Healthcare in Hamilton

Hospitals & Healthcare Providers

Hamilton is a regional centre for health care and professional training. Hamilton’s hospitals offer advanced treatments and employ some of the most talented medical professionals in Canada. Hamilton is fortunate to have many great health care services and facilities.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan, called OHIP, is a publicly-funded healthcare system. It covers the cost of many basic health services for residents of Ontario.

Who's Eligible?

Ontario residents are eligible for coverage. Generally, 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.

• For more information about eligibility requirements, visit Am I eligible for Ontario health insurance coverage?

Access to healthcare for refugee claimants and other refugee groups awaiting their OHIP card.

If you are a refugee claimant, a protected person, or a government-assisted or privately sponsored refugee and are waiting to get your OHIP card, you are eligible for the Government of Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which will allow you to access healthcare. In most cases, you don’t have to apply for IFHP. Learn more at www.canada.ca/ifhp.

Apply for OHIP Coverage

To apply for OHIP coverage you must go in person to a ServiceOntario centre.

• Complete the Registration for Ontario Health Coverage Form
• Submit it with the necessary original documents, photocopies are not accepted:
  • Proof of Citizenship or OHIP-Eligible Immigration Status
  • Proof of Residency in Ontario
  • Support of Identity

View the Ontario Health Insurance Coverage Document List for acceptable ID documents when applying for Ontario health coverage.

Other OHIP Forms: Health Card renewal, Change of Address, Organ and Tissue Donor Registration 

Find a ServiceOntario centre near you

Greater Hamilton Health Network

The Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) is one of the first Ontario Health Teams in the province. Ontario Health Teams are transforming healthcare in partnership with patients, families, care partners, primary care, local organizations, and the community.

A collaboration of local health and social service partners, the GHHN includes representation from more than 30 organizations, including the City of Hamilton. Together, they are a dedicated group of professionals, organizations, and people with lived experience working to co-design a patient-centered health system grounded in engagement, health equity, and the local needs of the communities they serve.

To learn about their priorities and work, find local services and resources, access Online Appointment Booking with local primary care providers, and more, visit the GHHN’s website at www.greaterhamiltonhealthnetwork.ca.