Individuals on a valid work permit may qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) if they meet the following requirements:
- Be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12‑month period.
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 of the first 183 days after beginning to live in the province.
- Make Ontario your primary place of residence.
- Be in Ontario on a valid work permit and be working full-time for an Ontario employer for a period of at least six months.
Applicants must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with the following documents: a valid work permit, proof of identity (such as a passport), an employer letter confirming full-time work for at least six months in Ontario, a completed registration form and proof of Ontario residency. For full details, please visit ontario.ca.
Once covered by OHIP, you will be able to access care without any direct cost. In the meantime, you may contact a community health centre to inquire about becoming a patient upon receiving OHIP. Rainbow Health Ontario’s Service Provider Directory can assist in finding an affirming provider in Ontario.
The Travelling with Medication section of the Government of Canada’s website is a useful resource. Before arriving in Canada, you may wish to inquire if your healthcare provider can prescribe a three-month supply of any hormones taken as part of gender therapy.
Be sure to keep medication in its original pharmacy or hospital packaging. You should also carry a copy of your prescription and, if possible, a letter from your prescribing physician.