Tourists

Anyone on visitor status
Even if visiting family who are Ontario residents
Must purchase private travel insurance

Study Permit Holders

Even those working part-time on campus
Must enroll in UHIP or private insurance instead

✅The Application Processing Timeline: What to Expect

Here's the realistic timeline for getting OHIP coverage:

Day 1-7: Establish Residency

Arrive in Ontario
Sign lease or provide proof of address
Set up utilities (helpful for documentation)

Week 1-2: Apply at ServiceOntario

Book appointment (or walk-in)
Submit three required documents
Get temporary confirmation document
Photo taken for health card

Week 4-6: Receive Physical Card

Card mailed to your Ontario address
Coverage active from approval date, not card arrival date
Can use temporary document in the meantime

Total Time to Coverage: 4-6 weeks from application

✅What You Need to Apply for OHIP

You must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with three separate original documents:

Document 1: Citizenship/Immigration Status

Canadian passport or citizenship certificate
Permanent resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Valid work permit (for eligible workers)
Record of Landing

Document 2: Residency in Ontario

Ontario driver's license
Rental/lease agreement
Property tax bill
Utility bill showing your Ontario address
Employment letter with Ontario address

Document 3: Identity

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Canadian citizenship card
Government-issued photo ID

Important: Documents must be original (no photocopies) and translated by a certified translator if not in English or French.

✅Special Situations: Faster Coverage Options

Returning Ontario Residents

If you previously had OHIP and are returning to Ontario:

No waiting period if you've been gone less than 212 days
Must reapply if absent more than 212 days in any 12-month period
Bring your old health card (if you still have it)

Moving from Another Canadian Province

This is the easiest scenario:

Your previous provincial health coverage continues for 3 months
Apply for OHIP immediately upon arrival
Seamless transition with no coverage gap
Present valid health card from former province

Newborns

Babies born in Ontario have special provisions:

No waiting period whatsoever
Parents must complete the Ontario Health Coverage Infant registration form
Coverage begins immediately upon birth
Apply within first few weeks to ensure no administrative gaps

✅What OHIP Covers (And What It Doesn't)

Understanding your coverage helps you plan for supplementary insurance.

✔️ What OHIP Fully Covers:

Doctor visits (family doctors and specialists)
Hospital care (emergency rooms, surgeries, hospital stays)
Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests, MRIs, CT scans)
Maternity and prenatal care
Mental health services (psychiatrists)
Some eye exams (under 19 and over 65)

❌ What OHIP Does NOT Cover:

Prescription medications (except when hospitalized)
Dental care (except hospital-based medical procedures)
Eye exams for adults 20-64
Eyeglasses and contact lenses
Cosmetic procedures
Most chiropractic services
Most physiotherapy
Private or semi-private hospital rooms
Ambulance services (partially covered in some cases)

This is why most Ontarians have supplementary private insurance or employer health benefits.

✅What About Coverage During the 4-6 Week Wait?

Even though there's no 3-month waiting period anymore, you still need coverage during application processing. You have three main options:

Private health insurance ($50-$150/month)
Community Health Centres (free or low-cost care)
Pay out-of-pocket at walk-in clinics ($60-$150 per visit)

[Read Part 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for OHIP in Ontario] [Read Part 3: Best Private Health Insurance Options While Waiting for OHIP]

✅Your Coverage While Traveling

Once you have OHIP, can you travel?

Short Trips (under 212 days):

OHIP covers emergency care
Coverage outside Canada is extremely limited
Always purchase travel medical insurance for international trips

Extended Absences (over 212 days in 12 months):

You may lose OHIP eligibility
Must reapply upon return
Notify OHIP if planning extended travel

✅Quick Action Checklist

Before You Arrive:

[ ] Confirm your OHIP eligibility category
[ ] Purchase temporary travel/medical insurance
[ ] Gather required documents

First Week in Ontario:

[ ] Establish residency (sign lease)
[ ] Locate nearest ServiceOntario centre
[ ] Book OHIP appointment

At Your Appointment:

[ ] Bring three original documents
[ ] Get temporary confirmation document
[ ] Take photo for health card

While Waiting:

[ ] Keep private insurance active
[ ] Use temporary document at appointments
[ ] Wait 4-6 weeks for physical card

The Bottom Line

Ontario's elimination of the 3-month OHIP waiting period is fantastic news for newcomers. If you're eligible, you can get immediate coverage upon approval—usually within 4-6 weeks of applying.

The key is understanding:

Who qualifies (citizens, PRs, eligible work permit holders)
What "immediate" means (no waiting after approval, but application takes 4-6 weeks)
How to cover the gap (temporary private insurance)

Ready to learn exactly how to apply? Check out Part 2 of this series for a detailed step-by-step application guide.

Check Your OHIP Eligibility | Find Your Nearest Service Ontario | Compare Temporary Insurance Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 3-month OHIP waiting period really gone? Yes, for eligible residents. Coverage begins immediately upon approval, not three months later.

Q: Can international students get OHIP? No, students must enroll in UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) instead.

Q: How long does OHIP approval take? 4-6 weeks for your physical card, but coverage begins upon approval and you get a temporary document immediately.

Q: What if I need to see a doctor during the application period? Use temporary private insurance, visit Community Health Centres, or pay out-of-pocket at walk-in clinics.

Q: Do I need to be employed to get OHIP? No, unless you're on a work permit. Citizens and permanent residents don't need employment.

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