How to Get an Ontario Health Card for Temporary Workers: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Canada, when we talk about the healthcare system, each province operates with its own set of rules and policies. That means every province has different health coverage requirements. Since I live in Ontario, I’ll explain how the process works when you have a working holiday visa or a temporary work permit in this province.

In this post, I will guide you through applying for the Ontario health card for temporary workers according to our experience, and what you need to know to ensure you’re covered.

This information is for educational purposes only and is based on my personal experience. Policies and requirements for the Ontario health card for temporary workers may change over time. It is your responsibility to check official sources, such as the Government of Ontario website, for the most up-to-date information before applying.

One of the conditions of the Working Holiday program or temporary work permits is that you must have private medical insurance for the entire time you plan to stay in Canada. You are required to purchase this insurance before arriving, as border officers will check for proof of coverage when issuing your work permit.

It’s important to get coverage for your full intended stay. If your insurance policy expires before your permit ends, the border officer may limit the duration of your work permit to match the insurance dates.

1. What are the Requirements to Get a Health Card in Ontario?

To qualify for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), you must:

• Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in a 12-month period
• Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 out of the first 183 days after you arrive
• Make Ontario your primary residence

To make this step easier, I used an online calculator where you can enter your arrival date and calculate your eligibility automatically.

I waited until day 183 and then went to Service Ontario to apply.

Since my work permit was under the Working Holiday program, I qualified for OHIP under this category:

• You are in Ontario on a valid work permit and working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least six months.

So, the key takeaway is that you must be in Ontario for at least 183 days and work full-time for six months to qualify.

2. How do I apply for a health card in Ontario?

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you must apply in person at a ServiceOntario center. Some locations allow you to schedule an appointment online, which I highly recommend to avoid long wait times.

Things to keep in mind:

• If you have a spouse, common-law partner, or dependents, they can apply for OHIP at the same time as you.
• Aldo was an English student at the time, and we didn’t realize he could apply for coverage through my health card until later. When we found out, he went with my work permit and employer letter, along with his own documents, and was able to link his health card to mine.

Documents you need to apply:

You must bring at least five documents to your appointment:

1. A completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form. You can get a copy at ServiceOntario.
2. A document proving your OHIP-eligible immigration status. In this case, your work permit.
3. A letter from your employer confirming:
   • The letter is on company letterhead
   • You are working full-time
   • Your job title
   • Your employer is based in Ontario
   • Your start date and employment duration of at least six months
   • The letter must be signed and dated by your employer
   • It cannot be a job offer letter, email, or scanned copy—it must be the original letter.
4. Proof of Ontario residency. This can be your rental lease, driver’s license, Ontario photo card, bank statement, or utility bill. You can check a full list of accepted documents on this official website.
5. Proof of identity. This must be an original document with your name and signature, such as your passport, Ontario photo card, or driver’s license.

If your documents are correct, a ServiceOntario employee will take your photo on the spot. Your Ontario health card for temporary workers will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks, but your health coverage starts the day you apply. You can use the temporary document they give you until your physical card arrives.

Your health card’s expiration date will match your work permit’s expiration date.

The application process is free of charge.

3. How do I renew my health card in Ontario?

Since your work permit is temporary, you must renew your OHIP if you get a new work permit.

To renew, visit ServiceOntario with your new work permit and an updated employer letter. They will take another photo, and your new Ontario health card for temporary workers will arrive in 4-6 weeks.

If your spouse or partner’s health card is linked to yours, they can also renew it, but their coverage will only be valid as long as their own study or work permit is still valid.

Renewing your health card is also free of charge.

4. How can I use my health card in Ontario?

Once you receive your Ontario health card for temporary workers, you can visit a hospital, walk-in clinic, or healthcare provider without paying upfront.

Just present your card, and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will cover the costs of essential medical services.

If you’re looking for a family doctor in Ontario, I highly recommend checking out this guide on How to Find a Family Doctor in Ontario: A Guide for Newcomers.

5. What does OHIP not cover?

While OHIP covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and necessary medical services, it does not cover:

• Dental care (you need private insurance or pay out of pocket)
• Vision care (eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses)
• Prescription medications (unless covered by an employer’s insurance plan)
• Some medical tests (for example, vitamin D tests and ear cleaning procedures are not covered)

In most cases, workplaces offer private health insurance, which can help cover these additional services. If you want to understand more about how the Canadian healthcare system works, check out this Navigating Canadian Healthcare: What We Learned from Our Experience.

Conclusion

Getting an Ontario health card for temporary workers is an essential step to ensure you have access to medical care while living and working in Canada. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, it becomes much easier once you understand the requirements and have all your documents ready.

I hope this post gives you a clear understanding of how to apply for OHIP and what to expect throughout the process. Having access to healthcare is a crucial part of settling into a new country, and being informed will make your transition smoother.