Renew Your Ontario Health Card
Your health card must be renewed every 5 years to keep your OHIP coverage active. Renewal is free and takes about 5 minutes online.
Find Your Renewal Method
Answer a few quick questions and we will tell you exactly how to renew.
Renewal Instructions by Age Group
The fastest way to renew is online. The process takes about five minutes, costs nothing, and your new card will arrive by mail in 4 to 6 weeks.
You will need all three of these:
To be eligible for online renewal, you must:
If you cannot renew online, or if you need a new photo or signature, visit any ServiceOntario centre.
Bring these documents with you:
If your Canadian citizenship or immigration status has changed since your last health card was issued, also bring your most recent citizenship or immigration document.
If you are applying under a married name for the first time, bring your marriage certificate as well.
ServiceOntario now offers video call appointments so you can renew your health card from home without visiting a centre.
You may be eligible if:
If you are unable to visit a ServiceOntario centre for medical reasons, you can renew through a medical exemption process. A licensed Ontario physician or nurse practitioner must complete a Medical Exemption Request form on your behalf.
Two options are available:
Have someone go on your behalf. They can bring your completed medical exemption form, your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your renewal form to a ServiceOntario centre.
Renew by mail. Send the completed exemption form, your original identity and residency documents, and your renewal form by registered mail or courier to ServiceOntario at PO Box 48, 49 Place D'Armes, Kingston ON K7L 5J3. Your original documents will be returned to you along with your new card.
For children under 15 and a half, renewal is usually handled by mail. The renewal notice sent to your home will explain the steps. In many cases, you can also complete and submit the renewal application online.
To qualify for the online form, the child must:
If the renewal notice says an in-person visit is required, bring three original documents to a ServiceOntario centre:
You can print a replacement copy of the renewal form online. If you have also lost the return envelope, mail the completed form in a regular envelope to:
PO Box 48
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3
If you are over 15 and a half, you must renew your health card in person at a ServiceOntario centre. This is required because a photo and signature need to be taken for the first time.
Bring two original documents:
If your Canadian citizenship or immigration status has changed since your current card was issued, bring your most recent citizenship or immigration document as well.
Find a ServiceOntario centre →If you are between 75 and 79, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario centre so that a new photo can be taken.
Find a ServiceOntario centre →Seniors aged 80 and older can usually renew by mail. Your renewal notice will confirm whether this option is available and will provide step-by-step instructions.
If your notice directs you to visit in person, bring two original documents proving your residency and identity.
You can print a replacement renewal form online. If you need a return envelope, mail the form in a regular envelope to:
PO Box 48
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3
Additional Information
You will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre and have your photo taken if any of the following apply:
When having your photo taken:
ServiceOntario is committed to making its services accessible. If you need accommodations such as a sign language interpreter, reach out 2 to 3 days before your visit so the team can prepare.
Your signature must be a straightforward signing of your name. ServiceOntario will not accept signatures that contain extra statements or symbols.
If your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement process is different from a standard renewal. Visit the dedicated page for full details on how to get a replacement card.
Learn about replacements →ServiceOntario offers free reminders by email, text message, or phone call so you never miss a renewal deadline. Sign up once and you will be notified well in advance each time your health card is due for renewal.
Sign up for reminders →