Uninsured Services

What are “uninsured services”?

Uninsured services are those services provided to patients that are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The Ministry covers all insured medically necessary services provided by physicians, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary. These may include: writing sick notes, chart transfers, liquid nitrogen therapy, cosmetic procedures, charges for missed appointments, completing forms for insurance, licensing, legal or employment purposes, assessments and diagnostic tests required for completion of reports or licenses, pre-departure travel medicine services for travelling outside of Canada, or your health card is not valid.

Why am I being charged for these services?

OHIP pays physicians for most medical services delivered to patients. Services not covered by OHIP or another insurance plan are called uninsured services. It is the patient’s responsibility to pay for uninsured services.

How are the uninsured fee rates determined?

When fees are charged for uninsured services, they are based on the Ontario Medical Association’s suggested fees as found in the most current edition of the OMA Physician’s Guide to Third Party and Other Uninsured Services.
Effective March 1, 2015 there will be HST charged on all patient pay services.
This is due to legislation passed under Bill C-60 that requires HST be charged on these services, so that the HST can be forwarded to the government.
Should you wish to voice your concerns please contact your member of parliament at the information noted below.
Greg Rickford Constituency Office
81 Duke Street
Dryden, ON
P8N 1G2
Ph: 807-223-8000 or Email: greg.rickford@parl.gc.ca

What if I have questions?

For more details please see the Ministry’s website or contact your nearest Ministry office.
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/services.aspx
www.ontario.ca/serviceontario