Health Card
You must have a health card to show that you are entitled to health care services. It is important to carry your health card at all times.
Getting a Health Card
Health cards are free and available to all Ontario residents that are eligible. To obtain a health card, you must go in person to a Service Ontario centre. In Cornwall, there are two Service Ontario centres to help you. One is located at 113 Second Street East and the other at 720 Fourteenth Street West.
Eligibility
Generally, to be eligible for Ontario health coverage you must:
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); and
- be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period; and
- be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province; and
- make your primary place of residence in Ontario.
OHIP coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario. New and returning residents are strongly advised to purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the OHIP waiting period.
Travelling Outside Ontario
Most of your Ontario health benefits are covered across Canada. In Quebec, you may have to pay for physician services and then submit your receipt to your local ministry office for payment.
To learn more about health cards, visit the following website: