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