Everyone should be able to access healthcare.
SUBMENU
Primary Care | Sexual Health Clinics | Gender Affirming Care | Pregnancy Care | Abortion Care | Tuberculosis Prevention and Control | Dental Services | Harm Reduction Programs | Optometrist (Eye Care) | Medications | Immunization | Accessing Emergency Healthcare | Intimate Partner Violence | Mental Health Services | Palliative Care
Services & Resources in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Being able to access services that keep people healthy is important to the well-being of our communities. There are a variety of healthcare services available to uninsured people. This includes undocumented people and people who do not have OHIP. We have detailed these services below.
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Paying for care with a family doctor at a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic.
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https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/contact-us
1-866-797-0007
Health Connect Ontario is a free, confidential telephone and chat service people can connect with to get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse. You do not need OHIP to use this service and you do not have to provide any personal contact information. Health Connect Ontario is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can offer translation support in multiple languages.
Primary Care
Primary care is a broad term used in Canada to describe health services provided in the community e.g. seeing a family doctor, nurse practitioner, social worker in a clinic. This includes diagnosis, treatment and management of health problems as well as disease prevention and health promotion services. Seeing these providers in a clinic is often the place of first contact with the healthcare system.
What are the options for accessing primary care if uninsured?
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These clinics have been set up specifically to serve uninsured people. Some operate as a walk-in, others requiring appointments. There are 5 located within the GTA:
Canadian Centre for Immigrant and Refugee Health
https://www.healthequity.ca
Community Volunteer Clinic as well as the Swan Program (for women)4158 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough ON
For appointments:
(647) 267-2176 or info@healthequity.caMuslim Welfare Centre
https://www.muslimwelfarecentre.com/freeclinics/
Free Medical Clinic for the uninsured. Serve everyone regardless of religion or ethnicity.
2 locations:
Scarborough (100 McLevin Ave, Unit 2A)
Mississauga (796 Burnhamthorpe Rd West, Unit 2)
For appointments at either location call 647-641-1027
Access Alliance - Non-Insured Walk-in Clinic (NIWIC)
https://accessalliance.ca/programs-services/primary-health-care-services/non-insured-walk-in-clinic/
Offers free health care services on a first come, first served basis as well as appointment basis.
761 Jane Street, Toronto - Walk-in
Check website for hours of operation or call 416-760-2810
FCJ Refugee Centre - Primary Health Clinic - run by the Inner City Health Associates (ICHA)
https://www.fcjrefugeecentre.org/our-programs/settlement-programs/health-clinic/
208 Oakwood Ave. Toronto.
To schedule an appointment:
By phone (call Tuesday): 416 469 9754 ext. 230
By email: clinic@fcjrefugeecentre.org
Mennonite New Life Centre - Health for All Partnership (HAP Clinic)
https://mnlct.org/community-health-services/
Registered-Nurse (RN)-led clinic offering free and confidential care for those without OHIP.
1122 Finch Ave West, Unit 23, Toronto
Contact:
By email: chs@mnlct.org
By phone: 647-812-1332 ext. 4400
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CHCs are non-profit organizations that provide primary health and health promotion programs for individuals, families and communities. These Centres provide services for uninsured. Some have more experience doing this than others. There are 44 CHCs, including satellites, in the GTA each one with a specific catchment area (definition: the clinic’s services are restricted to people living within certain areas) and eligibility criteria (definition: specific rules about who can be registered as a patient. For example: some CHCs are focussed on seeing youth and will only serve people under the age of 29).
To find the closest CHC, use the Find a Centre Tool on the Alliance for Healthier Communities Website to get connected. It is a good idea to call ahead to confirm eligibility.
Sexual Health Clinics
Sexual Health Clinics provide free sexual health testing, counselling and treatment services to all individuals, including uninsured people. Clinics are staffed by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other healthcare providers. All services are free and confidential. No referral is required to access services.
