OHIP Coverage Outside Canada

[mdb1973]

Hello, I have severe lower back pain and foot numbness from bulging and degenerating discs, as well as bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis. Both these issues are causing nerve compression.
I am on opioids, Lyrica and vitamins to help with pain management but I believe artificial disc replacement would allow me to return to a full and healthy lifestyle. However I am unable to get this surgery in Ontario. There are 2 potential clinics in Germany that perform this surgery. I am wondering what if anything would or could OHIP cover?

Thank you,
Manon

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello Manon,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in finding out what your options are in this situation.

It is best to contact the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for some information specific to your situation.

You can find some contact information here:

Call ServiceOntario, INFOline at:
1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free)
In Toronto, (416) 314-5518
TTY 1-800-387-5559.
In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org

[tanyarad]

How long I can be outside of Canada so I do not lose my health card if I am permanent resident only my card will expire in2020

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some information on the ServiceOntario website in the Away for more than seven months section.

Here is an excerpt,

Away for more than seven monthsIf you plan to be outside Canada for more than seven months in any 12-month period you can keep your OHIP coverage for up to two years if you:

• have a valid health card- make Ontario your primary home- will be in Ontario for at least 153 days a year in each of the two years immediately before you leave the country
  Before you leave, take the following items to the nearest ServiceOntario centre to make sure your OHIP coverage stays active:

• your health card- proof of residency (e.g. mortgage, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, valid driver’s licence)

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS, CRS
Settlement.Org

[ChayaDewitt]

Thank you for sharing information and the nearest service ontario center site.

[SettlementOrgMod]

You are very welcome!

Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS, CRS
Settlement.Org

[Vimalan]

@mdb1973

Hello, I have severe lower back pain and foot numbness from bulging and degenerating discs, as well as bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis. Both these issues are causing nerve compression.
I am on opioids, Lyrica and vitamins to help with pain management but I believe artificial disc replacement would allow me to return to a full and healthy lifestyle. However I am unable to get this surgery in Ontario. There are 2 potential clinics in Germany that perform this surgery. I am wondering what if anything would or could OHIP cover?

Thank you,
Manon

Dear Manon,

I’m now in a similar situation to yours. Suffering from severe pain. I need to do ADR. I would appreciate it if you could help me with the current status.

Whether you are done with the operation?

If yes,…

• Where did you do the operation?- Did OHIP cover the operation cost?- Was there any additional cost that was spent out of your pocket?- How was the effectiveness of the surgery, was it worth doing?