OHIP eligibility question - already landed PR returning to Canada

[dannyhcean]

My wife and I landed in Toronto in late June 2018 and became PRs. We left Canada in early August 2018 back to Asia to prepare for our 'serious move'. Because we did not establish residency we did not apply for OHIP during that time.

Now we are in Asia and just found out that my wife is pregnant. Due day in early July 2019. We want to return to Toronto in either February/March of 2019, and establish residence there. I know that we will have a three-month waiting period (in our case, March/April/May or even June, if I understand correctly). Because my wife might go into labor in July 2019, will she be covered by OHIP, provided that we apply right away after the three-month period?

Thanks for any insights!

 

[canuck78]

She will be covered after 3 months. You will have to cover costs of any regular treatment during those 3 months. Pregnancy is an unpredictable time and woman end up in hospital for various reasons during pregnancy so best to make sure you have some savings available or arrive a bit earlier. Your wife will not qualify for maternity benefits if she has not worked for 600 hours before her delivery.

 

[dannyhcean]

She will be covered after 3 months. You will have to cover costs of any regular treatment during those 3 months. Pregnancy is an unpredictable time and woman end up in hospital for various reasons during pregnancy so best to make sure you have some savings available or arrive a bit earlier. Your wife will not qualify for maternity benefits if she has not worked for 600 hours before her delivery.

Big thanks! Totally understand the uncertainty of needs for medical attention during the three-month waiting period. Then I assume after establishing our residence we need to meet these residence requirements (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/short_absence.aspx) in order not to be back-charged for the coverage by Ontario government.

 

[canuck78]

Yes. Best of luck

 

[zardoz]

My wife and I landed in Toronto in late June 2018 and became PRs. We left Canada in early August 2018 back to Asia to prepare for our 'serious move'. Because we did not establish residency we did not apply for OHIP during that time.

Now we are in Asia and just found out that my wife is pregnant. Due day in early July 2019. We want to return to Toronto in either February/March of 2019, and establish residence there. I know that we will have a three-month waiting period (in our case, March/April/May or even June, if I understand correctly). Because my wife might go into labor in July 2019, will she be covered by OHIP, provided that we apply right away after the three-month period?

Thanks for any insights!

You should apply as soon as you have proof of your address. You still won't be covered for the first three months but your application will be in the system. You don't need to wait for the three months before you apply.

 

[canuck78]

You should apply as soon as you have proof of your address. You still won't be covered for the first three months but your application will be in the system. You don't need to wait for the three months before you apply.

You can apply at any time during those 1st 3 months. It doesn't matter as long as you show you landing date. It is best to wait until you have a permanent address so don't rush in and give a friend's address or airbnb address.

 

[kprs_ind]

Also, you should get insured for the first 90 days. Also I think you can have your wife insured if you take insurance before 32 weeks of pregnancy. I can check and give you more details. Reach out to me if you need more info.

 

[ajapeyk]

I am curious to know how this went because I read these terms on heath.gov ontario:

“generally you must be physically present for 153 days in the first 183 days immediately following the date residency is established in Ontario (you cannot be absent for more than 30 days during the first 6 months of residency in Ontario).”

 

[canuck78]

I am curious to know how this went because I read these terms on heath.gov ontario:

“generally you must be physically present for 153 days in the first 183 days immediately following the date residency is established in Ontario (you cannot be absent for more than 30 days during the first 6 months of residency in Ontario).”

Yes these are the residency obligations. You must remain in Ontario for 153 out of the 183 days. There are separate residency obligations for healthcare. If you try to deceive the system it is healthcare fraud.

 

[subodhp]

Note that in context of this thread, as explained by author, they did not (rightly) apply for OHIP during short landing.

However if one does (apply for OHIP and then leave country) and later claim benefits while not meeting residency obligations, that will be fraud.

 

[bhanu123]

I want to apply for OHIP but my work permit is expired. I have already applied for PR under CEC and BOWP but both the applications are still in progress.Is there a way I can apply for OHIP as I need that on urgent basis.

 

[kprs_ind]

I want to apply for OHIP but my work permit is expired. I have already applied for PR under CEC and BOWP but both the applications are still in progress.Is there a way I can apply for OHIP as I need that on urgent basis.

In this case, it is better to have a private insurance as per the need. Once you get the BOWP approved, you can get your OHIP back.