Sexual Health Clinic services include:
birth control counselling
low-cost birth control
sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing & treatment
HIV testing (including anonymous HIV testing), counselling & referral
free Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines (for eligible individuals)
emergency contraceptive pill
pregnancy testing, counselling & referral
free condoms
In Toronto, Sexual Health Clinics are run in partnership with Toronto Public Health, with multiple clinics located across the city. To find a clinic and details about how to access care, please visit the Toronto Public Health Sexual Health Clinic website.
To find other Sexual Health Clinics across Ontario, please visit the Sexual Health Ontario website.
The Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) is a free, anonymous and inclusive eChat and phone service for all Ontario residents, including uninsured residents. This service is staffed by counsellors who provide information, support and referrals in English, French and multiple other languages on sexual health topics. To speak to a counsellor, call SHILO at 416-392-2437 or toll-free at 1-800-668-2437 or eChat here: https://www.sexualhealthontario.ca/en/chat
Gender Affirming Care
Gender Affirming Care is a holistic approach to health care that respects and supports a person’s gender identity. It includes services from health providers and institutions that are culturally sensitive and provide easy (low-barrier) access to care. This can include hormone therapy, surgeries, mental health support, and other services that help affirm and support a person’s gender expression. Gender Affirming Care can be adapted to meet each person’s needs in a safe and respectful way.
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In Ontario, it can be hard to access basic health care, especially gender-affirming care. There are many barriers. Some services, like surgeries or hormone therapy, may not be covered by public or private health insurance. This makes it difficult for trans people to get the care they need to live healthy lives.
Many health care workers do not have the right training to support trans and non-binary people in a respectful and informed way. This can cause harm, delay care, and make people feel unsafe.
There are also problems with health records. For example, it can be hard to change names or gender markers in the system. This can create more stress and confusion when getting care.
Recently, gender-affirming care has become a political issue. Some laws and policies are transphobic, and make it harder for trans and non-binary people to access safe, respectful health care. This adds to the challenges they already face, especially if undocumented.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
What is it?
Gender-affirming Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment where people take hormones, like estrogen or testosterone, or use hormone blockers. These help their bodies develop physical traits that look more masculine or feminine. For transgender and gender-fluid people, hormone therapy can help improve mental health and quality of life by making their outer appearance match their gender identity more closely.
Who can prescribe it?
HRT can be prescribed by any primary care provider such as a Registered Nurse Practitioner or a Physician.
If your provider isn’t able to offer gender-affirming care, see resources listed below. You can ask to be referred to an endocrinologist.
How can you access it if you don’t have OHIP?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) covers HRT.
If you are registered with a Community Health Centre, ask your provider about getting a prescription and about possible costs.
Not all doctors and walk-in clinics are welcoming, but technically any doctor should be able to make a referral and offer treatment — you may just need to pay out of pocket.
If you’re looking for Gender-Affirming Care referrals, you can visit the Health Justice Hub at The 519 on Wednesdays from 10–12 PM and 3–5 PM. They may be able to refer you to clinics where you can see a provider, but exams and hormones will need to be paid for.
Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS)
What is it?
Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS) is when a person has surgery to change parts of their body so that it better fits their gender identity. These surgeries can help people feel more comfortable in their bodies and improve their mental health and well-being.
Who can prescribe it?
You can ask a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician for a referral to a surgeon. People without OHIP will need to pay to see the surgeon. But even people with OHIP often have to pay some costs when seeing a surgeon.
How can you access it if you don’t have OHIP?
People who are uninsured or with Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) can’t access publicly funded gender affirming surgeries.
However, they can still ask for referrals for gender-affirming surgeries.
Note: Surgeries and procedures that are considered “aesthetic”, such as laser hair removal, breast augmentation, and feminization procedures, are not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.
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The 519 Health Justice Hub - a one-stop program for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and neighbours looking for booking one-time legal supports, low-barrier access to health services navigation, and social justice educational opportunities.
