Health card for New Immigrant (OHIP) for Ontario

[screech339]

My wife arrived from Germany on Dec 1 2014, I had already advised my work and benefit provider about our situation. She has no OHIP at this time, but she is still covered under my benefits from work, but not able to use the Travel insurance part of it because she does not have OHIP. Everything else she is covered though, ie. Prescription meds, dentist, eye glasses ect. They said that they will only cover what is not normally covered by OHIP...she has Emergency medical travel insurance for the rest...hospital visits etc.

You have to be careful. Most if not all insurance companies has a requirement that they must be on OHIP before qualifying for work benefits, at least in Ontario. If your work insurance company finds out that your wife is not on OHIP, they can come back to you asking for the money back that she wasn't entitled to in the first place.

 

[madmedic_1]

You have to be careful. Most if not all insurance companies has a requirement that they must be on OHIP before qualifying for work benefits, at least in Ontario. If your work insurance company finds out that your wife is not on OHIP, they can come back to you asking for the money back that she wasn't entitled to in the first place.

They already know she doesn't have OHIP...I was in Human Resources and both Human Resources and myself spoke directly to them about what she is and is not entitled to. I explained everything in detail as to where we are in the Immigration Process.

 

[screech339]

They already know she doesn't have OHIP...I was in Human Resources and both Human Resources and myself spoke directly to them about what she is and is not entitled to. I explained everything in detail as to where we are in the Immigration Process.

If you don't mind me asking, may I ask what insurance company offering the work benefit through your work please?

 

[keesio]

My wife arrived from Germany on Dec 1 2014, I had already advised my work and benefit provider about our situation. She has no OHIP at this time, but she is still covered under my benefits from work, but not able to use the Travel insurance part of it because she does not have OHIP. Everything else she is covered though, ie. Prescription meds, dentist, eye glasses ect. They said that they will only cover what is not normally covered by OHIP...she has Emergency medical travel insurance for the rest...hospital visits etc.

Yeah I've heard this too (for plans that will cover employee spouses who do not have OHIP). Basically travel insurance will not be covered since it is an extension of OHIP benefits but the rest should be

 

[madmedic_1]

If you don't mind me asking, may I ask what insurance company offering the work benefit through your work please?

My provider is Greenshield.

 

[canvis2006]

I think with PR status the insurance companies know that the spouse will eventually have OHIP anyways (since the sponsor is employed and has work benefits). There is no concern about not being resident as one of them is employed/resident here in Ontario.

But yeah OHIP does make newcomers jump through hoops to get registered for OHIP. You go with one document, no we want this one, we want that one, it really depends on the agent @ serviceontario.

My brother had the ontario photo card, but the agent said they wanted a bank statement. So we wait for a month and get a statement for $2 mailed, take that to serviceontario, this time its another agent who doesn't even bother to see the statement. Just takes the photo id card and uses that for OHIP registration. Card arrives in mail and coverage started.

So it depends completely on the agent(person) sitting at the counter......some agents are nice/easy, some are like they woke up by mistake.

I recommend strongly to everyone to try different offices and hope u end up with a NICE agent who's helpful to newcomers rather than those who do not deserve to be there. I mean, if the newcomer comes with document from the LIST OF DOCUMENTS, there is no need to refuse them and send them back..........

Refugees and other scammers enjoy it all and get it freely while the honest person has to go back and forth several times just to register.
What a load of crap! Alberta covers everyone from Day 1, why can't Ohip get its ass outta the gutter and start helping newcomers who're making this place home ????
You want them to contribute but how about you(ohip) help them too.

 

[keesio]

I think with PR status the insurance companies know that the spouse will eventually have OHIP

What a load of crap! Alberta covers everyone from Day 1, why can't Ohip get its ass outta the gutter and start helping newcomers who're making this place home ????
You want them to contribute but how about you(ohip) help them too.

The issue with Ontario is that it has had the most issues with people abusing the system. It makes sense that Ontario would have the highest instances since it is still the main destination of new immigrants. Anyway as with many things, all it takes are a few bad apples to ruin it for all of us.

 

[Skyline29]

I think with PR status the insurance companies know that the spouse will eventually have OHIP anyways (since the sponsor is employed and has work benefits). There is no concern about not being resident as one of them is employed/resident here in Ontario.

But yeah OHIP does make newcomers jump through hoops to get registered for OHIP. You go with one document, no we want this one, we want that one, it really depends on the agent @ serviceontario.

My brother had the ontario photo card, but the agent said they wanted a bank statement. So we wait for a month and get a statement for $2 mailed, take that to serviceontario, this time its another agent who doesn't even bother to see the statement. Just takes the photo id card and uses that for OHIP registration. Card arrives in mail and coverage started.

So it depends completely on the agent(person) sitting at the counter......some agents are nice/easy, some are like they woke up by mistake.

I recommend strongly to everyone to try different offices and hope u end up with a NICE agent who's helpful to newcomers rather than those who do not deserve to be there. I mean, if the newcomer comes with document from the LIST OF DOCUMENTS, there is no need to refuse them and send them back..........

Refugees and other scammers enjoy it all and get it freely while the honest person has to go back and forth several times just to register.
What a load of crap! Alberta covers everyone from Day 1, why can't Ohip get its ass outta the gutter and start helping newcomers who're making this place home ????
You want them to contribute but how about you(ohip) help them too.

I agree with u canvis2006 about ur last paragraph & I see the government allowing many refugees to enter the country why oh why they have the benefit of Ohip / work or helping them because they refugee why are we not same human who needs Ohip- work - our husband/wife work & paying taxes - I pay my taxes too before still working then all is expired Ohip & work permit coz of them also now need to wait for OWP or 1st approval to renew my Ohip, why other country like Alberta they can add spouses in their hearth insurace (Ohip) why Ontario ohio is not, is there some one in government fix this one for everybody specially for those pregnant.

 

[Grafton]

Do new permanent residents have to fill or bring any forms?

 

[rhcohen2014]

Do new permanent residents have to fill or bring any forms?

there are specific items needed to prove your residency for OHIP. No matter when you apply, it will not be activated until 90 days after landing as a pr. Go to the service ontario website to see a list of acceptable documents. they are very strict. you will need your passport, COPR (or pr card) and proof of residency. Generally, proof of residency is a MAILED utility bill or bank statement. Printouts from online accounts or from a bank branch will not work. the document MUST be mailed to the PR at the address in ontario.

 

[Grafton]

there are specific items needed to prove your residency for OHIP. No matter when you apply, it will not be activated until 90 days after landing as a pr. Go to the service ontario website to see a list of acceptable documents. they are very strict. you will need your passport, COPR (or pr card) and proof of residency. Generally, proof of residency is a MAILED utility bill or bank statement. Printouts from online accounts or from a bank branch will not work. the document MUST be mailed to the PR at the address in ontario.

Do I need to fill an application form?

 

[rhcohen2014]

Do I need to fill an application form?

yes, service ontario will give you the form to fill out. you do not need to fill it out before hand.

 

[Grafton]

yes, service ontario will give you the form to fill out. you do not need to fill it out before hand.

Thanks for your help

 

[brucem]

Does anyone have any suggestions for insurance companies that will cover new immigrants and returning citizens for the three month wait for OHIP? I understand its better to go with a Canadian company to avoid any hassles of having to return to your native country for treatment. Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[Rob_TO]

Does anyone have any suggestions for insurance companies that will cover new immigrants and returning citizens for the three month wait for OHIP? I understand its better to go with a Canadian company to avoid any hassles of having to return to your native country for treatment. Any suggestions appreciated!

https://www.kanetix.ca/travel-visitors-to-canada