Patient guide
Patient Guide to Uninsured Services
Learn why some clinic services may not be covered by OHIP, why a fee may apply, and what questions you can ask your clinic.
What are uninsured services?
OHIP covers many medically necessary physician services in Ontario. Some requests, such as certain forms, notes, medical record copies, missed appointments, and third-party services, may not be insured by OHIP and may involve a fee.
Explore the Patient Guide
OHIP and uninsured services
Understand why some physician services are covered by OHIP while other requests may be uninsured.
Learn about OHIP coverageForms and notes
Learn why completing a form or note may require physician review, time, and professional responsibility.
View forms and notesMedical records
Understand why copying, reviewing, preparing, or transferring medical records may involve administrative work.
View medical recordsMissed appointments
Learn why clinics may have policies for appointments that are missed or cancelled without enough notice.
View missed appointmentsThird-party requests
Understand how requests from employers, insurers, schools, government programs, and other organizations may differ from regular medical care.
View third-party requestsInvoices, receipts, and payments
Learn the difference between an invoice, a receipt, a statement, and a request for payment.
View invoices and paymentsPrivacy and communication
Learn why clinics must protect personal health information when communicating by email, SMS, secure links, or other methods.
View privacy and communicationCommon questions
Find short answers to common patient questions about uninsured services and clinic fees.
Read common questionsQuestions about a specific fee?
Your clinic is the best source of information about a particular fee, invoice, payment, service, or policy.
- Ask what service or request the fee relates to.
- Ask whether the clinic has a written uninsured services policy or fee list.
- Ask what amount will be charged before the service is provided whenever possible.
- Ask whether a receipt will be provided after payment.
- Ask the clinic about available options if payment is difficult or you have a concern.