The 519 Trans ID Clinic - provides virtual and/or in-person legal assistance to 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary folks in Ontario with ID applications, name change, gender marker change, and other related needs.
The 519 Primary Care Clinic – for eligibility and booking reach out to Barb at BDosSantos@The519.org
Safer Six - SAFER SIX is a sexual health clinic designed for all individuals, regardless of gender and sexual orientation to encourage more sexual testing and normalizing treatment as a part of regular everyday health screening for all individuals. They currently have a waitlist and some services might include costs.
HQ – A community-focused healthcare center for cis guys into guys, as well as two-spirit, transgender, and AMAB (assigned male at birth) non-binary individuals. Offers a variety of holistic health and wellness services without the need for appointments.
Planned Parenthood – Provide services for youth 29 years and younger including gender dysphoria assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy (hrt), mental health services, including counselling and a trans and non-binary support group
Rainbow Health Ontario – A database of resources for queer focused care including directory of service providers and resources on Gender Affirming Care.
The Care we Want - Offers tips and advice to get the most out from these health services.
Treat it Queer - We seek to cultivate a growing awareness and understanding of the existing health inequities affecting gender and sexually diverse people worldwide, as well as bring greater visibility to the real, lived experiences of queer people in clinical practice, policy, and research.
Pregnancy Care
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Midwives are specialists in prenatal care. They provide care in clinics across the province and provide labour and birth care in hospitals, birth centres and people’s homes (they are the only providers trained to deliver babies out of hospital). Midwives can see people who are living in the province who are uninsured and they do not charge any fees for this. They also have arrangements through the government to have fees for lab tests, ultrasounds and consultations with specialists covered so that uninsured people do not have to pay for these services. Midwives look after clients and their babies until 6 weeks after birth. After the delivery, several of the visits take place at home.
Find a midwife here: https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/find-midwife
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Family doctors and nurse practitioners may also provide prenatal care. Those that do, may do so all the way until the end of pregnancy and a small number will attend to patients in labour at hospitals. Most will refer to other providers - midwives or obstetricians - midway through the pregnancy. Family doctors and nurse practitioners practicing at Community Health Centres (CHCs) will not charge fees for the prenatal care for uninsured people. Those working outside the CHC system usually charge, and the fees are set by the care provider or the facility they work with.
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Obstetricians are specialists in high-risk pregnancy (for example a pregnancy complicated by high blood pressure or diabetes). In Ontario, obstetricians also look after healthy low risk pregnancies. They may see uninsured people, charging a fee set by their practice or provider. If someone is referred to an obstetrician by their CHC family doctor or nurse practitioner, these fees will be covered by the CHC in most cases.
When people get pregnant in Ontario and plan to continue their pregnancies, they have 4 primary prenatal care options: midwifery, family doctor, nurse practitioner, or obstetrician. When someone is pregnant, the routine schedule of visits with the primary prenatal care provider is:
a visit every 4 weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant,
then a visit every 2 weeks until 36 weeks,
then weekly visits until the delivery.
It is recommended that pregnant people seek this full course of care in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy. For more information about choosing a prenatal health care provider, check out this information from Toronto Public Health.
Abortion Care
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In Ontario, OHIP will cover the whole cost of abortions performed in hospitals or clinics licensed as Independent Health Facilities. University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) will cover the full cost as well. If someone doesn't have access to these insurance plans, they generally need to pay for care, however there are exceptions.
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The cost of surgical abortion at abortion clinics in the GTA without health insurance ranges from $300-$2300, depending on the procedure, stage of pregnancy, and clinic.
Here are some ways you can advocate for your client to get the fees reduced or coveredSome clinics offer reduced rates for uninsured individuals, or have programs to help support individuals in this position.
Action Canada is trusted resource to learn more about abortion services, to find providers near you, and to seek support for financial coverage for abortion services. They can be reached at the Access Line at 1-888-642-2725.
