Health Care Connect

Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner with Health Care Connect

Health Care Connect is a free provincial program that helps Ontarians find and connect with a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team who are accepting new patients.

It is especially useful for people who:

don’t currently have a regular primary care provider,

are having trouble finding one in their community,

or want support navigating the primary care system.

Health Care Connect is part of Ontario’s broader efforts to attach every resident to ongoing primary care and improve access to coordinated care across the province.

How to register

There are two ways to register for Health Care Connect:

Register Online

Complete the Health Care Connect online registration form in just a few minutes.

Register by Phone

Dial 8-1-1 or 1-800-855-0511 at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to register with a service representative.

To help Health Care Connect match you with a suitable primary care provider in the community, you will be asked to provide basic information including:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Ontario health card (OHIP) number
  • Your health care needs

If you need support with registration, please contact 8-1-1 to help coordinate your connection with Health Care Connect.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

  • What is Primary Care?

    Primary care refers to routine and ongoing health care services provided by family doctors or nurse practitioners. It is the first point of contact in the health system for most non-emergency health needs. Primary care supports people at all stages of life, helps prevent and treat illness, connects patients to specialists when needed and promotes overall health and well-being.

  • What is Health Care Connect?

    Health Care Connect is a provincial Ontario program designed to help residents without a family doctor or nurse practitioner find one who is accepting new patients.

  • Who can use it?

    To use Health Care Connect, you must:

    • Be a resident of Ontario with a valid Ontario health card (OHIP).
    • Have an up-to-date mailing address associated with your health card.
    • Need a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

  • What if I have primary care outside of my community?

    Health Care Connect is for anyone, with or without a primary care provider who needs one. You can register if you currently have a family doctor outside of your community and are looking for a local provider.

  • What if I don’t have a valid OHIP card?

    Health Care Connect requires a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card to register; your OHIP number is needed to submit your information and be added to the Health Care Connect waitlist. If you do not currently have a valid OHIP card you will need to apply for or renew your OHIP card before registering with Health Care Connect.


    To apply for OHIP or to renew/replace an expired card, visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring the required identification and residency documents. Once you have a valid health card, you can complete your Health Care Connect registration online or by calling 8-1-1.


    If you have questions about your eligibility for OHIP, or which documents you need to apply, contact ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559) for assistance and guidance.


  • Can someone register on my behalf?

    Yes. If you have a family member, caregiver, or friend helping you, they can register for you with your consent using your health information.

  • How long will it take to be connected?

    Connection times can vary based on factors such as provider availability, your specific health care needs, and local demand. While the OHT-N and Health Care Connect strive to make connections as quickly as possible, a match is not guaranteed within a set timeframe.

  • Is there priority preference?

    Yes. People with greater health needs — including chronic conditions or complex health issues — may be prioritized based on Ministry of Health clinical guidelines.

  • What if I find primary care on my own while on the waitlist?

    If you find a primary care provider independently, notify Health Care Connect or your Care Connector so your waitlist status can be updated or withdrawn. Keeping registration up to date ensures others in need are prioritized appropriately.

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    For questions about Health Care Connect:

    • Call 8-1-1 (TTY: 1-800-855-0511).