4 Services that OHIP Covers For Seniors (2026 Update)
Updated Jan 2026 - Written by Krista DeKuyper
Key Takeaways
OHIP helps cover basics like prescriptions, eye exams, physio, and some home care
It doesn’t cover common needs like dental, ambulance, or many everyday health services
Even with the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, seniors can still have out-of-pocket drug costs
Healthcare needs—and costs—tend to increase with age, especially on a fixed income
Many seniors use private coverage to fill the gaps and avoid unexpected expenses
Senior citizens make up a surprisingly large percentage of the population in Canada. In fact, seniors make up about 19.5% of the population in 2026, a rapid increase from previous years. This percentage is projected to increase as time goes on, and that only means that healthcare in Canada is becoming more impactful on the population’s overall lifespan.
As a health insurance brokerage in Ontario, HealthQuotes understands the unique health challenges faced by Canada’s senior population. It’s because of these age-specific needs that older Canadians require more medical care than their younger counterparts. Furthermore, it is essential that seniors stay healthy and fit to enjoy their golden years.
Luckily, OHIP offers a growing variety of services for Canadians over 65 years old. OHIP coverage for seniors has improved steadily over the last decade, so today we’re uncovering 4 valuable services that OHIP covers for seniors in 2026.
4 Services OHIP Covers for Seniors in 2026
Physiotherapy
If you are 65 and over and have been referred by a physician, OHIP will cover your physiotherapy costs. Mobility and flexibility are negatively affected as we age, which is why this coverage is so important. Keeping active with regular exercise helps us maintain our fitness levels in later years.
Additionally, the Ontario government has government-funded physiotherapy clinics that provide assessment and treatment services. This also includes rehabilitation following an injury or hospital stay.
If you are eligible, a registered physiotherapist will meet with you one-on-one to determine the best treatment plan and supervise the physiotherapy process.
To find out if you’re eligible, click the button below.
TLDR; Ontarians 65+ can get free physiotherapy through OHIP with a doctor’s referral, including rehab and personalized treatment at government-funded clinics.
Prescription Drugs
When you reach the age of retirement and lose your employee benefits, your prescription drug coverage is a important consideration. Prescription drugs are another service that is covered by OHIP for seniors. Seniors are entitled to the Ontario drug benefits (ODB) program. It covers the majority of the cost for about 5000 prescription drugs. Additionally, it helps cover allergy shots and diabetic supplies like needles, alcohol swabs, and glucose test strips.
To learn more, click the button below to head to the Ontario webpage:
TLDR; Ontario seniors qualify for the ODB program, which covers most prescription drug costs plus supplies like diabetic testing materials.
Vision Care
As of 2026, Ontario residents over the age of 65 and under the age of 20 have some vision care covered by OHIP. For seniors 65 years and older, OHIP will cover a visit every 12 months to an optometrist plus any follow-ups. This is great news for seniors as regular vision care helps prevent eyesight deterioration over time.
As you would for a doctor’s appointment, show your optometrist your health card and your expenses will be covered.
Moreover, if you are 20 to 64 years old and have a specific medical condition affecting your eyes OHIP will cover a major eye exam for you once ever 12 months and any follow-up appointments. Covered conditions include:
Diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Retinal disease
Amblyopia
Visual field defects
Corneal disease
Strabismus
Recurrent uveitis
Optic pathway disease
For full details on OHIP’s eyecare coverage for seniors, read our blog:
TLDR; Seniors 65+ in Ontario get free yearly eye exams through OHIP, with additional coverage for those with specific eye conditions.
Home Care Services
Finally, home care services are covered by OHIP as of 2026. This is a pivotal source of care for seniors in Ontario, as their ability to walk and take care of their home is impacted with age. Homecare workers assist older adults from the comfort of their own home with activities such as meal preparation or bathing.
This fantastic service allows retirement communities to maintain residents’ independence longer while still receiving adequate medical attention from experts! Seniors who live at home live more independently for longer than they do in a retirement community.
You can learn how to access home care services by talking with your local Community Care Access Centre or CCAC. This organization coordinates the delivery of home care and long-term care services across Ontario.
To see if you qualify and to learn more, click the button below.
TLDR; Seniors in Ontario can access OHIP-funded home care, allowing them to live safely and independently at home longer.
What OHIP Doesn’t Cover for Seniors in 2026
OHIP does provide more coverage for seniors, but not when it comes to everything. Here are some healthcare services OHIP doesn’t cover for seniors in 2026.
Dental Care: Dentures, night guards, orthodontics, restorative, extractions, cosmetic services, and routine dental unless part of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP).
Most Paramedical: Massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, psychologists, chiropractic services.
Semi-private and private hospital rooms.
Ambulance transportation.
Surgeries not considered medically-necessary.
Any care that takes place in a privately-funded facility.
For these services, seniors will need to rely on a private health insurance plan.
The Best Private Health Coverage for Seniors
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
As you get older, healthcare needs become more frequent and more expensive. The Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan is built specifically for seniors who want dependable coverage without the stress of medical approvals.
There are no medical questions and the plan is guaranteed acceptance, making it an ideal option for those with pre-existing conditions or anyone who’s been declined in the past. It will provide additional coverage for what OHIP doesn’t cover or only partially covers.
With predictable coverage and no surprises, you can better manage your monthly budget while staying on top of your health. Whether you’re on a fixed income, recently retired, or simply looking for peace of mind, this plan offers a simple, reliable way to protect both your health and your finances.
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Average Rating: 4/5
Average Premium: $225-$300/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Emergency travel medical coverage included
No medical underwriting
$250,000 lifetime benefit limit
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Guaranteed acceptance. Designed for people who may not qualify for traditional health insurance
Strong prescription drug coverage for a guaranteed issue plan. The plan covers 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $3,125 in expenses, with a maximum payout of $2,500 per year.
Additional coverage for lifestyle medications. Up to $500 per year within the drug maximum can be used for certain medications such as medical marijuana, smoking cessation.etc
Accidental dental and travel assistance benefits available.
80% coverage of dental including major dental procedures like oral surgery, endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics, and denture services.
Get an Instant Manulife Guaranteed Issue Quote & Explore Other Health Insurance Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new $1200 benefit in Canada for seniors?
Due to the rising cost of living in Canada, a relief program was introduced in January 2025 that offers an additional $1,200 as part of Old Age Security (OAS) pension. The tax-free benefit specifically targets low income seniors in Canada who financially depend on their OAS and CPP. The $1,200 can cover necessities like housing, food, and of course, medical care. Moreover, those who qualify will receive the $1,200 in addition to their usual OAS pension automatically.