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Medication abortion is a safe option for many people who want to end an early pregnancy or whose pregnancies may be starting to end on their own (miscarriage). The pills required (Mifegymiso) for this type of care are covered by OHIP, UHIP and IFHP; however they cost nearly $400 if you do not have OHIP.
Here are some ways you can advocate to get the cost of the medications covered:
In the GTA, it’s a good idea to connect with a person’s local Community Health Centre to try and access this care. If your client is already registered with a CHC, you can advocate to have the cost of the pills covered.
The MATCH Program out of the South Riverdale CHC can provide medication abortion and early pregnancy loss care to people regardless of health insurance status, no matter where they live in the GTA. The costs of the medication are covered.
Abortion in Canada has been legal for over 30 years, however access to this care is still restricted by financial resources, geographic location, immigration status and providers refusing to provide services based on religious or moral grounds. Under the Canada Health Act, abortion services are covered by provincial or territorial health insurance across the entire country.
There are two types of abortion:
Surgical or in-clinic abortion (also known as aspiration abortion)
Medication abortion (where medication is used to induce a miscarriage)
Both are safe procedures with exceptionally low rates of complications that do not impact someone's future chances of becoming pregnant.
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be an issue in Toronto. Screening for TB can be accessed via a primary care provider. A family doctor or nurse practitioner can review TB prevention, testing, and treatment, and can refer patients to Toronto TB clinics.
The Ministry of Health has a program called TB-UP, Treatment Services for Uninsured Person Program. This program covers diagnostic tests and physician care for uninsured people. Diagnostic tests can include chest x-rays, sputum, TB skin tests, and other laboratory tests. This program is eligible for people without OHIP, who are:
patients with suspected or confirmed active TB; even if the final diagnosis is not TB, the work-up is still covered; or
patients who are/were in contact with a person with active TB; or
patients at high risk of developing active TB as determined by the board of health.
People who are eligible for this program:
homeless/underhoused individuals who do not have OHIP, Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) or other health insurance coverage
international students without OHIP, IFHP or private health insurance coverage
visitors without health insurance coverage
people without immigration status
people recently discharged from prison who are not currently eligible for OHIP
Dental Services
Dental services are mostly available for a fee; however, there are some low-cost or free options available in Toronto.
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There are some Community Health Centres (CHCs) that have low-cost or free dental clinics available. People registered with a local CHC can talk with their primary care provider or call the CHC directly for more information. If they are not registered, they can call their local CHC and ask if they have a dental clinic available to the public or non-registered clients.
Here is a list of dental services offered by CHCs, non-profit organizations, universities and colleges in Toronto that are available to anyone regardless of immigration status. NOTE: The eligibility criteria may be different for each service.
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Evergreen Centre for Street Youth is a non-profit organization that offers healthcare and dental services for homeless and street-involved youth who are 16 to 24 years of age. All services are free and confidential, and you do not require OHIP.
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Toronto Public Health dental clinics are also available to low-income individuals and anyone regardless of status, this includes children younger than 18 years old and senior citizens over the age of 65. Mobile dental clinics run by Toronto Public Health may also be available. Check the link above for further information.
Adults accessing care will require proof of income in order to access these services. If people do not have proof of filing taxes (i.e. Notice of Assessment), as a service provider, you can provide a support letter that confirms their income and overall situation.
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If someone is receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), they can ask their case worker about local dental services available to them.
Harm Reduction Programs
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Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with the criminalization of drug use. Rather than requiring people to stop using drugs, a harm reduction approach is low-barrier and focuses on improving public health and safety and reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with drug use.
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Harm reduction services include community-based programming for people who use drugs and access to safer consumption services. These sites are called by different names including safe consumption sites, consumption and treatment services, etc. but describe spaces where people can use drugs without the threat of criminalization, under the supervision of qualified staff.
