|
ForumUser Posts: 541
Posted On: 8/31/2016
|
I am asking for a colleague who recently got his landed papers. He came landed in Canada on March 1st, 2016. Is he supposed to apply for OHIP now?
|
|
|
link
|
|
Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 9/1/2016
|
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your colleague's situation and question with us.
Yes, he can apply for OHIP as soon as he can. It is important to note that it is possible to apply for OHIP as soon as someone has the documents they need. However, they will not get a Health Card and the coverage will not start until they become eligible (after 3 months).
You and your colleague can find some detailed information regarding the process and which documents he will require in our Settlement.Org What documents do I need to apply for a Health Card (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.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
|
|
|
link
|
|
ramser Posts: 2
Posted On: 9/3/2016
|
Moderator wrote:
Hello,
Yes, he can apply for OHIP as soon as he can. It is important to note that it is possible to apply for OHIP as soon as someone has the documents they need. However, they will not get a Health Card and the coverage will not start until they become eligible (after 3 months).
Dear Anna,
thanks a lot for your feedback.
We've got another situation and would much appreciate if you can help us on it.
The thing is that after we have get our immigrant visas of Canada, we discovered that we are expecting a baby.
At this stage we are planning to come to Canada, but getting confused on health care of my wife during the pregnancy and the baby birth itself.
We have talk to few medical insurance Companies and all of them told us that they don't cover any expenses during pregnancy period.
Also, after landing we need to allow 3 months waiting period in order to get the OHIP, right?
But during this period we need to visit a doctor or pass some laboratory tests...
Can we ask you to clarify the case for us. What we could expect in this case? Maybe OHIP is granted without 3 months waiting period for pregnant woman?
Any information is highly appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
Br,
Ramser
|
|
|
link
|
|
Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 9/6/2016
|
Hello Ramser,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.
Regarding OHIP, unfortunately, there are no exceptions related to the 3-month waiting period and pregnant women.
In terms of private health insurance, you are right. Unfortunately, pregnancy-related costs are not generally covered.
You may find our article Where can I buy private health insurance for newcomers and visitors to Canada? for some tips. Here is an excerpt:
"Not all health related expenses are covered by private insurance. For example, pregnancy-related costs may not be covered. So, make sure that the plan you choose suits your needs. For some companies, you might have to buy insurance within a certain number of days after arriving in Ontario."
In terms of what other options you may have here in Ontario, you can find some detailed information in our Settlement.Org I am pregnant and don't have OHIP. What health care can I get? article.
You may also find some additional information in this Settlement.Org How much does it cost to get care from a midwife? 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.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
|
|
|
link
|
|
ramser Posts: 2
Posted On: 9/6/2016
|
Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for the information. That was really helpful for us. Please, support also with the issue of applying to a doctor for consultation and check-up and also baby birth. As far as we are informed form the web, sometimes it is being very difficult to apply to a doctor, and usually in Canada the pregnant woman reserve their doctor immediately after they know that they are pregnant. So, in our case if we move to Canada 3 months before the birth of our baby, is there any possibility that we can apply to a doctor without problems? Is there any way of doctor reservation online?
Thank you so much for your support!
In case the question should not be referred to you, please indicate to whom we can apply.
Best Regards,
Ramser
|
|
|
link
|
|
Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 9/6/2016
|
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your additional question with us.
You are correct about that scenario.
Unfortunately, we do not have any definitive information.
However, many of the hospitals state on their websites that they are always accepting obstetrical patients. In a lot of the cases it states that they accept referrals through Family Doctors or General Practitioners. However, you may want to try and contact the hospital directly to find out what your options are.
We have found some state that they have tried to go through a walk in clinic and then tried to get a referral through the walk in clinic, when the referral was necessary.
There are some hospitals in Ontario that have obstetrics clinics that do not require a referral from a family physician. However, in most cases you must schedule an appointment before going to the clinic. You will find instruction and information on their websites here:
London Health Sciences Centre - Obstetrical Self Referral Outpatient Clinic
Windsor Regional Hospital
St.Michaels Obstetrical Clinic - (Toronto)
Hanover and District Hospital - Centre of Excellence Obstetrics
You may want also want to contact the hospitals that state on their websites that they are always or currently accepting obstetrical patients. These state that they are generally done through referrals. They may be able to give you some insight on what steps to take.
Here are some that we have found:
Women's College Hospital - Family Way Obstetrical Group
Sunnybrook Obstetrical Family Health Team
We are sorry that we are unable to provide any specific information regarding timelines and processes. You will have to get that type of information directly from the hospitals or clinics.
It is also important to note that the hospitals listed here are just some of the ones that we have come across that state they are accepting obstetrical patients or self-referrals, they are not suggestions or recommendations. We are not promoting, advertising or endorsing one hospital or service over another.
Once you arrive in Ontario, you may also want to dial 211 on a phone and speak to an Information and Referral Specialist to see if they can provide you some information specific to the area you will be staying in.
211 is a free service that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
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.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
|
|
|
link
|