How to Find a Family Doctor in Ontario: A Guide for Newcomers.
As a newcomer to Canada, navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Each province has different rules, and finding a family doctor in Ontario might seem like a challenge.
But having a family doctor is essential for maintaining your health, especially as you adjust to a new country and lifestyle. If you’re wondering where to start, this post will guide you through the process of how to find a family doctor in Ontario, the requirements, recommendations, and what to expect.
If you’re on a work permit and want to know how to get a health card in this province, check out How to Get a HealthCard in Ontario.
1. What is a Family Doctor?
A family doctor is your primary healthcare provider—the one you see for check-ups, health concerns, and non-urgent medical issues.
In Ontario, visits to a family doctor are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket. You only need to present your health card at your appointment.
A family doctor can:
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries
- Provide referrals to specialists
- Help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Prescribe medications
- Perform routine check-ups and screenings
2. What If I Don’t Have a Family Doctor?
If you don’t have a family doctor yet, don’t worry—you will still receive medical care. However, without one, you’ll likely need to visit a walk-in clinic, where a different doctor may see you each time.
This was our case. For two years, we relied on the same walk-in clinic, but every visit meant a new doctor. While we received the prescriptions and care we needed, we didn’t have a doctor who knew our medical history or could offer ongoing support.
Another downside is the lack of preventive care. Once we finally found a family doctor in Ontario, we had routine tests and screenings that we hadn’t done before. Having a family doctor ensures you receive regular check-ups and personalized medical attention.
3. Benefits of Having a Family Doctor in Ontario
There are many advantages to finding a family doctor in Ontario, including:
✔ Preventive Care – Regular check-ups, immunizations, and screenings help keep you healthy.
✔ Chronic Disease Management – If you have ongoing health conditions, a family doctor can monitor and manage them.
✔ Referrals to Specialists – Need to see a specialist? Your family doctor will refer you and coordinate your care.
✔ Continuity of Care – You won’t have to explain your medical history every time you see a doctor.
✔ Personalized Care – Over time, your doctor will understand your health needs and provide tailored care.
4. Requirements to Get a Family Doctor in Ontario
To register with a family doctor, you need:
A valid OHIP card – If you’re on a work permit and don’t have one yet, check out How to Get a Health Card in Ontario.
Medical records – If you have past medical records from your home country, bring them to your first appointment. If you’ve seen a doctor in Ontario before, request a copy of your records.
- A doctor accepting new patients – This is often the hardest part, but don’t worry! I’ll share some tips on how to find a family doctor in Ontario next.
5. How to Find a Family Doctor in Ontario
Finding a doctor might take time, but these steps can help:
Check Walk-In Clinics & Hospitals
Some walk-in clinics keep a list of doctors accepting new patients. This was how we found our family doctor! After visiting the same clinic for two years, we received an email announcing that four doctors were accepting new patients. We applied online and chose the one we felt most comfortable with.
Use Health Care Connect
Another option to get started is Health Care Connect, a Department of Health and Long-Term Care program that helps you find a family doctor accepting new patients. You can access Health Care Connect online or by phone, and they will ask you a series of questions that will help you find a doctor in your area. Find more details on this page.
Ask Your Network
Friends, family, or coworkers might know of doctors accepting new patients. Sometimes, word-of-mouth is the best way to find a doctor.
6. Recommendations for Choosing a Family Doctor
Once you find a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients, consider the following factors before making your decision:
Location: Check how easy it is to get to the doctor’s office. Is it close to your home or workplace? Is it easily accessible by public transportation?
Availability: Make sure the doctor’s schedule aligns with yours. Do they offer evening or weekend appointments? Can you get an appointment when you need one?
Specialty: If you have a pre-existing condition or specific health concerns, you may want to choose a doctor with experience in that area.
Personal connection: Feeling comfortable with your family doctor is important. Consider their communication style and approach to patient care to ensure they are a good fit for you.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help you find a family doctor in Ontario who meets your needs and provides the best possible care.
7. I Found a Family Doctor—Now What?
Every experience may be different, but I’ll share what happened after we managed to find a family doctor in Ontario.
We received an email from the walk-in clinic two blocks from our apartment, logged onto their website, and registered under the option “I’m looking for a family doctor.”
Once our request was processed, a medical assistant called to confirm that we were still looking for a family doctor. She then scheduled separate appointments for me and my partner.
At our first appointment, we signed a registration document and discussed our medical history with the doctor. Since we had been visiting the same clinic for two years, some of our records were already available, but we added details about previous surgeries. I recommend gathering your medical history in advance and making a list of medical terms that might be difficult to explain. For example, we wrote down the dates of past diagnoses or surgeries and a brief description of each condition.
The doctor then scheduled physical exams for another day. During the exam, they checked our ears, lungs, mouth, and nose and ordered blood and urine tests. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may request additional tests.
Once they were ready, the clinic sent us a message to schedule a follow-up appointment to review them.
So far, the process has been smooth. Scheduling appointments has been easy, and all the tests have been routine. If you’re trying to find a family doctor in Ontario, I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect once you’re registered.
Conclusion
If you’re a newcomer, finding a family doctor in Ontario is one of the most important steps for your health and well-being. While the process might take time, the benefits of having a doctor who knows your medical history and provides continuous care are worth it.
Start by checking with local clinics, using Health Care Connect, or asking for recommendations. Once you find a doctor, be prepared with your OHIP card and medical history for a smooth registration process.
If you’re still working on getting your OHIP card, check out How to Get a Health Card in Ontario. If you want to learn more about our experience with the healthcare system in Ontario, visit Navigating Canadian Healthcare: What We Learned from Our Experience.
I hope this guide helps you on your journey. Wishing you the best of luck in finding a family doctor in Ontario that fits your needs!