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Across the GTA, several services are offered to people who use drugs, with harm reduction and public health approach to care.
Many harm reduction services include the distribution and return of sterile equipment (needles, pipes, water, etc). It is important to note harm reduction services are confidential and do not require people to have identification or healthcare coverage (including OHIP) in order to access services. Most people use the service anonymously, so not even a name is necessary when accessing services.
The only time people might need healthcare coverage is if they are accessing treatment (opioid medications, rehabilitation, or seeing an addictions counselor in an agency that requires coverage).
Optometrist (Eye Care)
The “Gift of Sight” (or OneSight) program is offered by LensCrafters and provides free eyeglasses and eye exams to people who are low-income, including uninsured people.
To access this program, a registered charity or an organization with a charitable registration number must write a letter requesting free eyeglasses and/or an eye exam for a specific client. The letter must include the client’s name and date of birth. Once clients have this letter, they can call or visit their nearest LensCrafters location requesting to book an appointment under the OneSight program.
If someone is receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), they can ask their case worker about eye care services available to them.
Medications
Canada has created a national pharmacare program for medications, but Ontario has not signed on. Some medications are covered through public programs or insurance - such as Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP), the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, the Trillium Drug Program, or the Exceptional Access Program. However, most medications still need to be paid for out of pocket.
Uninsured or undocumented people are often excluded from publicly funded coverage- though not always. We've broken it down for you here, along with other options that may be available.
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The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): IFHP provides limited, temporary health coverage to certain groups of people in Canada who don’t have provincial, territorial, or private health insurance. This includes refugee claimants, resettled refugees, Protected Persons in Canada, victims of trafficking or domestic violence, people detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and undocumented people covered under discretionary grounds. Under IFHP, prescription medications and medical products are covered.
Community Health Centres (CHCs): If you are registered at a provincially funded CHC, they may be able to provide limited coverage for some medications. Availability varies- please contact your CHC directly to ask.
Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): If you are receiving financial assistance through OW or ODSP, you may qualify for medication coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) or the Exceptional Access Program (EAP). Ask your OW/ODSP caseworker for more information.
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Some uninsured clinics may offer very limited access to medications. Please ask the clinic directly about what is available.
Hardship Fund for Low-Income Toronto Residents: If you live in Toronto, are not receiving OW, Emergency Assistance, or ODSP, and need assistance with a medically necessary item or service, you may be eligible for the Hardship Fund. Learn more and apply here.
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Advocate for coverage: Push the hospital to provide medications pro bono (free of charge), especially in severe or life-threatening cases. Speak with the hospital’s finance or billing department, or find a staff who can advocate for you. This could be a social worker, nurse, doctor or another healthcare provider who understands your situation and can help push for support within the hospital system.
Compassionate Care Policies: Some hospitals have compassionate care policies to waive or reduce fees or costs. Some pharmaceutical companies have compassionate care programs that provide medications at no cost for patients who qualify.
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Support Through Non-Profit Organizations
If you have a caseworker at a non-profit organization or shelter, ask if their organization can support with covering the costs of medications or providing short-term coverage — for example, with psychiatric drugs.
Some organizations offer specialized support. For example:
PEACH provides a palliative care program that aims to cover medication costs for eligible clients. (See our Palliative Care section for more details.)
WHIWH (Women’s Health in Women’s Hands) is a community health centre for women, trans, and non-binary people. They support many uninsured patients with diabetes and may offer compassionate diabetic supplies. Clients must be registered and seen by their dietitian or diabetes educator.
Toronto Public Health Sexual Health Clinics offer a range of services, including access to low-cost birth control.
Compassionate Medication Programs from Pharmaceutical Companies
If you have a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist ask if they know about compassionate medication programs. These programs are offered by the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture these medications and can sometimes temporarily provide medications for people who are uninsured or unable to afford them. This may include medications for psychiatric conditions, diabetes, or hypertension, for example.
