Health, including mental health, health card (OHIP), addictions, alternative health...
OHIP and Private Health Insurance
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sl76 Posts: 15
Posted On: 3/16/2015
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Hello,
I have been living and working in Korea for the past 15 years, but my family and I will be moving to Toronto in July. Both of my sons and I are Canadian citizens but my wife is a Korean citizen. We will apply for her permanent residency once we arrive in Toronto.
From reading some of the other posts in this forum, it seems like there may be some problems with medical insurance.
1. From an earlier post, it seems like my sons and I shouldn't have any issues with getting OHIP after the 3 months from the date that we arrive in Toronto. However, it seems like private insurance companies only provide medical insurance for non-Canadians. Does this mean my sons and I can get any kind of medical insurance until after 3 months from our arrival date?
2. It states that permanent residents are eligible for OHIP as well as those who have applied as long as they provide a confirmation letter or notice from CIC. However, it seems that 1) CIC does not provide any such confirmations, only the final approval and 2) even if such confirmations are provided, it would happen almost a year after applying. Does that mean my wife won't be able to get OHIP for over a year?
Any clarification on our situation would be helpful. Thank you.
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Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 3/24/2015
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Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.
Regarding your first question,
1. From an earlier post, it seems like my sons and I shouldn't have any issues with getting OHIP after the 3 months from the date that we arrive in Toronto. However, it seems like private insurance companies only provide medical insurance for non-Canadians. Does this mean my sons and I can get any kind of medical insurance until after 3 months from our arrival date?
According to some private health insurance companies, it may be possible for you to apply for the "Visitors to Canada" coverage for the 3 month waiting period. They stated that you can do it on a month to month basis until you get coverage or that you can try to do it for the 3 months and if you get your OHIP during that time, request for a partial refund. We suggest that you contact some of the private health insurance providers to confirm this information.
2. It states that permanent residents are eligible for OHIP as well as those who have applied as long as they provide a confirmation letter or notice from CIC. However, it seems that 1) CIC does not provide any such confirmations, only the final approval and 2) even if such confirmations are provided, it would happen almost a year after applying. Does that mean my wife won't be able to get OHIP for over a year?
Yes, you are right that in the event that it is likely your wife will not be able to get OHIP for at least a year.
You can find some information regarding what the options are in our Settlement.Org How can I pay for health care in my first 3 months in Ontario, or if I don't have OHIP? article.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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