Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By Life Advice Insurance Inc., independent broker in Kitchener, Ontario
Key takeaways
If you just landed in Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge as a new permanent resident, you may think OHIP starts right away. Ontario removed the 3-month waiting period, but you still must apply in person at ServiceOntario and be approved. Until then, a doctor visit or hospital stay can be billed to you. Here is how to cover that gap.
In this guide
Moving to Ontario is exciting, but health coverage is one of the first things to sort out. Medical bills for people without coverage can be very high.
Ontario removed the 3-month OHIP waiting period. Eligible new residents can be covered once their OHIP application is approved. But there can still be a gap: you must apply in person, provide documents, and wait for approval and your health card to arrive.
In general, you must:
Check the current rules with ServiceOntario, as eligibility depends on your situation.
Until OHIP is active, you can be billed directly for any care. A newcomer or visitor plan covers emergency care such as hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance and tests during this gap.
The best time to buy is before you arrive in Canada. Plans bought after arrival may include a short waiting period before illness is covered.
OHIP does not cover everything. Many newcomers also look at:
Canadians moving back to Ontario after living abroad may also need short-term coverage until OHIP is reinstated.
To apply, you usually need to visit a ServiceOntario centre in person with:
Bring original identity documents; some proof-of-residency documents can be printed or digital. Apply as soon as you can after you arrive.
Most plans do not cover routine check-ups, pregnancy that began before the policy, or pre-existing conditions that are not stable.
Buy coverage for at least the expected time until OHIP is active, with a few extra weeks for delays. Many plans allow a refund of unused days if OHIP starts earlier and no claim has been made.
Each family member needs coverage. Family plans can cover two adults and dependent children under one policy, which is often cheaper than separate plans.
If you are pregnant when you arrive, most private plans will not cover routine pregnancy care. Ask about OHIP eligibility as early as possible and contact a local community health centre for support.
Some work permit holders qualify for OHIP: generally you need a valid work permit and full-time work for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months, and you must be in Ontario 153 of your first 183 days. Others do not. Check your eligibility with ServiceOntario. If you do not qualify, a private plan protects you for the length of your stay.
Once you are settled, think about the next steps:
Newcomers often ask whether they can buy insurance from abroad, whether they can choose the start date, and whether a policy can be cancelled once OHIP starts. In most cases, the answer is yes. We explain the rules for each insurer.
Hypothetical example: Imagine a family of four who arrive in Kitchener as new permanent residents. They bought a newcomer plan before they left, starting on their arrival date. In their first week, they apply for OHIP at ServiceOntario. While waiting for approval, their son gets a high fever and visits a walk-in clinic. Because they are covered by their newcomer plan, the visit is covered. Once OHIP is approved, they request a refund for unused days. They then look at a family health and dental plan for prescriptions and dental check-ups.
Getting these answers before you travel makes your first weeks in Ontario much less stressful.
Apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre. There are locations in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph. Bring original identity documents.
Life Advice Insurance Inc. has helped newcomers in Kitchener and across Ontario since 2015. Our office is at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, ON N2E 0B6. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). Call 1-855-500-5041.
A simple plan:
Many newcomers do not have a utility bill yet. Ask ServiceOntario which documents they accept, such as a signed lease or a letter from your bank. Getting this early helps avoid a second visit.
Life Advice Insurance Inc. helps newcomers compare health and life insurance from 20+ Canadian insurers. Call 1-855-500-5041 for a free consultation.
Most families we help in Kitchener-Waterloo are new to Canada, many from India. Before they buy, they ask the same four questions:
You can get quotes and compare benefits from many insurers on our website, and we explain every plan in English, Hindi or Punjabi.
Ontario has no general OHIP waiting period, but you still have to qualify. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and other requirements, and ServiceOntario decides when you apply in person. Private insurance does not replace confirming your OHIP eligibility; it protects you until OHIP is approved.
Get a free quote
Get a private medical quote that covers you until OHIP is approved on our visitor insurance page. Call 1-855-500-5041 or visit 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Compare quotes online Call 1-855-500-5041No. Ontario removed it, but you still need to apply and be approved before you are covered.
Before you arrive. Plans bought after arrival may have a short waiting period for illness.
Not for most adults. A personal health and dental plan can cover prescriptions, dental and vision.
Yes. Visiting parents can get visitor or Super Visa insurance, depending on their visa.
They are similar. Both cover emergencies for people without provincial coverage. Some insurers have plans designed for new immigrants.
You can, but you may have to pay the full cost. A newcomer plan can cover emergency visits, though routine check-ups are usually not covered. Many newcomers use walk-in clinics until OHIP is active.
No. Newcomers must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with original documents, and wait for approval.
Keep it until OHIP is approved and active. Many plans refund unused days once OHIP starts, if no claim was made. Check your insurer's refund rules.