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If your travel or private health insurance is still valid, you might have medication coverage. Check your insurance plan to be sure.
Immunization
Vaccines are available from a family doctor or a walk-in clinic, but if you don’t have OHIP, you may be asked to pay.
There are Community Health Centres (CHCs) that provide services to people and families without immigration status. If registered with a CHC, they can speak with their primary care provider regarding vaccines.
Toronto Public Health also offers free vaccine clinics for children that need vaccines for school. If you do not have OHIP, make an appointment at one of their clinics.
If you need information about child or maternal vaccines, you can book a free phone appointment with the SickKids Immunization InfoLine. You will be connected with a specially trained nurse where you can ask questions in a safe and non-judgmental space. The service is available in any language, is free to use, and open to everyone in Ontario. No OHIP or referral is needed, and appointments can be booked online. Please note: This service does not provide immunizations. Vaccines must be obtained from health-care providers or local public health units.
Accessing Emergency Healthcare
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From March 2020 to March 31, 2023, uninsured people did not have to pay in order to seek essential medical care in hospitals, including going to the emergency department. As of April 1, 2023, the provincial government unfairly cut this vital program.
This means that people without valid OHIP cards might now have to pay in order to access care in hospitals, including going to the emergency department. The fees that hospitals charge vary, with each hospital charging different amounts.
Some hospitals are asking people who are uninsured to pay fees for care upfront, even before any care is provided. This is an unethical and dangerous practice as the financial barrier prevents many people from being able to access any care at all. The Ministry of Health only requires hospitals to record the following information for people without OHIP in order to seek care: name, gender, and date of birth or age.
Some hospitals will present a bill to people after the care is provided. This approach is preferable because it ensures that people get the healthcare they need first. Read below to learn more about what you can do if an uninsured person receives a bill.
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An uninsured person will probably be asked by a registration clerk to provide ID (identification), however this is NOT required in order to access emergency health care services. This means uninsured people should be able to access services without ID .
However, according to the Ministry of Health, they may be asked to provide their name, age, or sex for the following purposes:
identification and fraud prevention;
routine sex-dependent health screening at certain ages (e.g. cancer screenings for males vs. females, etc.);
for health planning and research purposes, etc.
This information can be confirmed by emailing the Ministry of Health at infoline.MOH@ontario.ca or contact us at uninsurednetwork@gmail.com for further information or support.
TIP: If an uninsured person is asked to provide ID (identification) by the registration clerk, let them know to write down their name, age, or sex on a piece of paper and give it to them. This information allows the clerk to be able to create a hospital record as well as a patient label with their name, date of birth, and sex.
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With the cuts to uninsured funding for hospital care (starting April 1, 2023), uninsured people might receive bills from the hospital when they seek care. The fees people are asked to pay will include physician and hospital fees and vary from hospital to hospital.
Here are some tips on how to respond to these bills:
If an uninsured person is registered with a Community Health Centre (CHC) for primary care, the physician fees may be covered by the CHC. In most cases, the uninsured person will need a letter from the CHC indicating they are a patient with the centre in order to not receive a bill from the hospital doctor. The hospital fee is not covered, even for uninsured people registered at CHCs, and might be asked to pay out-of-pocket.
If the uninsured person chooses to pay out-of-pocket, they or their advocates can contact the hospital business office to:
Negotiate to be billed under OHIP rates instead of non-resident rates, which are often triple the amount;
Arrange to pay back a manageable amount each month (i.e. $5 or $10 a month).
Ideally, the uninsured person would have only provided their name, gender and age when they went to the hospital, or have provided alternate or false contact information. We have heard that this is a way uninsured people have avoided receiving hospital bills after they receive care. In some cases, uninsured people have simply ignored the bill because of the minimal risk involved with not paying.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) or domestic violence (DV) are forms of gender-based violence. They refer to abuse or aggression that causes harm by a current or former intimate partner or spouse, immediate family members, other relatives, people someone lives with, or family friends.
