General FAQs
Can I bring my daily medicine to Canada?
Prescription medications for legitimate health conditions may come under intense scrutiny by foreign officials. In some countries, drugs that are legal and readily available in Canada are considered illegal, require a prescription, or may arouse suspicions among local officials and customs and immigration authorities.
The best option is to contact the foreign government offices accredited to Canada of the country you plan to visit to confirm the status of your medication.
Find more information at:
http://www.international.gc.ca/protocol-protocole/reps.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=1.15930366.999979564.1465872847
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/medication
How can I benefit from Canada health services for my family? When does health card start working?
A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for a wide range of services but it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.
To apply for OHIP coverage, you must visit a ServiceOntario centre in person.
Find a ServiceOntario centre near you.
Most of your Ontario health benefits are covered across Canada. The province or territory you are visiting will usually bill the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care directly for hospital and physician services. In Quebec, you may have to pay for physician services and then submit your receipt to your local ministry office for payment.
See the Questions and Answers page for detailed information on OHIP and for the ServiceOntario centre nearest you that provides Health Card services.
Eligibility
Ontario residents are eligible for provincially funded health coverage (OHIP). The following a list that of scenarios that will make you eligible for Ontario health coverage:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for OHIP as set out in Ontario’s Health Insurance Act ; and
- Be physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period; and
- Be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province; and
- Make your primary place of residence in Ontario.
OHIP coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario. The ministry strongly encourages new and returning residents to purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the OHIP waiting period.
More information can be found at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/default.aspx
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/family/index.html
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-system-systeme-sante/cards-cartes/health-role-sante-eng.php
