OHIP Coverage In Different Provinces
OHIP, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, is an essential part of healthcare for those living in the province. But what happens when life takes you outside of Ontario? Does OHIP provide coverage if you move to another province? This article will explore this important question and discuss why it’s critical to understand provincial health plans and their differences. We’ll look at OHIP coverage when moving out of province and consider other options available for Canadians who are looking for medical care away from home.
What OHIP Covers in Other Provinces
When you show a valid OHIP card in another Canadian province or territory, you will be covered for some of the same services that you’re covered for in Ontario
physician services (visit to a walk-in clinic
services provided in a public hospital (e.g emergency diagnostics, laboratory)
The gist is that OHIP will cover you in another Canadian province or territory if it is medically necessary.
What OHIP Doesn’t Cover in Other Provinces
Services not covered by OHIP in different areas of Canada
services not covered in Ontario (e.g. cosmetic surgery)
ambulance services (including transport and paramedic)
prescription drugs and other drugs given outside a hospital
home-care services
fees charged by private hospitals or facilities
diagnostic or laboratory services outside of a public hospital
long-term care or residential services
assistive devices (e.g. prosthetics)
What to do if OHIP doesn’t cover you in a different province
The best thing for you to do is to buy private health insurance. Specifically travel insurance. This covers you for the length of your trip in case of any medical emergencies.
How to prepare for a move out-of-province and ensure your healthcare needs are taken care of
To keep your OHIP coverage while studying full-time in another province or territory in Canada, you must bring proof to the nearest ServiceOntario centre that you:
have lived in Ontario for at least five months in the 12-month period immediately before leaving
proof of residency required (e.g. most recent income tax assessment, valid Ontario driver’s licence, utility bill)
are enrolled in full-time academic studies elsewhere in Canada (e.g. letter on school letterhead)
Additionally, if you’re going to visit or work to study in another Canadian province or territory for more than seven out of twelve months, you need to confirm your OHIP coverage before you leave.
OHIP is an essential part of healthcare for those living in Ontario, but the coverage you receive when travelling to another province can vary. OHIP will cover some services like physician visits and public hospital care if they are medically necessary. However, OHIP does not provide coverage for ambulance services, prescription drugs or home-care services outside of Ontario. To ensure your health needs are taken care of while travelling out-of-province it’s important to have travel insurance and proof that you lived in Ontario for at least five months before leaving and enrolled full-time in academic studies elsewhere in Canada. Understanding OHIP coverage when moving out-of-province is critical, so ensure you understand what provincial health plans are available before taking off!
If you’re travelling outside your home province and want instant travel insurance quotes, click here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OHIP cover you in other provinces while on vacation?
Yes, OHIP will cover emergency hospital services while you’re in another province. However, you should still secure travel insurance for full coverage. OHIP won’t cover any ambulance services or drugs you are prescribed, you will need to rely on travel insurance to cover these. Furthermore, you can only be out of province for a limited time before losing OHIP eligibility.
How long can I stay outside of Canada and keep my OHIP coverage?
To maintain OHIP coverage, you must be out of province for no more than 212 days in a 12-month period. If you are out of province more than 212 days, you may lose your OHIP eligibility, which means emergency hospital services are no longer covered.
Does OHIP work in Quebec?
Yes, OHIP will work in Quebec but only for medically necessary hospital and physician services. Any medical expenses that fall outside of this (prescription drugs, ambulance) will not be covered by OHIP while in Quebec.
Does OHIP work in Alberta?
Yes, OHIP will work in Alberta if you’re receiving medically necessary care — otherwise, any other medical expenses cannot be covered by OHIP. Non-emergency medical care includes services such as dental care and prescription drugs. These expenses can only be covered by travel insurance or paid out-of-pocket.
If you plan to live in Alberta, you must apply for AHCIP coverage.
Will OHIP cover a student out of province?
Yes. Ontario students who are temporarily living in another province or territory to attend a full-time educational program can keep their OHIP coverage while they study. They will continue to be covered for medically necessary doctor and hospital services under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, as long as Ontario remains their permanent home. Students should keep their OHIP card active and be ready to show proof of enrollment if requested.
How do I pay for my health care when I travel outside of Canada?
To prevent paying out-of-pocket for health care outside of Canada, you should secure private travel health insurance coverage before you leave. When you travel outside of Canada, OHIP does not cover most medical costs. You are responsible for paying the full cost of any health care services you receive while abroad.