OHIP
Private health insurance
Interim Federal Health program
Health resources
Finding a doctor
Alternative health treatments

OHIP

As an Ottawa resident, you’re eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Ontario’s public health program. OHIP covers a wide range of medical services, including:

• Check-ups with your family doctor or at walk-in clinics
• Hospital visits
• Dental surgery
• Eye examinations
• Some vaccinations

OHIP does not cover the cost of prescription drugs.

For more information on OHIP, visit Ontario Immigration – Health Care.

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Private health insurance

Many employers offer health benefits that cover some of the medical costs that aren’t covered by OHIP. You can also buy private health insurance.

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Interim Federal Health program

As a newcomer to Ontario, you’ll usually have to wait about six months before you are eligible for coverage under OHIP. You should apply for the program as soon as you arrive in Ottawa. While you wait, you can receive short-term health insurance through the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program.

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Health resources

There are many hospitals and medical clinics in Ottawa. The city also offers other health resources, including:

• Addiction treatment centres
• After-hours clinics
• Crisis lines and support services
• Late-night pharmacies
• Mental health services
• Sexual and reproductive health services

To learn more about these and other health and social resources, and to find hospitals, clinics, doctors and dentists in Ottawa, visit Health and Support Services.

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Finding a doctor

There are limited doctors accepting new patients, so you may have to wait several months before finding a regular doctor. While you wait, you can go to a walk-in clinic for a check-up.

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Alternative health treatments

In addition to traditional health services, there are many alternative health treatments available in Ottawa, including homeopathy, naturopathy and Chinese medicine. However, these are not covered by OHIP.

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