No OHIP or Doctor’s Referral? Women in Ontario Can Still Access Free, Confidential Health Services
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Women in Ontario who do not have provincial health insurance can still access a range of sexual health services free of charge and confidentially, without an OHIP card or a doctor’s referral, according to the Ontario government.
Sexual health clinics across the province are staffed by doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners and provide care to people seeking testing, treatment, counselling or other sexual health services, including those who are not currently covered by Ontario’s public health insurance system.
What services are available?
Depending on the clinic, services may include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, urine pregnancy testing, birth control counselling, certain vaccinations and cervical screening. Some clinics also provide anonymous HIV testing. Available services vary by location.
Some locations also offer birth control at reduced cost. Vaccines that may be available include hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV vaccines, depending on eligibility and the services offered by each clinic.
Do you need an OHIP card?
No. Ontario says a health card is not required to receive services at sexual health clinics. Care is free and confidential, and patients do not need a referral from a family doctor.
That can be particularly useful for newcomers, international students, women without a family doctor and those who are temporarily uninsured. Clinics operate through public health units, community health centres, independent clinics and some college and university campuses.
What about privacy?
Ontario describes sexual health clinic services as free and confidential. In Toronto, for example, Toronto Public Health says its sexual health clinics serve people without a valid health card, including newcomers and refugees, and no referral is required.
Toronto clinics provide services including STI and HIV testing and treatment, birth control counselling, pregnancy testing and referrals, emergency contraception, some IUD-related services and certain sexual health vaccines.
How can you find a clinic?
Ontario advises residents to contact their local public health unit or community health centre to find a sexual health clinic nearby. Some clinics accept walk-ins, while others require appointments or serve specific age groups or populations, so it is best to check before visiting.
People anywhere in Ontario can also contact the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario, or SHILO, at 1-800-668-2437 for free and anonymous information and referrals related to testing, contraception, pregnancy, HIV and other sexual health concerns.
In Toronto, sexual health clinics are available in several areas, including Bloor West, North York, Scarborough and Jane-St. Clair, along with partner community clinics offering different services depending on location.
