Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
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, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.
Ontario residents are eligible for provincially funded health coverage (OHIP). Generally, to be eligible for Ontario health coverage you must:
- 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 Hamilton OHIP office is located at:
119 King Street West, 10th Floor
Hamilton, ON
Further information can be found on the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) website.
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) was created in 1994 to provide affordable insurance to pay the cost of the hospital and medical services that students or employees at participating universities and colleges in Ontario and their families might need to maintain their health while in Canada. The Plan provides coverage comparable to that of OHIP for Ontario residents.
For all individuals entering Ontario for the first time and for those who are returning and whose OHIP coverage has lapsed, the University Health Insurance Plan will provide for basic health care coverage during the first three months. Enrollment in this program is mandatory for those who do not have OHIP coverage.
If you are coming from another province, your existing medical coverage may cover the three month waiting period until your OHIP coverage begins. If a spouse or dependent(s) are travelling with you, they will also need to apply for coverage under OHIP / UHIP.
The cost of UHIP is the responsibility of the recruit. Coverage begins the first day of your appointment.
Human Resource Services administers UHIP for all McMaster Employees. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Advisor or working@atmcmaster.ca.
For further information, please visit the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) website.
Hamilton Walk In Clinics
A list of local walk-in clinics can be found on the Working at McMaster website.