The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for a wide range of health care services. It pays for basic medical and emergency services.

OHIP may pay for all or part of the cost of an ambulance depending on the circumstances.

There are some services that OHIP does not pay for such as:

• prescription drugs prescribed by your family doctor
• dental services provided in a dentist’s office
• eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses
• laser eye surgery
• cosmetic surgery
• chiropractic services.

For some treatments, OHIP pays part of the cost. For example:

• Some elective services from your doctor
• Podiatry treatments
• Dental services in hospitals
• Travel costs: if you live in northern Ontario and must travel long distances for specialty medical care, OHIP may pay some travel costs.

Talk to a health care professional to find out if a procedure or treatment is covered by OHIP. You can also contact the Ministry of Health INFOline:

• In Ontario: 1-866-532-3161
• In Toronto: 416-314-5518
• TTY: 1-800-387-5559

If you travel outside of Ontario or Canada OHIP may cover some costs. The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care recommends that you get private health insurance when you travel. Health care services outside Canada can cost much more than OHIP will cover.

How do I pay for services that are not covered by OHIP?

You can buy private insurance to pay for services not covered by OHIP.

What is covered under OHIP+?

OHIP+ covers many prescription medications for youths 24-years-old and under. You can find out if your medicines are covered through the online search tool.

For More Information

• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) – Describes how OHIP works and provides fact sheets, forms, answers to frequently asked questions and a list of OHIP offices across Ontario. Provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) – Frequently asked questions about OHIP answered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
• Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) Fact Sheets – A series of publications from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.