Learn how to renew an Ontario health card. You need a valid card to get coverage through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan ( OHIP ).
The renewed card will be mailed to you in approximately 4 to 6 weeks
Valid for 5 years
You must renew your health card every 5 years
Renew your health card online using your valid driver’s licence or valid Ontario Photo Card as proof of identity and residency in Ontario. Your driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card will not be renewed as part of this transaction.
Make sure you have:
Reminder: It’s important that you download, print and carry the temporary document(s).
Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:
You may be able to renew both your health card and driver’s licence if they expire at the same time and you don’t need a new photo/signature.
Make sure you have:
Reminder: It’s important that you download, print and carry the temporary document(s).
Sign up for renewal reminders
Never forget to renew again!
Sign up to get free reminders by email, text message, or phone call when it's time to renew your health card.
When you go to the centre, bring the following with you:
You may be required to provide additional documents to confirm Ontario is your primary place of residence if your health card is already expired and/or you have been out of the province for more than 7 months in the last 12-month period.
You may also be able to renew your health card through a virtual appointment with a ServiceOntario customer service representative. Learn more about virtual appointments.
Signatures with "add-on statements" or illustrations will not be accepted. If your signature has not been accepted, you will need to correct your signature before you can receive your new health card.
The examples below are considered ‘add-ons’ and are not accepted:
Renewing an Ontario health card is free.
The renewed card will be mailed to you in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
If you have a child under 15 ½ years old, in most cases you will be able to renew his or her health card by mail. The renewal notice you received in the mail will give you your next steps.
You may be able to submit the application online if the child:
Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:
If you have a child under 15 ½ years old, in most cases you will be able to renew his or her health card by mail. The renewal notice you received in the mail will give you your next steps.
If your child’s renewal notice says you need to visit a ServiceOntario centre, bring three original documents from the Ontario Health Coverage Document List:
Note: your child does not need to be with you.
If you have lost the renewal reminder, you can print another copy of the form.
For lost return address envelopes, you may instead mail a copy of the form in a regular plain envelope addressed to:
ServiceOntario
PO Box 48
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3
If you’re over 15½ years old, you must renew your Ontario health card in person.
Visit a ServiceOntario centre with two original documents from the Ontario Health Coverage Document List:
If your Canadian Citizenship or immigration status has changed since you received your current health card, you also need to bring your most recent Citizenship or immigration document.
In most cases, you can renew a health card by mail. The renewal reminder will confirm if this option is available to you and will give you your next steps.
If your renewal notice says you need to visit a ServiceOntario centre.
Bring two original documents from the Ontario Health Coverage Document List with you:
If your Canadian Citizenship or immigration status has changed since you got your current health card, you also need to bring your most recent Citizenship or immigration document.
If you have lost your renewal reminder, you can print another copy of the form.
For lost return address envelopes, you may instead mail a copy of the form in a regular plain envelope addressed to:
ServiceOntario
PO Box 48
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3
ServiceOntario is now offering virtual appointments to renew health cards.
A virtual appointment is a video call with a ServiceOntario customer service representative to help you renew your health card from home, without visiting in-person at a ServiceOntario centre.
This virtual appointment pilot service is currently available if your health card is not expired yet and you:
Further requirements may apply. Call ServiceOntario to learn more about virtual appointments.
If you cannot visit a ServiceOntario centre for a medical reason, you must have a licenced Ontario physician or nurse practitioner complete a Health Card Medical Exemption Request form.
You can submit a health card medical exemption request to renew your health card:
Call ServiceOntario if you have any questions about renewing your health card with a medical exemption.
The completed medical exemption form, along with your required original proof of identity and proof of residency documents and your completed renewal form, can be brought into a ServiceOntario centre by someone else on your behalf to renew your health card in-person.
To submit a medical exemption request form to renew your health card by mail, send us your documents by registered mail (Canada Post) or courier, including your:
ServiceOntario
49 Place D'Armes
PO BOX 48
Kingston ON K7L 5J3
When your health card renewal has been completed, ServiceOntario will mail your new health card and original documents to you.
Call ServiceOntario to learn more about renewing your health card with a medical exemption by mail.
ServiceOntario is committed to ensuring our services are accessible.
Please let us know what you need 2-3 days before your visit. We will work with you to determine the type of accommodation we can provide. This can include a sign language interpreter.
You will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre and get your photo taken if:
You may be able to renew your health card online if you have:
If you are between 75 and 80, you have to renew your health card in-person at your nearest ServiceOntario centre to take a new photo. If you are 80 or older, you can also renew your health card by mail. Learn more about health card and driver’s licence renewals for seniors over 80.
To renew online, you must have a valid driver’s licence or Ontario Photo Card to prove your identity and that you live in Ontario.
