Central Ontario Health Resources Directory
Purpose
Through the Rainbow Resilience Program, a clear need for accessible, centralized information about affirming, low-barrier resources has been identified. Many newcomers face overwhelming systems, language barriers, and complex eligibility requirements, which makes it difficult to find the care and support they need. This directory is a tool designed to centralize and simplify access to a wide range of services for LGBTQ+ newcomers in Ontario. It brings together detailed listings of health, mental health, social, legal, and financial supports that are affirming, accessible, and multilingual.
Scope
Who this guide is for: This guide was created for service providers and LGBTQ+ individuals and who are new to Ontario, including immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers, international students, and other newcomers at any stage of their journey. Navigating unfamiliar systems can be overwhelming, our aim is to help you safely find the support you need in your new community.
How to use this guide: The listings are organized by insurance coverage and by type of support, so you can easily find services that fit your situation. To get started,
- Identify Service Type: The guide is broken into categories such as: health-based care, harm reduction, financial aid, mental health, housing, legal supports, and more.
- Start with your Insurance Status: The guide is grouped by whether services are available to people with OHIP, partial insurance (UHIP, IFHP), or no insurance.
- Explore and Reach Out: Listings include descriptions, contact info, languages offered, hours, and access notes (e.g., walk-in, ID requirements) so you can find the options that work best for you.
By clearly explaining what services are available and how to access them, we hope this guide helps to navigate Ontario’s support systems with confidence. Any concerns, feedback or additional resources can be forwarded to [email protected].
Health-Based Supports
These are medical services that cover sexual and overall health needs like testing, treatment, and affirming primary care.
OHIP Coverage
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is the provincial public health insurance for eligible Ontario residents. It covers medically necessary physician and hospital services (doctor visits, ER visits, surgeries, lab tests, etc.). OHIP does not cover most dental care, routine eye exams (for ages 20 – 64), cosmetic procedures, and many drugs.
Those eligible for OHIP include:
- Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents living in Ontario
- Convention Refugees or Protected Persons
- Those with a valid work permit (typically valid for at least 6 months and working full-time for an Ontario employer)
- Those who make Ontario their primary residence and are physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of a 12-month period
Affirming Service Providers
Those with OHIP coverage can typically seek care from different providers and clinics. Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) Service Directory (Ontario) is a province-wide resource that maintains an online Service Provider Directory to help find LGBTQ+ friendly health and social services in Ontario.
Partial Coverage
Partial coverage means you have some form of health insurance, but it may not cover everything. It often includes basic doctor visits or emergency care, but may not fully cover prescription medications, dental care, vision care, mental health services, or specialist visits. Coverage limits, co-payments, and exclusions vary depending on the plan.
Affirming Service Providers
Those with partial coverage through private insurance or work-provided insurance can typically seek care from different providers and clinics. Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) Service Directory (Ontario) is a province-wide resource that maintains an online Service Provider Directory to help find LGBTQ+-friendly health and social services in Ontario.
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
International students covered under UHIP can access the Cowan Preferred Provider Network to find a health care provider close by that will bill directly for medical services at UHIP rates.
These preferred physicians, clinics, labs, and other health care providers will:
- Charge Cowan directly for your medical services/treatments at UHIP rates.
- Ask you to complete an authorization form at your first visit. This lets them bill Cowan directly, instead of charging you