Without a family doctor, it is hard to renew prescriptions, get referrals or keep up with checkups. If you are wondering how to find a family doctor in Ontario, the province has a free program that does the searching for you.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we meet many neighbours who have gone years without a regular doctor. We do not run any health programs, but this guide explains how to register, what to expect and where to get help in the meantime.
Quick answer
How do I find a family doctor in Ontario?
Register with Health Care Connect, the Ontario government program that matches people with a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team. Register online or call 811 (TTY 711), any time of day. You need a valid Ontario health card. A Care Connector searches for you, and urgent cases are matched first.
What Health Care Connect is
Health Care Connect (opens in a new tab) is a free Ontario program for people who do not have a primary care clinician. A Care Connector looks for a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team who is taking new patients near you.
Ontario.ca says urgent cases are matched first, and that joining does not guarantee you will be matched right away. Even so, registering puts you in line and is the main way to get matched.
What you need to register
- A valid Ontario health card number, found on the front of your card
- Your contact information, including a phone number
- A mailing address that matches the address on your health card
- Basic health information (optional, but it helps with matching)
If your health card is lost or expired, replace it first. Our guide on how to replace lost ID in Ontario (opens in a new tab) explains how.
How to register, step by step
- Make sure your health card is valid and your address is up to date.
- Register online through Ontario.ca, or call 811 (TTY 711), which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Watch your mail for a confirmation letter.
- Answer if someone contacts you to check your information.
- When you are matched, you get a referral letter, and the clinician contacts you to book your first appointment.
If you have used Health Care Connect before, Ontario.ca says you can only register again by calling 811.
Online or by phone?
| Way to register | Good for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Online through Ontario.ca | First-time registration | Have your health card ready |
| Call 811 (TTY 711) | No internet, or registering again | Open 24 hours, 7 days a week |
While you wait for a doctor
Waiting can take time, but you are not without care. Call 811 (Health811) for fast, free health advice or to find health services, any time of day.
- For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Ask your pharmacist about minor ailments and medicine questions.
- Keep a list of your medicines and health conditions to bring to any appointment.
- Keep your address and phone number current so the Care Connector can reach you.
Who can help you register
If forms or phone calls are hard for you, ask someone you trust to sit with you while you register. A family member, friend or community worker can help you read the questions and write down your confirmation details.
You remain in charge of your own information. Never pay anyone to register you; Health Care Connect is free, and the only phone number you need is 811.
Questions to ask when you are matched
- How do I book appointments, and how far ahead?
- What should I do if I need to be seen the same day?
- Can I get prescriptions renewed by phone or online?
- Is there a nurse or other team member I can talk to?
- What should I do after hours?
Write the answers down and keep them with your health card. Knowing how your new clinic works makes it much easier to get care when you need it.
Keep your place in line
Your details need to stay current while you wait. If you move, renew or replace your health card, or change your phone number, update your information so the Care Connector can reach you.
A missed call or a returned letter can slow things down. Answer calls from unknown numbers during the day if you can, and check your voicemail often.
Get ready for your first appointment
When you are matched, a little preparation helps you get the most from that first visit. Bring your health card, a list of medicines (or the bottles), and any recent test results or hospital papers you have.
Write down your main health concerns in order of importance. First appointments can be short, so start with what matters most.
If you need care urgently
Do not wait for a family doctor if you are seriously ill or injured. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department for emergencies such as chest pain, trouble breathing or a serious injury.
Health costs that add up
Even with OHIP, some health costs are not covered, such as most adult dental care and glasses. Our guide on how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens in a new tab) explains one program that may help, and Ontario’s Trillium Drug Program helps households with high prescription costs.
Look after yourself in the meantime
Regular meals, rest and staying active all help your health while you wait. Getting a flu shot is another good step; our guide on how to prevent the flu (opens in a new tab) explains why.
If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, reach out. You can call or text 9-8-8 any time for mental health crisis support.
A warm meal while you wait
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves coffee, tea and a light breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Our Food Bank runs on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab). Everything is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a family doctor in Ontario?
Register with Health Care Connect online through Ontario.ca or by calling 811 (TTY 711). A Care Connector searches for a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team for you.
What do I need to register for Health Care Connect?
A valid Ontario health card number, your contact information and a mailing address that matches your health card. Basic health information is optional.
How long does it take to get a family doctor through Health Care Connect?
It varies. Ontario.ca says urgent cases are matched first and that registering does not guarantee an immediate match.
Can I register again if I used Health Care Connect before?
Yes, but only by calling 811.
Where can I get health advice without a family doctor?
Call 811 any time for free health advice, ask a pharmacist about minor ailments, and call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Registering takes only a few minutes and puts you on the path to steady care. Sign up today, keep your details current, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for a warm meal along the way.
