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Healthcare

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Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

The IFHP temporarily pays for medical services before the newcomer receives the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

The following may be covered under the IFHP:

  • Hospital visits
  • Ambulance
  • Pregnancy services
  • Some vision and dental care
  • Home care and long-term care
  • Prescription medication

Some walk-in clinics, dentists and other healthcare providers do not accept IFHP. Please confirm before using their services.

Hotel Dieu Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre located at 166 Brock Street, does accept IFHP. No appointment is necessary. The Centre is open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm for non-emergencies.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Ontario has a universal healthcare system through OHIP. Most basic medical emergency services will be covered under OHIP. Everyone must show their OHIP card when they seek medical help. Please apply for an OHIP card for every member of the family as soon as possible. Babies born in Ontario immediately have OHIP coverage.

To apply, please visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring:

  • A completed Registration for Ontario Health Coverage Form
  • Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Residence Document (IMM 5292)
  • Proof of Ontario residency, such as an Ontario Driver’s License, Photo Card, utility bill or rental agreement
  • Proof of identity, such as a credit card

Finding a Family Doctor

Generally, people in Canada have a family doctor. A family doctor is a doctor who is usually the first to diagnose and treat health issues.

To find a family doctor, please try:

  • Registering with Health Care Connect by calling 1 (800) 445-1822 or visiting their website – An OHIP Card to use this service
  • Asking friends or family if their doctor is accepting new patients
  • Reaching out to KCHC – Immigrant Services to see if they know of any doctors accepting new patients

It can take years to find a family doctor. Individuals who are pregnant or have severe health conditions may have priority access to a family doctor.

Dental Care

Dental care is usually not covered under OHIP except under some circumstances such as some emergency surgeries. Some dental care may be covered by IFHP, Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Low-income seniors and children may have dental coverage under Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Not all clinics accept these forms of coverages.

The KCHC – Dental Clinic provides dental care to low-income individuals and families with limited or no access to dental care. To book an appointment, please call (613) 542- 2949.

Mental Health

There are a few ways to get free or low-cost mental health support in Kingston.

Resolve Counselling Services
For individuals, couples and families
417 Bagot Street
(613) 549-7850

Maltby Centre
For children and youth aged 25 and under
100-31 Hyperion Court
1 (844) 855-8340

Kingston Interval House
Group and individual counselling for women, children and youth who have experienced abuse, phone interpretation in other languages can be provided
(613) 546-1777

Additionally, some private therapists and counsellors accept IFHP.