Healthcare for Newcomers in Ontario (2026 Guide)
Everything newcomers settling in Ontario need to know about provincial health coverage, dental, and drug plans. Province-specific guide updated 2026.
Healthcare in Ontario: What newcomers need to know
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers doctor visits, hospital care, lab tests, and most surgery. Ontario is notable for having eliminated the 3-month waiting period for most permanent residents and protected persons (as of 2020). Apply at ServiceOntario. What OHIP does NOT cover: dental care, prescription drugs (most), vision, and ambulance in some cases. The Federal Canadian Dental Care Plan provides free or subsidized dental for uninsured adults with household income under $90,000.
Complete guide
For the full national picture — including how healthcare works for all Canadian newcomers regardless of province — read our complete guide:
HealthcareNewcomer Financial Checklist →Ontario province guide
For everything newcomers in Ontario need — healthcare, banking, taxes, and key benefits in one place:
ONOntario Newcomer Finance Guide →