Finding healthcare in a new community can feel complicated, especially when you are still learning how Ontario’s healthcare system works.This page brings together the information you may need to understand health coverage, find care in Lanark and Renfrew Counties, and connect with additional health services and supports. 

Start Here 

-I need medical help now 
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. 

-I need health advice, but it is not an emergency 
Contact Health811 to speak with a registered nurse and get help deciding what type of care you may need. 

-I need to find healthcare in my community 
Explore the local healthcare resources listed below, including hospitals, community health centres, virtual care and other services. 

-I need information about OHIP 
Continue to the OHIP section below to learn about Ontario’s public health insurance program and what it may cover. 

Understanding OHIP 

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is Ontario’s publicly funded health insurance program. If you are eligible for OHIP, you receive an Ontario health card that you can present when accessing many publicly funded healthcare services. 

New to Ontario and need to apply? 
Apply for OHIP / Get an Ontario Health Card 

Eligibility requirements and health coverage can change, so we recommend using the Government of Ontario’s website for the most current information about applying for OHIP. 

What does OHIP cover? 

OHIP covers many medically necessary healthcare services. 

Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, coverage may include: 

• Appointments with doctors and other eligible healthcare providers 

• Emergency room visits 

• Hospital stays 

• Medical tests and procedures that are medically necessary 

• Eligible eye-care services 

• Certain dental surgeries performed in hospital 

• Some ambulance services 

• Other medically necessary services covered by the province 

Some services may only be partially covered or may have specific eligibility requirements. 

See what OHIP covers 

What isn’t normally covered by OHIP? 

Not every healthcare expense is covered by OHIP. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pay for services such as: 

• Routine dental care 

• Prescription medications outside of a hospital 

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses 

• Some eye examinations 

• Chiropractic services 

• Cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary 

• Some alternative or complementary health services 

• Travel vaccinations 

• Other services that are not considered medically necessary 

Some people receive additional coverage through an employer, school, private health insurance or a government program. 

Before paying for a service, ask the healthcare provider whether it is covered by OHIP and whether there will be a fee. 

Finding Healthcare 

You do not always need a family doctor to access healthcare. 

Depending on what you need, healthcare may be available through: 

• A family doctor or nurse practitioner 

• Community health centres 

• Walk-in or urgent-care services 

• Virtual care 

• Pharmacies 

• Hospitals and emergency departments 

• Public health services 

• Health811 

If You Don’t Have a Family Doctor 

Many people in Ontario do not currently have a permanent family doctor or nurse practitioner. 

If you need healthcare while you are waiting to find a primary care provider, you may still have options. 

Health811 

Health811 is a free Ontario service that can help you understand your symptoms and decide where to seek care. 

You can connect with a registered nurse by phone or online. 

Translation support is also available. 

Health Care Connect 

If you have OHIP and do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, Ontario’s Health Care Connect program may be able to help you find one accepting patients. 

Community Health Centres 

Community health centres can be an important resource for people who experience barriers to accessing healthcare. 

Depending on the location and available programs, services may include: 

• Primary healthcare 

• Nurse practitioner services 

• Social work 

• Counselling 

• Dietitian services 

• Health promotion 

• Community programs 

• Referrals and connections to other community services 

You may want to contact a community health centre if you are new to Canada, do not have a primary healthcare provider or are having difficulty accessing the health and social services you need. 

Community Health Centers Across Lanark and Renfrew Counties:

ConnectWell Community Health – Lanark Site
207 Robertson Drive
Lanark, ON K0G 1K0
Tel: 613-259-2182
Website: connectwell.ca

ConnectWell Community Health – Beachburg Site
20 Robertson Drive
Beachburg, ON K0J 1C0
Tel: 613-582-3685
Fax: 613-582-7095
Website: connectwell.ca

Renfrew County District Health Unit – Renfrew Service Hub (By Appointment Only) 
120 Plaunt Street South
Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 1M5
Services Offered: www.rcdhu.com/calendar
Website: www.rcdhu.com

Renfrew County District Health Unit – Pembroke Office
141 Lake Street
Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5L8
Phone: 613-732-3629
Toll Free: 1-800-267-1097
Fax: 613-735-3067
Website: www.rcdhu.com

Available programs many include:

• Domestic violence prevention/treatment,  addictions counselling, conflict resolution, anger/stress management, self-esteem enhancement.

