*As of Mar 19, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ontario has decided to extend the validity for health cards and other documents including:
- Health cards
- Drivers’ licences
- Licence plate stickers
- Ontario Photo Cards
This means that for the time being, clients may use their health cards that are expired or expiring. These health cards will continue to provide access to health services. The extension on the documents will continue until the COVID-19 situation improves.
Officials made the decision to help prevent the need for in-person visits to places like Service Ontario.
The plan to eliminate Red and White Health Cards (conversion to Photo Health Cards), was initially planned for July 01, 2020. This has been suspended until further notice. Ontario residents with a valid red and white health card may continue to use their card. A new deadline has not been determined. When a new date has been set, the ministry will make an announcement.