Hi,
I'm a temporary worker in canada ,having my work permit until sept 2011.

i will apply for extension of my open work permit soon, but am pregnant now.

I may not be able to renew my existing OHIP , unless I and husband receive our extended work permits. I might quit my job to take care of my health.

We are going to apply our PR under Canadian Experience Class by Sept 1st week @ Buffalo.


Is there any option to manage my delivery expenses without OHIP ?

the costs without insurance or OHIP will be exhorbitant, make wise decison at the earliest

My advice is if you are in the beginning of your pregnacy is better go back home - Back home medical is cheaper comparing to Canada - You will have your family around you - forget of Canadian citizenship as it will cost u a lot, if you can afford then its ok.

Cost of C Section is around $10 000 and it cost a lot for prenatal routine overhere.

Once your PR application is approved then u, and ur baby can get the Citizenship later on.

Now it is urs and ur baby health which is concerned the most.

Take immediate action

Best luck

quest and newyork - Thanks for your response.


We do have an insurance, but not sure how far can we claim our medical expenses .

We had a similar experience.
In our case my application for the Work Permit Renewal was already submitted but there was a delay in getting the renewal. At the same time our application for the PR was also under process in Buffalo

We wrote an application to the health authorities explaining everything and we were granted extension for four months.

This is normally done case by case basis.

During that time we checked with the hospital and the total expense for a C-Section with two days stay in the hospital was about 25000. You don't have to pay all in lump sum. You can always talk to the hospital and they might accept to take the money over a period of time.

We talked to our MP also but he could not do much as Health Authorities will only talk to you.

If you are covered by a private insurance company via your work, you can talk to them also. We tried this option also and we were offered a plan where the monthly premium was about $ 500 and coverage was for about 3 months but we did not opt for it as by that time our health card was extended by the province.

I live in Nova Scotia..

In Nova Scotia, private coverage is available only if your health card is valid. Not sure about rules in your province

john - thanks so much for the info !!


I live in Ontario, and am now concerned about getting my extension and OHIP.

If luck doesn't favor me, I might have to go back for which am not actually interested for.

Whom should we consult for OHIP coverage ? Are there any chances that they might consider our case if PR application is in process ?

Actually in our case MSI (equivalent of OHIP in Nova Scotia) agreed because our PR was almost processed but could not be completed due to non receipt of medicals for my wife. She was pregnant at that time and X ray could not be done.

One thing very important, If you came to Canada as visitor along with your husband who came on a work permit, then either of your visa extension should be sufficient to get extension for the health coverage. This I am assuming that on his work permit, you are still shown as dependent or accompanying spouse.

Even if you have not applied for PR, I suggest to do the following:

-You (or your husband) Write an application to OHIP explaining the circumstances
-Include any evidence that you or your husband have applied for the work permit extension
-Include any evidence from your or your husband employer that they want to extend your (your husband) contract/work permit.

You should also check the rules in your province regarding extension of work permit and LMO.