--- title: "Health card renewal and replacement in Ontario" url: "https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/ontario" description: "Apply for or renew your health card in Ontario: handled by ServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP). Renewing an Ontario health card costs nothing." site: "Canada Service Map" author: "Mahmoud Halat" publisher: "Space & Story" lastReviewed: "2026-10-13" licence: "Built entirely from public data: open data and official government pages. Each record keeps the licence of its source, listed at https://canadaservicemap.ca/data." --- # Health card renewal and replacement in Ontario Ontario · Health Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked 13 October 2026. Not a government website. The official page always has the final word. ## 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)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/bodies/the-government-of-ontario). Handles it in Ontario. First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. ## Official links - [Apply for OHIP](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 - [Renew your health card online](https://services.ontario.ca/web/product-renewal/suggest-renewal-type), checked 12 October 2026 ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. - OHIP no longer has a waiting period. If you are eligible, your coverage starts right away. Source: [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. - 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## Cost - Renewing an Ontario health card costs nothing. Source: [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. - 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## Where to go - A first-time application must be made in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Source: [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ## In every province and territory The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Ontario is marked. | Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know | |---|---|---|---| | [British Columbia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/british-columbia) | Health Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan) | [Apply for MSP](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/apply-for-msp), checked 12 October 2026 | Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office. | | [Alberta](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/alberta) | Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Alberta) | [Apply for AHCIP coverage](https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-apply), checked 12 October 2026 | Apply free at a participating registry agent or by mail to the AHCIP office. | | [Saskatchewan](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/saskatchewan) | eHealth Saskatchewan | [Apply for a health card](https://www.ehealthsask.ca/residents/health-cards/apply-for-a-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Manitoba](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/manitoba) | Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care | [Register for a health card](https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/registration.html), checked 12 October 2026 | | | Ontario (this page) | ServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP) | [Apply for OHIP](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre. | | [Quebec](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/quebec) | Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) | [About health insurance](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/insurance-schemes/health-insurance-prescription-drug-insurance), checked 12 October 2026 | RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires. | | [New Brunswick](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/new-brunswick) | New Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New Brunswick | [Apply for Medicare coverage](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/DrugPlans/content/medicare/ApplyingforaCard.html), checked 12 October 2026 | Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre. | | [Nova Scotia](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/nova-scotia) | MSI Resident Services (Department of Health and Wellness) | [Apply for a Health Card](https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-health-card), checked 12 October 2026 | There is no in-person counter; apply online, by mail or fax, or use the MSI drop box. | | [Prince Edward Island](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/prince-edward-island) | PEI Medicare (Health PEI) | [Renew a PEI health card](https://services.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/renew-pei-health-cards), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/newfoundland-and-labrador) | Medical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community Services | [Apply, renew or replace](https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/mcp/), checked 12 October 2026 | New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL. | | [Yukon](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/yukon) | Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Yukon) | None on record | Cards are replaced automatically when they expire; keep your address up to date. | | [Northwest Territories](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/northwest-territories) | Health Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services) | [Apply for health care coverage](https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/applying-health-care), checked 12 October 2026 | | | [Nunavut](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/nunavut) | Health Insurance Programs Office (Nunavut Department of Health) | [Apply or replace a card](https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/applying-health-care), checked 12 October 2026 | No fee; email or mail the form to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet. | ## 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal), checked 13 October 2026. ## More - [Apply for or renew your health card in every province and territory](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card) - [Public services in Ontario](https://canadaservicemap.ca/provinces/ontario) - [Go to an emergency room](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/emergency-room) - [See a doctor without an appointment](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/walk-in-clinic) - [Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/dental-care) - [Get help in a mental health crisis (call or text 988)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/mental-health-crisis) - [First Nations and Inuit health benefits (NIHB)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/first-nations-health-benefits) - [Check product, food and vehicle recalls](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/product-recalls) ## Cite this page Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in Ontario", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/ontario