You can apply for Ontario Health Card (OHIP) as soon as you have all the required documentation. However, there is a 3-month waiting period before you receive your card and your OHIP coverage begins.
To apply and get a Health Card (OHIP), you need to fill out an OHIP application and submit documents with your application.

Get an application form Ontario central form repository or get it from your local Service Ontario Office

Fill out the application.

Gather all the required documents, for a complete list of documents you may refer to Service Ontario website

You need to visit your local Service Ontario OHIP office and apply for OHIP in person

To apply for a Health Card; you need to present 1 document from each of the following 3 categories.

1- Proof of Citizenship

Canadian Citizens

Birth Certificate from a Canadian province or territory (issued under the Vital Statistics Act)

Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad

Certified Statement of Live Birth from a Canadian province or territory

Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (paper document or card, not commemorative issue)

Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)

Registered Indian Record (certified)

Valid Canadian Passport or a Canadian passport that has been expired for less than 5 years

Temporary Confirmation of Registration Document

Permanent Residents (Landed Immigrants)

Canadian Immigration Identification Card

Valid Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Card that has been expired for less than 5 years

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292 or IMM5688)

Record of Landing (IMM1000)

Other Temporary Residents

Letter from Immigration and Refugee Board confirming Convention Refugee or Protected Person status

Protected Person Status document

Temporary Resident Permit (only some cases)

Work Permit (only some cases)

Written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you are eligible to apply for permanent residence

Written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship

Verification of status (IMM 5716 or IMM 5715)

2- Proof of Residency

Child Tax Benefit Statement

Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)

Income tax assessment (most recent)

Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)

Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)

Mortgage, rental or lease agreement

Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)

Property tax bill

School, college or university report card or transcript

Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works

Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program

Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E

Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)

Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)

Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)

Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence

Temporary Driver’s Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007

Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution

Valid Ontario Photo Card

3- Support of Identity

Canadian Immigration Identification Card

Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (plastic card)

Certificate of Indian Status (paper or plastic card)

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292, only if signature is displayed)

Credit card

Current employee ID card or document

Current professional association licence

Old Age Security card

Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program

Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E

Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)

Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)

Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)

Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence

Temporary Driver’s Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007

Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution

Valid Ontario Photo Card

Some Notes on OHIP Coverage

OHIP pays for all or part of most basic medical and emergency services. However, it does not pay for some services such as cosmetic surgery (dental or physical), dental services or chiropractic services.
And it also pays for parts of the costs of the following services:

Some services from your doctor, and podiatrists

Physiotherapy treatments

Dental services in hospitals

Eye tests

Travel costs: if you live in northern Ontario and must travel long distances for specialty medical care, OHIP may pay some travel costs.

Although OHIP may cover some costs when you travel outside of Ontario or Canada; the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care recommends that you get private health insurance when you travel or to pay for services not covered by OHIP

Private health insurance is another option for those services that are not covered under OHIP, for newcomers and visitors to Canada and for those who are not eligible for OHIP

To find a private health insurance company, you can use “find insurance” tool from the OmbudService for life and Insurance website.

Insurance brokers are also an alternative to insurance companies. Brokers represent several different insurance companies and can tell you about your choices.