Health Card Services - OHIP FAQs

1. How do I get an Ontario health card?
2. How do I change my name on my health card to my married name?
3. How do I change my name on my health card upon dissolution of my marriage?
4. If I have had my name legally changed, how do I have my new name put on my health card?
5. What should I do if I move?
6. Why is it important for me to notify the ministry when I move?
7. Where can I find more information about the Ontario Health Insurance Plan?

1.  How do I get an Ontario health card?
If you have never had an Ontario health card, you must apply to OHIP in order to get a photo health card. To apply:

1. Go in person to your nearest Health Card Services - OHIP office.
2. Complete a Registration for Ontario Health Coverage (form 0265-82).
3. Provide the necessary original documents.

If there is no office in your area, you may require information about temporary Outreach Registration sites. For this information, call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-800-664-8988 and ask for information about Outreach.

2. How do I change my name on my health card to my married name?
To change your name on your health card to reflect your married name, you must visit a Health Card Services - OHIP office, complete a Change of Information (form 0280-82) and present the original of one of the following:

• A marriage certificate
• Certified statement of marriage
• Change of name certificate
• A record of marriage form (must be the original issued and signed by the clergy member, judge or justice of the peace who performed the marriage and it must contain the name of both spouses, the date of the marriage and licence number)

If you do not already have a photo health card, you must also provide three original documents to prove citizenship, Ontario residence and identity.

If you have any questions regarding your own specific situation, call ServiceOntario, INFOline  at 1-800-664-8988.

3. How do I change my name on my health card upon dissolution of my marriage?
To change your name on your health card to reflect your birth name or a previous married name, you must visit a Health Card Services - OHIP office, complete a Change of Information (form 0280-82) and present the original of one of the following:

• Final divorce certificate
• Birth certificate
• Change of name certificate
• Citizenship/immigration status document in the name requested
• Citizenship/immigration status document for the name currently on your health card and a marriage document audit trail backward to the name requested

If you do not already have a photo health card, you must also provide three original documents to prove citizenship, Ontario residence and identity.

If you have any questions regarding your own specific situation, call ServiceOntario, INFOline  at 1-800-664-8988.

4. If I have had my name legally changed, how do I have my new name put on my health card?
To change your name on your health card to reflect your new legal name, you must visit a Health Card Services - OHIP office, complete a Change of Information (form 0280-82) and present the original of one of the following:

• Certified copy of the court order for a change in name
• Change of name certificate
• Adoption court order

If you do not already have a photo health card, you must also provide three original documents to prove citizenship, Ontario residence and identity.

If you have any questions regarding your own specific situation, call ServiceOntario, INFOline  at 1-800-664-8988.

5. What should I do if I move?
You are required by law to inform the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care if you change your address. It is important that the ministry has your current address to keep your coverage active and for any direct communication with you.

There are four ways to update your address:

1.  Change your address online.

2.  Go to any ServiceOntario kiosk.  You will need your health card and the health cards of family members living with you as well as your new address and postal code.

3.  Obtain a Change of Address form (1057-82), complete and return it by mail. Forms are available from your local Health Card Services - OHIP office or from Forms Online.

4.  Send a letter to your local Health Card Services - OHIP office. You must include your name, health number, telephone number, current address, and new address including postal code.

If you have a photo health card and update your home address, you will receive a new card.  Your address will not be shown on the back of the card.

If you have a red and white health card, or a photo health card that does not show your address on the back of the card, you will continue to use it and the ministry database will be updated with your change of address information.

6. Why is it important for me to notify the ministry when I move?
It is important that the ministry has your current address to keep your coverage active.

The ministry needs your current address so that you can receive information that is mailed to you, such as renewal notices.

You may tell your health care provider that you have a new address, but this information is not always sent to the ministry. You should tell the ministry directly that you have a new address.

7.  Where can I find more information about the Ontario Health Insurance Plan?
More information can be found on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.