The 3 month wait period is still in place but could return at any time. You’ll need to reapply no matter what.
Thanks for your reply! I went today to ServiceOntario and they are going to issue me a new health card, no waiting period in Ontario as of now.
Hi, we are in same situation. We returned in July 2022. I was planning to visit a Service Ontario and get our OHIP cards. They are expired since 2019 July, when we left. We have valid PR cards.
All documents will be online. You can only apply if you are permanently returning to Ontario since you must be able to meet the residency requirements of staying 153 out of the first 6 months and 6 out of 12 months. You must also be making Ontario your permanent home. If you are not returning to Intario permanently don’t apply or else you will be committing healthcare fraud.
For documents needed, you could refer to here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/documents-needed-get-health-card. I don't think they would ask for anything else in your case. I also showed the agent my old health card - wasn't expired and she punched a hole in it so it's invalid. You would need to let them know that you were returning from abroad. Also, be sure to go to a full-service Service Ontario.
You actually also have to tell OHIP when you leand Canada so they can flag your OHIP# so that nobody uses it yo commit fraud. Agree that if you still have a valid PR card it’s important to advise the agent that you have been out of Canada and no longer meet the residency requirement. Seems like a waste of time at the moment ((although legally required so must be done) but especially important when the 3 month wait period returns.
You look to see what documents are required
You have to be planning on meeting the OHIP residency requirements to apply for OHIP. You have to be planning on remaining in Ontario for the next 5 out of 6 months, 6 months out of the next year and making your permanent home in Ontario to apply. If you aren’t planning on meeting these requirements you shouldn’t apply.
If you are not planning on remaining in Ontario for the first 5 out of 6 months, the first 6 out of 12 months and make your permanent home in Ontario you don’t actually qualify to receive OHIP. If you don’t meet the residency requirements and use healthcare you can be asked to pay the govern,ent bank for any services you used. In general, O ratio wants to make sure people are not using healthcare and leaving. In general these residency requirements limits healthcare to mostly Ontario taxpayers.
Currently I think there is no wait for OHIP (still have the COVID exemption), you can get the OHIP and visit a doctor.
Check other discussions. I do not live in Ontario and is not familiar with the current documents needed.
