Alternatives to OHIP

Protected persons and refugee claimants can receive Interim Federal Health Coverage, which covers some of the same services covered by OHIP, during the period between their arrival and when they become eligible for OHIP. Click here to see what services the IFH covers.
If you do not have OHIP coverage, you may be eligible to receive free health care from a Community Health Centre (CHC). Read our section on Community Health Centres.
During the 3 months before you are eligible to receive OHIP, you may want to purchase private health insurance. You may be able to purchase a health insurance plan through your employer.
OHIP does not cover the cost of prescription medication, but follow this link to find out more about programs that may cover these costs.
When you are outside of Ontario, OHIP will cover the cost of some medical treatments, but in some cases you may need to get supplemental health insurance. For more information, click here.
Private health insurance involves paying a monthly amount to an insurance company, which will then cover some or all of the costs of certain medical services which are not covered by OHIP, in the event that you need them. Information on private health insurance can be found here.