Attn Canadian snowbirds

Last time I checked Ontario OHIP would allow you to be out of the province/country for up to 2 years twice in your lifetime if you applied. Not sure if the out-of country providers would insure the added time or not.

For us, the 6 month time frame suits. Maybe they want to stop those "citizens of convenience" that use the government services to get flown back from war zones when fighting breaks out at taxpayers expense.