Ontario Health Card renewal from out of Canada??

I phoned them. The first agent couldn't understand the question which is surprising because they must get calls from dummies like me who forgot to renew their card.

The second agent understood and said basically that it's not a problem unless I'm going to be out of the province for more than 7 months (I knew that part - coverage lapses after 7 months). She said I need to renew the card as soon as I get home to Ontario in order to get medical service but that the coverage doesn't lapse and therefore my emergency medical coverage doesn't lapse for the month between my birthday and my return to Ontario.

This is good news but I'm going to send them a letter detailing this phone discussion and ask them to reply in writing that it's not an issue.

naysmitj wrote:
Can't you just go in and renew it now

Does Service Ontario have an office in Florida?

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
If you are away and are not using it why do you need to renew it before you get back.

As others have pointed out, I need to renew it because my supplementary insurance is void without OHIP.

Travel insurance is a suppliment to your OHIP.
After that due date you are not insured!
I would make sure I was home by then.

Give your MPP's office a call and see if there is anything they can do to get you an extension until you return home.

One of the requirements of the extended health insurance is you have Gov't health insurance. That's right in all the contracts if you have a claim.

Toban

Can't you just go in and renew it now

If you are away and are not using it why do you need to renew it before you get back. I was away on vacation and the same thing happened to me. In fact I came home to use it and it was denied by my doctor. Went that same day and renewed it and went back to doc. No worries. Had been expired about 2 months.

My opinion is that you will be ok with renewing in April.

Give them a call and ask. You do not need to give them any further details.

From what I understand you have to renew it in person at any Ontario Licence office or Ontario Services locations. The OHIP card is a photo ID for medical services and to avoid fraud, impersonation etc., personal renewal is generally required. Hopefully you have additional coverage like medipac, blue cross, or other travellers health insurance. Look up Ontario Gov Services on the internet and give them a call. The best answer is from the horses mouth. Good Luck.

B.