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Ontario · Health

Health card renewal and replacement in Ontario

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

To get your first Ontario health card, apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with a completed registration form and three original documents: one for citizenship or immigration status, one for Ontario residency and one for identity. There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP. Most adults can renew online for free if they have a valid driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card.

Who handles it

ServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP)

Handles it in Ontario.

First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • To qualify for OHIP you must make Ontario your primary residence and be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period, plus meet one status requirement such as being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

  • OHIP no longer has a waiting period. If you are eligible, your coverage starts right away.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

Steps

  1. You can renew online if your photo health card expires within 180 days or expired in the past 180 days, your photo and address are up to date, and you have a valid driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

What you need

  • Bring a completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form and three separate documents from the qualifying list. Photocopies are not accepted.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

  • The three documents must cover proof of citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status, proof that you live in Ontario, and proof of identity.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

Cost

  • Renewing an Ontario health card costs nothing.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • After you renew, the new card arrives by mail in about 4 to 6 weeks. Health cards must be renewed every 5 years.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

  • For a baby registered through a birthing hospital or registered midwife, the health card is mailed within 8 weeks of the infant registration form being sent in.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

Where to go

  • A first-time application must be made in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

Good to know

  • If you have been outside Ontario for more than 212 days in any 12-month period, you may need to apply for OHIP again at a ServiceOntario centre.

    Source: ontario.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Is there a waiting period for OHIP?

No. Ontario removed the waiting period, so eligible people are covered as soon as they qualify and register.

Source: ontario.cachecked #

Can I apply for an Ontario health card online?

Not for your first card. First-time applicants apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Renewals can often be done online.

Source: ontario.cachecked #

How much does it cost to renew an Ontario health card?

It is free. There is no fee to renew an Ontario health card online or in person.

Source: ontario.cachecked #

How long does it take to get a renewed health card in Ontario?

ServiceOntario mails the renewed card in about 4 to 6 weeks. Print and carry the temporary document you get when you renew online.

Source: ontario.cachecked #

When do I need a new photo for my Ontario health card?

You need to visit ServiceOntario for a new photo if your photo is 5 years or older, you are turning 16, you are changing your name, or you are replacing a red and white card.

Source: ontario.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Ontario is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaHealth Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan)Apply for MSPchecked Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office.
AlbertaAlberta Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Alberta)Apply for AHCIP coveragechecked Apply free at a participating registry agent or by mail to the AHCIP office.
SaskatchewaneHealth SaskatchewanApply for a health cardchecked
ManitobaManitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term CareRegister for a health cardchecked
OntarioThis pageServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP)Apply for OHIPchecked First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
QuebecRégie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)About health insurancechecked RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires.
New BrunswickNew Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New BrunswickApply for Medicare coveragechecked Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaMSI Resident Services (Department of Health and Wellness)Apply for a Health Cardchecked There is no in-person counter; apply online, by mail or fax, or use the MSI drop box.
Prince Edward IslandPEI Medicare (Health PEI)Renew a PEI health cardchecked
Newfoundland and LabradorMedical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community ServicesApply, renew or replacechecked New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL.
YukonYukon Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Yukon)None on recordCards are replaced automatically when they expire; keep your address up to date.
Northwest TerritoriesHealth Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services)Apply for health care coveragechecked
NunavutHealth Insurance Programs Office (Nunavut Department of Health)Apply or replace a cardchecked No fee; email or mail the form to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in Ontario", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/ontario