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Last Updated: 27 June 2026
Losing an Ontario health card can feel stressful, especially if you need to see a doctor, visit a clinic, or pick up health-related services soon. The good news is that replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Ontario Health Card is usually straightforward when your information is up to date.
In most cases, if you had a valid photo health card and your name and address have not changed, you can request a replacement by calling ServiceOntario. If your card was an older red-and-white health card, expired, or your personal details have changed, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring original identity documents.
This guide explains what to do, who to contact, what documents may be required, whether there is a fee, and what to do if your health card may have been stolen or misused.
Reviewed and updated: June 2026
Quick Answer: What Should You Do If You Lost Your Ontario Health Card?
If your Ontario health card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact ServiceOntario as soon as possible.
If You Had a Photo Health Card
You may be able to replace it by phone if:
- The card was not expired
- Your name has not changed
- Your address has not changed
- ServiceOntario can confirm your information
Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988 to request a replacement.
If You Had a Red-and-white Health Card
You cannot simply replace it with another red-and-white card. You will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre and register for a photo health card.
If Your Address or Name Has Changed
You may need to update your information and provide supporting documents before a replacement card can be issued.
What Is an Ontario Health Card?
An Ontario Health Card is issued to eligible Ontario residents so they can access publicly funded health care services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, commonly known as OHIP.
The card includes identifying details used by health care providers to confirm OHIP coverage. Because it contains sensitive personal health information, it should be kept secure and reported if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How to Replace a Lost Health Card in Ontario?
The replacement process depends on the type of health card you had and whether your personal information has changed.
Step 1: Check What Type of Health Card You Lost
Before contacting ServiceOntario, determine whether you lost:
- A green photo health card
- An older red-and-white health card
- An expired health card
- A damaged card
- A stolen card
This matters because the replacement process is different for photo cards and red-and-white cards.
Step 2: Call ServiceOntario If Your Photo Health Card Was Lost
If your photo health card was still valid and your name and address are the same, call ServiceOntario at:
1-800-664-8988
You may be asked to confirm personal details such as the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Health card information, if known
- Other identity details
If your information is confirmed, ServiceOntario can arrange for a replacement card to be mailed to you.
Step 3: Visit ServiceOntario If Your Card Was Red-and-White
If your lost card was a red-and-white Ontario health card, you will need to register for a photo health card.
You should visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring original documents that prove:
- Canadian citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Ontario residency
- Identity
Photocopies are generally not accepted. Bring original documents only.
Examples of documents may include a Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, permanent resident card, Ontario driver’s licence, utility bill, lease, bank statement, or another approved document from the official Ontario health card document list.
Step 4: Bring the Right Documents
If ServiceOntario asks you to visit in person, you may need three separate original documents.
These usually fall into three categories:
| Document Type | What It Proves | Example |
| Citizenship or immigration status | Eligibility for OHIP | Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, permanent resident card |
| Ontario residency | You live in Ontario | Ontario driver’s licence, lease, utility bill, bank statement |
| Identity | Your name and signature | Credit card, employee ID, student card, passport |
The exact documents required can vary depending on your situation, especially if your name, address, immigration status, or date of birth has changed.
Step 5: Wait for the Replacement Card
After ServiceOntario processes the replacement, the new card is usually mailed to the address on file.
If you recently renewed a health card online or in person, you may receive a temporary document or transaction record. Keep that document safe until the new card arrives.
Is There a Fee to Replace a Lost Health Card in Ontario?
In most cases, there is no fee to replace an Ontario health card.
The previous claim that a replacement card costs $15 or $30 should be removed from the article unless ServiceOntario publishes a different current fee in the future. Health card replacement should not be confused with driver’s licence replacement, which has different rules and fees.
Can You Replace a Lost Ontario Health Card Online?
Usually, a lost health card is not replaced fully online.
If your unexpired photo health card is lost, stolen, or damaged and your name and address have not changed, the usual process is to call ServiceOntario.
Online services are mainly used for eligible health card renewals, not every lost-card replacement situation.
You may need to visit ServiceOntario in person if:
- Your card is expired
- Your address changed
- Your name changed
- Your card was a red-and-white card
- ServiceOntario needs updated documents
- Your identity cannot be confirmed by phone
What If Your Health Card Was Stolen?
If your health card was stolen, report it to ServiceOntario as soon as possible.
You should also consider filing a police report if the card was stolen with a wallet, purse, driver’s licence, bank cards, passport, or other personal identification.