• Parenting education (individual/group)

• Parent and child resource rooms and drop-ins

• Anti-racist initiatives and programs to promote tolerance, cultural diversity, and acceptance of minority groups

• Education, counselling, and groups related to weight/body image issues, peer relationships, healthy sexuality

• Programs for teen parents

• Programs for youth

When to use this option:

• You do not have a primary healthcare provider

• You are a newcomer to Canada

• You face barriers such as language, culture, physical disabilities, homelessness and poverty

• You have mental health or addiction issues

• You require counselling or need some help with housing issues

• You’re without health insurance in Ontario

Contact your local community health center by phone, email, or in person to enroll and schedule appointments. There are no fees to use this service, and you do not need a referral. However, the center requires you to bring relevant health cards to your appointment.

For more information, contact:

• ServiceOntario – INFOline: 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-Free)

Public Health Services 

Public health units provide programs, information and services that support the health of individuals and communities. 

Services can include vaccinations, sexual health information, parenting resources, health education and other community health programs. 

Renfrew County 

Contact the local public health unit for current locations, programs and appointment information. Renfrew County public health services 

Lanark County 

Contact the local public health unit serving Lanark County for current programs, clinics and health information. 

Hospitals and Emergency Care 

Hospitals and emergency departments provide care for serious or urgent medical concerns. 

Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. 

For other urgent concerns, you may need to visit your nearest emergency department. 

Virtual and Mobile Healthcare 

Virtual and mobile services may provide another way to access healthcare, particularly if you do not have a family doctor or cannot get an appointment quickly.

Availability, eligibility and fees can vary. Always check whether a service is covered by OHIP or whether you will be charged before booking. 

Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre 

The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre provides access to healthcare services for eligible residents. 

Services may include virtual care, in-person care and connections to other healthcare providers. 

Lanark County Virtual Care 

Virtual primary care services may also be available to residents of Lanark County.

Pharmacies 

Pharmacists do more than fill prescriptions. 

Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor illnesses and health conditions.  Services vary by pharmacy, so contact the pharmacy before visiting if you are looking for a particular service. 

Learn about pharmacy services in Ontario 

When filling a prescription, ask whether the medication is covered by a provincial program, private insurance or another benefit plan. Prescription medications are not automatically covered by OHIP. 

Language and Interpretation Support 

You deserve to understand the healthcare information you receive. 

If English or French is not your preferred language, ask the healthcare provider whether interpretation or translation support is available. 

Health811 

Health811 can provide health information and connect callers with language support. 

Additional interpretation services may also be available through local community organizations and settlement services. 

Paying for Healthcare Not Covered by OHIP 

OHIP does not cover every healthcare expense. 

You may have additional coverage through: 

• Your employer 

• Your spouse or partner’s employer 

• Your college or university 

• A private insurance plan 

• Federal or provincial benefit programs

• Programs available to children, seniors or other eligible groups
   

Before purchasing private health insurance, check what healthcare coverage you already have and what additional services you actually need. 

Healthcare for Refugees and Refugee Claimants 

Some refugees and refugee claimants may receive temporary healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) rather than, or in addition to, provincial coverage. 

Coverage depends on immigration status and eligibility.  If you are unsure what healthcare coverage you have, a settlement organization can help you understand your documents and connect you with appropriate services. 

Need Help Finding the Right Service? 

You do not have to figure everything out on your own. 

Use the Lanark & Renfrew Community Navigator to search for healthcare, mental health, settlement and other community services available in the region. 

Visit The Lanark & Renfrew Community Navigator 

You can also connect with the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew for newcomer resources and information about services in your community.