How long can I be absent from Canada and still maintain my OHIP coverage?
You may be temporarily outside of Canada for a total of
212 days in any 12 month period and still maintain your OHIP coverage as long as your primary place of residence is still in Ontario. However, the ministry does have extended absence provisions which are outlined below.
Absences Outside Canada
You may be eligible for continuous OHIP coverage during a longer absence when you are away for one of the following reasons :
- Study outside of Canada
- Work outside of Canada
- Charitable work outside of Canada
To be eligible for continuous OHIP coverage during one of these absences, you must first have been physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in each of the 12-month periods for 2 consecutive years immediately before the absence. Different physical presence requirements may apply if you are an Ontario student studying full-time outside of Ontario but within Canada, and you choose to continue your studies at an educational institution outside of Canada.
To confirm continuous OHIP coverage during any longer absence from Ontario, you should contact your local
ServiceOntario centre before you leave the province. You will need to show a document explaining the reason for your absence as required; for example, a letter from your school, employer or sponsoring charitable organization.