I lost my health card, can I see a doctor? (Ontario Canada)?

Question

I can't find my health card. It's probably somewhere in my room but I don't have time to look for it. Can I see a doctor anyway? If I pay for the visit, can I get reimbursed by the government when I find my card?

I'm a regular Ontario, Canada citizen.

Answer 1

You can go to a walk-in clinic and as long as you have ID, you can visit a doctor, but you will have to pay up-front first.

Answer 2

Go and find your health care card before someone else does and uses it fraudulently! If you have truly lost it then you had better report it lost. There is enough health care card fraud that we taxpayers are paying for that we cannot afford to allow carelessness to facilitate!

Answer 3

If you are on file then sure. I never bring my wallet to the doctor's. But I did register my info initially. Hospitals will keep a good record as well.

Answer 4

Your doctor can ask you to pay up front.  Other doctor's will give you a certain time period to get a new card and you can call them with the number and version code.  Some doctors will have you fill out what is called a "health number release form" where you give your name and date of birth and authorize the Ministry of Health to give out your health number and current version code.  (which is where having the number on file doesnt cut it for people with photo health cards-the version code changes when you renew, and older photo cards changed version codes if you changed your address)

If your doctor does ask for you to pay, AND if it is a covered benefit of OHIP you can fill out forms to be reimbursed by OHIP.  Expect to wait awhile though, for reimbursement.

If your address is correct on file & you have a photo health card, you can call OHIP and report your card as lost and they will send you a new one in about 4 weeks.  (there is a delay right now)  If you do not have your current address on file, you have to go to an OHIP office to change your address (they will give you a print out to use in the meantime) or you can mail your address into OHIP and a card will come out to you.  (Address changes cannot be done over the phone-nor can OHIP give out your number over the phone)

If you have a red and white health card, you need to go to an office to get another other card.  You will need 3 different things.  One is your proof of Canadian citizenship.  (eg Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Passport, Status Card)  One is proof of your current Canadian residence.  (Ontario drivers license, utility billl-MUST show a residencial address, not box number)  The last is an item off their list with your name AND signature on it.  (credit card, bank card etc)

All documents must be original-no photocopies.