A stolen health card can create privacy and identity-theft concerns.
Keep a record of:
- When the card was lost or stolen
- When you contacted ServiceOntario
- Any police report number, if applicable
- Any suspicious use of your personal information
If you believe your personal information has been misused, consider contacting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police service.
Can You Still See a Doctor Without Your Health Card?
You should bring a valid health card whenever you visit a doctor, clinic, hospital, or health care provider.
If you do not have your physical card, call the clinic before your appointment and explain the situation. Some providers may be able to verify your OHIP coverage another way, while others may ask for payment until coverage can be confirmed.
If you had to pay for an insured health service because your card was missing, ask the provider for a receipt and contact ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Health for guidance.
What If You Find Your Old Health Card Later?
If you reported your health card as lost or stolen and later find it, do not continue using it once a replacement has been issued.
Keep the old card only until your new one arrives, then destroy the old card safely. Cut through the card number and personal details before disposing of it.
How to Protect Your Health Card After Replacement?
Once your new Ontario health card arrives:
- Store it in a secure place
- Carry it only when needed
- Do not share your health card number unnecessarily
- Avoid sending photos of your health card by email or text unless required by a trusted health provider
- Update your address with ServiceOntario when you move
- Report loss, theft, or damage quickly
Your health card contains sensitive personal information, so it should be treated with the same care as other government-issued identification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when replacing a lost Ontario health card:
- Assuming you can replace every health card online
- Paying unofficial websites to “replace” a health card
- Using outdated fee information
- Bringing photocopies instead of original documents
- Forgetting to update your address before requesting a replacement
- Continuing to use an old card after a new one has been issued
- Ignoring possible identity theft after a wallet or purse is stolen
Lost Health Card Ontario Checklist
Before contacting ServiceOntario, prepare the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Current Ontario address
- Previous address, if recently moved
- Health card number, if you know it
- Details of how the card was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Original documents, if visiting ServiceOntario
- Police report number, if the card was stolen with other ID
Final Advice
If you lost your Ontario health card, act quickly but do not panic. For a valid photo card with no name or address changes, calling ServiceOntario is usually enough. If your card was red-and-white, expired, or your information changed, visit a ServiceOntario centre with the required original documents.
For the safest and most accurate result, always use Ontario.ca or ServiceOntario directly and avoid unofficial websites that ask for unnecessary fees or sensitive personal information.
FAQ: Lost Health Card Ontario
How do I replace a lost health card in Ontario?
If your unexpired photo health card was lost, stolen, or damaged and your name and address have not changed, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988. If your card was expired, red-and-white, or your information changed, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario centre.
Is replacing a lost Ontario health card free?
In most cases, replacing an Ontario health card is free. Remove any outdated claim that a lost health card replacement costs $15 or $30 unless ServiceOntario confirms a new fee.
Can I replace a lost Ontario health card online?
Usually, no. Lost health card replacement is generally handled by phone for eligible unexpired photo cards. Online services are mainly used for eligible renewals.
What documents do I need to replace an Ontario health card?
You may need three original documents proving citizenship or immigration status, Ontario residency, and identity. Photocopies are generally not accepted.
What if my red-and-white Ontario health card is lost?
You must visit ServiceOntario and register for a photo health card. Red-and-white cards are not replaced with another red-and-white card.
What should I do if my health card was stolen?
Report the stolen card to ServiceOntario. If it was stolen with other ID or financial cards, consider filing a police report and monitoring for identity theft.
Can I go to a walk-in clinic without my health card?
Call the clinic first. Some clinics may verify coverage another way, while others may ask for payment until your OHIP coverage is confirmed.
How long does it take to receive a replacement health card?
Replacement and renewal cards are generally mailed after processing. Delivery times can vary, so keep any temporary document or transaction record if one is provided.
Can I have two Ontario health cards?
No. You should only use your current valid Ontario health card. If an older card is found after a replacement is issued, destroy the old card safely.
Do I need to update my address before replacing my health card?
Yes, if your address has changed. ServiceOntario may require updated information before sending a replacement card.
Sources:
- Ontario.ca – Replace, cancel or change information on your health card
- Ontario.ca – Documents needed to get, renew or replace a health card
- Ontario.ca – Renew a health card
- Ontario.ca – Health cards, eligibility and coverage
- ServiceOntario / 211 Ontario – Lost, stolen, renew or change of address overview
- Ontario.ca – Switch to a photo health card
- ServiceOntario locations
