OHIP is a remarkable thing. You can see a doctor, get referred to a specialist, have surgery, and spend a week in a hospital, all without paying a cent. But there are major gaps in provincial coverage that catch newcomers off guard every single year.
What OHIP Doesn't Cover
Here's what you'll pay out of pocket without supplemental insurance:
- Prescription drugs: Most adults under 65 pay for medications themselves. A single prescription can cost $30–$200+.
- Dental care: A routine cleaning runs $150–$250. Fillings, root canals, crowns, costs add up quickly.
- Vision care: One pair of prescription glasses easily costs $300–$600. Eye exams for adults over 19 are not covered by OHIP.
- Physiotherapy and massage: Covered only in limited hospital settings.
- Ambulance: A land ambulance ride in Ontario costs up to $45 for insured patients, but much more without coverage.
- Mental health: Therapy outside of hospital settings is entirely out of pocket unless insured.
Employer Group Benefits: Always Enroll
If your Ottawa employer offers group health benefits, enroll immediately, even if you're healthy and think you won't need it. Group plans are heavily subsidized by employers and offer coverage you couldn't buy individually at the same price. Review your benefits booklet within your first week of employment.
Individual and Family Plans
If your employer doesn't offer benefits (common in contract, part-time, or gig work), you'll need an individual plan. Major providers in Canada include:
- Manulife FlexCare or FollowMe
- Sun Life Personal Health Insurance
- Blue Cross (Ontario)
- Green Shield Canada
- Industrial Alliance
Prices vary widely. A basic dental + drug plan for one person starts around $80–$120/month. Comprehensive family plans can run $300–$500/month.
What to Compare When Choosing a Plan
- Drug coverage: Look for 80% reimbursement with a reasonable annual cap (at least $5,000)
- Dental: Check if it covers basic (cleanings, fillings), major (crowns, root canals), and orthodontics separately
- Vision: $200–$300 every two years is standard; more is better
- Paramedical: Physiotherapy, massage, psychology, important if you use these
- Waiting periods: Some plans make you wait 3–6 months before dental claims are eligible
- Pre-existing conditions: Many plans exclude conditions you had before enrolling
Ontario's New Dental Care Programs
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launched in 2024 for uninsured Canadians with household income under $90,000. If you're a new permanent resident without employer benefits, you may qualify. Check canada.ca/dental for eligibility and enrollment.
For children under 12 in Ontario, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and federal programs have expanded coverage, check what applies to your family.
Ottawa-Specific Tip
The Somerset West and Centretown Community Health Centres offer sliding-scale dental care for low-income Ottawa residents. If you're newly arrived and uninsured, these are real options while you get set up.
Action Step
Within your first month in Ottawa: check your employer benefits, research individual plans if needed, and apply to CDCP if you're uninsured and income-eligible. Don't wait for a dental emergency to find out you're not covered.
