What Sexual Health Services Are Covered by OHIP and Where Can I Access Them?
Accessing sexual health services should be straightforward, confidential, and free of judgment, but many people in Toronto are unsure about what services OHIP covers, where to go for STI testing or birth control, and whether they need a health card to get care. The good news is that Ontario offers free or low-cost sexual health services to everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. We provide free and confidential clinical services for all eligible individuals who require sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing and treatment, birth control counselling and low cost birth control , explains Toronto Public Health. This guide explains what OHIP covers, where to find sexual health clinics in Toronto, and how to access the care you need.
What sexual health services does OHIP cover?
OHIP covers several important sexual health services when they are provided by physicians or nurse practitioners in clinics, hospitals, or doctor's offices. OHIP fully covers appointments with your family doctor or at a walk-in clinic for sexual health concerns, including consultations about contraception, pregnancy, or sexual health symptoms. STI testing and treatment are covered by OHIP when performed by a healthcare provider, including tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and other infections. Pap tests for cervical cancer screening are covered for eligible age groups, and HPV testing as part of cervical screening is also included. OHIP covers pregnancy testing and prenatal care provided by doctors, midwives, or nurse practitioners, as well as abortion services, whether medical or surgical. However, OHIP does not cover the cost of most birth control methods like pills, patches, IUDs, or injections for people over 25 unless they qualify for specific programs.
Does OHIP cover birth control in Ontario?
As of 2025, Ontario is the only province that covers the cost of birth control for those under 25 years old . If you are 24 years old or younger and have an Ontario health card, you are eligible for OHIP+ coverage for most prescription birth control methods, including oral contraceptive pills, the contraceptive patch, the vaginal ring, injections like Depo-Provera, and certain types of hormonal IUDs. Not all birth control methods are covered under OHIP+. Condoms, although not covered by OHIP+, they are typically given out for free at local sexual health clinics . If you are 25 or older and do not have private insurance, you will need to pay out of pocket for prescription birth control at a pharmacy, though you may be able to access low-cost birth control through sexual health clinics. Birth control may be covered at your local pharmacy if you have your own health insurance, ODSP, Ontario Works or Indigenous and Northern affairs .
Where can I get free STI testing in Toronto?
You don't need a referral. Some sexual health clinics serve only specific populations. This service is free and confidential. A health card is not required . You do not need a referral or OHIP to visit a sexual health clinic . Toronto has many sexual health clinics that provide free and confidential STI testing and treatment, regardless of whether you have OHIP coverage. Toronto Public Health operates several sexual health clinics across the city, including locations in downtown, Scarborough, North York, and other neighbourhoods, offering free STI testing by appointment or walk-in depending on the clinic. The Hassle Free Clinic at 66 Gerrard Street East is one of Canada's largest anonymous HIV testing sites and serves people of all genders, with separate clinics for men and trans people, and women and trans people, operating at different times. At Planned Parenthood Toronto you'll find free healthcare, resources, and a supportive community. We are a youth-driven, anti-racist, culturally-responsive, queer- and trans-affirming community health centre serving youth aged 13 to 29. Safer Six Inclusive Sexual Health Clinic on Roncesvalles Avenue offers STI testing, treatment, PrEP, and PEP in a queer-friendly, inclusive environment.
Do I need a health card to access sexual health services?
No, you do not need an Ontario health card to access most sexual health services in Toronto. OHIP coverage varies by service. Services are free regardless of OHIP coverage at many Toronto clinics. Sexual health clinics operated by Toronto Public Health, Hassle Free Clinic, Planned Parenthood Toronto, and many community health centres provide free STI testing, HIV testing, birth control counseling, and pregnancy testing without requiring a health card. These clinics serve everyone, including newcomers, international students, people without status, and visitors to Toronto. If you see a family doctor or walk-in clinic for sexual health concerns and have OHIP, your visit is billed to OHIP at no cost to you. If you do not have OHIP, some walk-in clinics and community health centres will still provide care on a sliding scale or at no charge, though this varies by location.
What services are available at Toronto sexual health clinics?
Toronto's sexual health clinics offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support your sexual and reproductive health in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Birth control counselling, access to low cost or free birth control, IUD insertion, free condoms, emergency contraceptive pills, STI testing and free treatment, HIV testing, pregnancy testing, counselling and referral, publicly funded vaccination for Hep A and B and HPV, sexuality and relationship counselling are available at many clinics. Some clinics also provide medic
