Hello,

I landed 3 years ago and applied for the ohip card. Since then I have lived outside Canada and have not used the card.

Would appreciate inputs on -

1. is the card valid, if not, is it still "useable" i.e what happens if I present it to a doctor? Does the doctor know whether the card is valid or not?
2. if the card is not "useable" what should I do? Do I need to wait for 3months for ohip coverage to kick in?

rgds

newboyo

Assuming that you have the green colored OHIP card with your photo on it, please take it out and read all the information printed.






By this time, you should have got your answer.

Otherwise see the FAQs at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ohip/ohipfaq_dt.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Give free food http://www.thehungersite.com ||

NewBoyo

Is there any penalty by keeping the OHIP card & staying outside of Canada????

there is no penalty to keep the OHIP card and staying outside Canada, as far as you are filing your taxes on time, your card is valid.

Now another story is if you file tax as you are not living in Canada then of course the card become invalid, as they consider that you are not resident of Ontario anymore. You need to be physically present in Canada for 180 days in 1 years in order to be resident.

Now if you take this card to the doctor's office they try to swap it and will tell you that you can use it or not. if the card is not usable they will ask you to pay up front (before even you reach to the doctor)

HTH

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Regards,