Why should I change my address on my health card?
The law requires you to inform the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care of your change of address. Moreover, it is important that you keep your address up-to-date in order to keep your OHIP coverage active. All in all, your health card proves you’re covered by OHIP, so updating your address is imperative!
When should I change my address on my health card?
It is advised to provide ServiceOntario with your new address within 30 days of a move.
How to change my address on my health card?
There are four different ways for you to change your address on your health card:
- Online through ServiceOntario;
- Visit your local ServiceOntario centre;
- Complete a Change of Address form, print it and mail it to:
ServiceOntario
P.O. Box 48
Kingston ON K7L 5J3
What information do I need?
For the Red and White Health Card:
- Your health card number and version code (if applicable)
- The postal code for the last address you reported to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
For the Photo Health Card:
- Your health card number and version code
- The postal code for the last address you reported to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- The 9 characters found on the back of your health card
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move outside of Ontario?
With OHIP, in most other parts of Canada, you will get basic health care for free, so make sure to keep your OHIP card with you even when you are not in Ontario. In Quebec, however, there is the possibility that you’ll have to pay for health care services. But no worries, when you come back to Ontario, you have the option to send your receipt to your local Ministry of Health office. If you are eligible, you will receive the amount that equals what that service costs in Ontario–not the exact amount you paid for it.
What if I move outside of Canada?
OHIP coverage is limited outside of Canada. OHIP pays a set amount for insured, emergency health services, like doctor services, emergency outpatient services and emergency inpatient services that meet specific criteria.
It is important to know that OHIP doesn’t cover many health services when travelling outside of Canada, like using an ambulance or getting medical services that you can plan for and get in Ontario.
As a general rule, know that you will have to pay for health services you get outside of Canada upfront and later get reimbursed by OHIP when you come back to Ontario, if you are eligible.
To be eligible, you need to have:
- a valid Ontario health card
- lived in Ontario for less than six months and will be away for no more than 30 days
- lived in Ontario for more than six months and will be away no more than 212 days in any 12-month period
And the treatment or service you receive must be:
- medically necessary
- provided at a licensed hospital or licensed health facility
- for an illness, disease, condition or injury that
- not pre-existing (you developed it outside of Canada)
- is acute and unexpected
- requires immediate treatment
This means that to keep your OHIP coverage, you can be outside of Canada for 212 days in a 12-month period.
That said, if you plan on leaving Canada for more than 212 days, you have the option to apply for continuous OHIP eligibility. OHIP can cover you for a longer period of time, under four circumstances:
- Study
- Work
- Vacation
- Missionary work
Finally, if you want more details or info on what documents you need to apply for the continuous OHIP eligibility, you can always contact the Ministry of Health INFOline:
- Ontario: 1 866 532-3161
- Toronto: 416-314-5518
- TTY: 1 800 387-5559