If someone is experiencing imminent danger or their life is at risk, advise them to call 911 immediately. In most cases, a police officer will go to them wherever they are, assess the risk and bring them to a place of safety such as a shelter or a hospital.
It is important to know that the police in some instances can and do contact immigration authorities to verify someone's legal status. As a service provider, following up with the client to ensure they have not been detained would be best practice.
If someone is experiencing violence and their life is not at imminent risk, there are organizations that can help them regardless of their immigration status. Below are some free and confidential services and supports with trained counselors to help individuals experiencing violence:
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: a 24-hour crisis line and services available in more than 150 languages, 24 hours/7 days a week. Services include counseling, housing and shelter referrals.
416-863-0511 (in Toronto)
1-866-863-0511 (toll free)
1-866-863-7868 (TTY line)
To access services exclusively in French in the community, contact: La Maison D’Hébergement pour Femmes Francophone at 647-777-6433 or Oasis Centre des Femmes at 416-591-6565 or at their Brampton location 905-454-3332.
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: Counseling, legal help and interpretation, information and referral services for women survivors of violence.
416-323-9149 (Toronto)
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: A National referral directory to connect victims and survivors of forced sex work or forced labour to emergency, transitional and long-term services.
1-833-900-1010
Central Intake 24/7 Shelter Line: To access emergency shelter space, call the City of Toronto’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 (no website, only a phone line). There are also specific shelters for survivors of domestic violence and these can be accessed by calling the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511.
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape: A grassroots feminist organization, providing crisis intervention and culturally sensitive counselling.
416-597-8808 (Toronto)
Women’s College Hospital - The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre: a comprehensive service that assists women, men, and trans people, over the age of 16 who are victims/survivors of sexual assault and domestic/intimate partner violence. For more information call 416-323-6040.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health is a state of well-being, including our emotional, psychological, social and spiritual selves, that affects how we think, feel, and act. If someone has poor mental health, they may benefit from accessing professional crisis or ongoing counseling and/or distress services. Here is a list of free services that are mostly accessible to anyone regardless of immigration status.
Emergency and Crisis Options
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Gerstein Centre Crisis Line
https://gersteincentre.org/
24-hour crisis phone line
416-929-5200 -
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto
https://www.dcogt.com/
24-hour crisis phone lines
416-408-4357 (GTA)
905-459-7777 (Peel)
Online Chat and Text support (4 pm to 12 midnight daily)
Dial 45645 -
Family Service Toronto
https://familyservicetoronto.org
416-595-9618
Weekdays 9am - 6pm
Single session telephone counselling
Eligibility: Adults 18 years old and up
WoodGreen
https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/walk-in-counselling-wic
416-645-6000 ext. 1990
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Single session online or phone Eligibility: All ages welcome. Parent/guardian consent required for anyone 12 years of age and younger. -
Kids Help Phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/
1-800-668-6868
24-hour crisis phone line
Text crisis support
Text CONNECT to 686868
What’s up Walk-in
https://www.whatsupwalkin.ca/
1-866-585-6486
Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Same day virtual or phone counselling for children, youth, and young adults up to age 29
Stella’s Place
https://stellasplace.ca/
416-461-2345
connect@stellasplace.ca
Free mental health services for youth aged 16 to 29 living in Toronto (with M postal code)
Includes same-day drop-in programs accessible through chat, phone and onlineFriends of Ruby
https://www.friendsofruby.ca/
416-359-0237
489 Queen Street East (Lower Level LL01)
Free counselling, drop-in and other services for 2SLGBTQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and gender non-conforming) youth aged 16-29 -
Soch Mental Health
https://www.sochmentalhealth.com/info@sochmentalhealth.com
Offer support groups, online resources, and community workshops to the South Asian community.
