Health Card Validation

A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP.  The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) pays for a wide range of services, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary.

Most of your Ontario health benefits are covered across Canada.  The province or territory you are visiting will usually bill the Ontario MOHLTC directly for hospital and physician services.  In Quebec, you may have to pay for physician services and then submit your receipt to your local ministry office for payment.

OHIP coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario.  The Ministry strongly encourages new and returning residents to purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the OHIP waiting period.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Whether it’s the red and white health card or the newer photo health card, you should carry it with you at all times.  The Ontario MOHLTC requires that your health card must be validated by your health care provider whenever you are presenting for health care services.
• Each and every time you present to the Temagami Medical Centre for services, please be prepared to give your health card to the receptionist who will swipe it to retrieve your electronic medical record. Also, it is extremely important that you let the receptionist know if there have been changes to your address or telephone number so we can ensure that your medical record is up-to-date.
  

Thank you for being an active participant in your health care