Toronto is home to excellent free public health services, with locations throughout the city for your peace of mind.
If you are moving to Toronto, healthcare in the city may of course be a prime area of interest. Luckily, the system is straightforward and comprehensive, and once you have applied for and received your OHIP card, it is easy to access a wide range of services throughout the city.
To connect newcomers with healthcare in Toronto, the Health Care Connect service is available. This will help you find the nearest family doctor (GP) that is accepting new patients.
It is important to note that there may be health clearances required to move abroad to Toronto, Canada.
OHIP Card
Public health services are provided by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
You can apply for an OHIP card after three months of residency, by going to a ServiceOntario centre and filling in the required documentation, along with providing proof of identity. You may still access care in this waiting period should you need it, but you will need to do so through private health care providers.
Healthcare services in Toronto
OHIP covers surgeries and care that is deemed medically necessary, with numerous private clinics offering elective procedures at their own rates. You will find a wide range of healthcare services in Toronto, including:
In order to access any service, you must provide your OHIP card first.
Toronto healthcare facilities
All services are free at the point of access, and comprehensive services are offered at the city’s main hospitals, which include: Toronto General Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Sunnybrook Hospital. These facilities are well-serviced by public transport, enabling you to easily plan a visit even if you are new to Toronto and have yet to arrange your driver’s test.
There are a number of out of hours health clinics, or doctor’s surgeries you can visit without an appointment or the need to be registered if you have a low-level emergency. These are called walk-in clinics, and there are several dotted throughout the city. A quick search online will help you find the nearest location to you.
Canada benefits from some of the best health care in the world, and you will have no shortage of options when it comes to finding the best care for you and your family in Toronto.