Long-Term Counselling Options
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Community Health Centres (CHCs) offer free counselling and social work services to registered patients. CHCs can also connect patients with other community mental health resources and psychiatrist support. Getting registered at a CHC is likely the best way to get connected to community mental health support (see info in the primary care section). There may be a waitlist for services.
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Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)
https://ccvt.org/
416-363-1066
Mental health counselling and support for survivors of torture, maltreatment and war.Mennonite New Life Centre
https://mnlct.org/
416-699-4527
Community mental health program for newcomers in Toronto, including counselling and group programs. English, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish and Turkish counselling services available.Across Boundaries
https://www.acrossboundaries.ca/
416-787-3007
51 Clarkson Ave.
info@acrossboundaries.ca
Mental health and addiction services for residents of the GTA who identify as racialized. OHIP is not required. Can self-refer.Oasis Dufferin Community Centre
https://www.oasisdufferin.org/counselling-for-spanish-women
416-536-4431
info@oasisdufferin.org
Provide individual counselling for Spanish speaking women with the goal of improvement in psycho-social health and well-being. -
Bounce Back
https://bouncebackontario.ca/
Free guided self-help skill-building program managed by CMHA.
Help for adults and youth 15+ dealing with anxiety, depression or stress. Delivered through online videos and over the phone with a coach. English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Spanish available.
*No OHIP necessary but do need a primary care provider to access phone coaching (online videos are available to everyone).Mind Beacon
https://www.mindbeacon.com
Guided CBT program includes readings and exercises and secure messaging with a therapist. No live sessions.
French and English
Free for all Ontario Residents
Palliative Care
What is palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life for people with serious, life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, and many others. It is provided by nurses, doctors, social workers, personal support workers and other healthcare workers. Click here to learn more about palliative care.
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In a hospital: while admitted, people may be visited by a palliative care team, which works with other specialties to help with symptom management and care planning.
At a clinic: people who are still able to get to in-person appointments may be followed in palliative care clinics, which are usually run outside of hospitals.
In your home or community: for those who cannot get to appointments, palliative care can also be provided where people live (home, long-term care, shelters, etc).
At a palliative care unit/hospice: for people who need 24 hour care in the last weeks or months of their lives, hospices and palliative care units provide comfort-focused medical care. Palliative care units are sometimes inside hospitals, but are usually in a separate, more peaceful area. Click here to learn more about palliative care units and hospices. -
In a hospital (not in the palliative care unit): hospitals determine the cost of this care on a case-by-case basis.
At a clinic: some palliative care clinics may be available at low or no cost, on a case-by-case basis.
In your home: some palliative home care teams provide doctor services at no cost. Other services, like nursing care or personal support worker care, are usually available at an added cost. A case manager may be available at no cost and can help navigate these services. Medications and supplies are not covered and are paid for out of pocket. Some home care teams may find ways to decrease these costs.
At a palliative care unit/hospice: some palliative care units and hospices care for people at low or no cost, usually on a case-by-case basis. Medications and supplies would likely be low or no cost.
What specific options are available at low or no cost if uninsured?
Low or no-cost services are available from these organizations on a case-by-case basis:
Clinic:
St Michael’s Hospital Palliative Care Clinic
Sunnybrook Palliative Care Clinic
Only for Sunnybrook patients whose main oncologist (cancer doctor), ALS doctor, kidney specialist or heart failure specialist work at Sunnybrook
Home care:
Has both home visiting and residential hospice programs
PEACH (Palliative Education and Care of the Homeless)
Provides home and community based care for people facing significant barriers to accessing care (no cost for MD services)
Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care
Note: some parts of home palliative care are not covered, including nursing services, supplies, medications and personal support worker care. Doctor services are available at no cost.
Palliative care units/hospices:
Need more information?
The palliative care system can be confusing. If you have questions, or need help navigating the system, please reach out to your healthcare providers or contact us at uninsurednetwork@gmail.com and we will do our best to assist you.