To help clarify the questions that have popped up in the thread:
1) There is a 3 month waiting period after you arrive before you are covered. It doesn't matter if you apply the day after you arrive and establish residency in Ontario or you wait 2 and a half months ... the start date for coverage will be 3 months after you arrive. Of course, applying earlier means it's done
2) New Ontario residents are required to be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in the first 183 days after residence is established in Ontario in order to maintain Ontario health insurance coverage.
In other words: If you leave Ontario for more than 30 days during the first 6 months, the three month waiting period will reset.
3) You can buy temporary coverage during the waiting period.
You can find this information on OHIP's website:
1)
Code:
"a) If you move to Ontario from another country :
The waiting period begins on the date you establish or re-establish residence in Ontario. If you are an eligible temporary resident, such as a foreign worker or clergy member who meets the citizenship and residence requirements described in Ontario's Health Insurance Act, the waiting period begins on the date you establish residence in Ontario.
Your coverage begins when the waiting period ends - after three calendar months.
For example :
Date Residence is Established in Ontario Coverage Begins
January 15 April 15
May 3 August 3
November 30 February 28 "
Source: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/wait.html
2)
Code:
"Please Note :
Leaving Ontario for more than 30 days in the first six months immediately after establishing residence in Ontario can impact your OHIP coverage by affecting the start date of your three-month waiting period.
It can result in a new three-month waiting period being applied as most new and returning residents to Ontario are required to be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in the first 183 days after residence is established in Ontario in order to maintain Ontario health insurance coverage.
The requirement to be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in the first 183 days after residence is established in Ontario only applies to new or returning residents:
Who move to Ontario from another country or
Who move to Ontario from another province/territory where they were not covered by the health insurance of that province/territory"
Source: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/wait.html
3)
Code:
"How can I get coverage during the waiting period?
During the waiting period, you may be able to purchase private health insurance through a private insurance company if you meet the company's eligibility requirements.
Contact a private insurance company or call the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. at 1 800 268-8099. In Toronto, call (416) 777-2344."
Source: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/wait.html
