BOWP: IS there an OHIP 3 months grace period

[ingotiblum]

Hi all,

1 question regarding OHIP coverage:

I will, most probably, have to extend my work permit until I get PR (applied May 16 2013).
When I first came to Canada with my family in 2011, we had to wait for 3 months to become eligible for OHIP.

When I reset my work permit, does the same rule apply?

Or do I just extend OHIP with no time gap?

Please note that our OHIP cards expire on the same day as my work permit.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

 

[LPS]

You will be able to reapply for OHIP without going through the three month waiting period again.

Of course you'll need the new permit to reapply - if there is a gap between the original permit and the restored one (i.e. implied status) then you won't be eligible for that time (unless you are part of another class that qualifies).

 

[OHKIDDA]

Hi all,

1 question regarding OHIP coverage:

I will, most probably, have to extend my work permit until I get PR (applied May 16 2013).
When I first came to Canada with my family in 2011, we had to wait for 3 months to become eligible for OHIP.

When I reset my work permit, does the same rule apply?

Or do I just extend OHIP with no time gap?

Please note that our OHIP cards expire on the same day as my work permit.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Your OHIP is valid ONLY as long as your work permit is valid. There is no implied status or grace period. You won't have to wait three months, but if your work permit takes longer to come back, you'll be without OHIP for that time.

 

[jes_ON]

as long as you don't allow your permit to expire, it should be OK, you won't have to repeat the waiting period. If you go on implied status, you are still eligible, but you'll have to wait until you get the new permit to apply for your new OHIP card (coverage would be retroactive).
Might help to bring a letter from your employer RE the extension of your appointment. My experience with that was that some of the agents at my Service Ontario office had little experience or correct knowledge of how to handle work permit renewals (well, some did, others did not). One time I had trouble even tho my new permit was dated before the old one expired - so if you have trouble you should ask to speak with a supervisor. Should be better if you're in a large city -

 

[LPS]

Once you receive the new permit, apparently if the remarks read "restored" or "implied", then there is definitely no waiting period, and the new card is valid retroactively from the expiry date of the old one.

Otherwise, I guess whether you have to wait or not is going to turn on whether you have been "a resident" of Ontario continuously since you first signed up, as that is defined in the regulations.

 

[LPS]

As a side note, book your OHIP renewal appointment early if you can.

I don't know what their deal is, but it looks like they don't take walk-ins for health card matters, and the appointments are booked well in advance...

 

[steveholt]

As a side note, book your OHIP renewal appointment early if you can.

I don't know what their deal is, but it looks like they don't take walk-ins for health card matters, and the appointments are booked well in advance...

FWIW I did a walk in OHIP renewal at the Sheppard Ave. office in Toronto ~3 weeks ago without any issues.

 

[LPS]

FWIW I did a walk in OHIP renewal at the Sheppard Ave. office in Toronto ~3 weeks ago without any issues.

Really. I'll give that a try then. I've already been on implied status and don't fancy 2 more weeks of not being covered.

Thanks