Do you have to pay for a family doctor in Ontario?
For most Ontarians, family doctor visits are free under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Whether you live in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, or Brampton, appointments with a registered family physician are fully covered if you have a valid health card.
But there are exceptions: uninsured residents, international students, and private-pay clinics may charge fees. Let’s break it down city by city and by situation.
What OHIP covers for family doctor visits
OHIP pays for:
- Routine checkups and annual physicals
- Diagnosis and treatment for most medical concerns
- Referrals to specialists
- Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Mental health assessment and basic treatment
🔗 Related: What OHIP covers for family doctor visits in Ontario
Costs if you don’t have OHIP coverage
Without OHIP, you may need to pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Fees vary by city but generally include:
- Walk-in consultation with a family physician: $60–$100 per visit
- Extended consultation (longer than 20 minutes): $120–$180
- Prescription renewal visit: $40–$70
- Annual physical exam (private): $150–$250
These ranges apply across Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, and Brampton. Larger cities like Mississauga and Hamilton often charge at the higher end.
Private and concierge family doctor pricing in Ontario
Some clinics operate outside OHIP or offer premium services. This includes:
- Concierge / direct primary care models: $1,500–$4,000 per year for unlimited visits, same-day access, and extended appointments
- Executive health programs: $2,000–$5,000 annually, including advanced testing and personalized care plans
- Uninsured student or newcomer packages: $50–$100 per month
🔗 Learn more: Direct primary care and concierge medicine in Ontario
Additional services that may cost extra
Even if OHIP covers your doctor visit, some services come with fees:
- Sick notes for work/school: $20–$40
- Travel vaccination consultations: $60–$100 (plus vaccine cost)
- Forms and paperwork (insurance, employment, school): $40–$150
- Missed appointment fee: $50–$100
These charges apply across all GTA cities, with little variation.
Costs for international students and newcomers
- International students: Covered under private health plans like UHIP; costs $700–$1,000 per year for coverage.
- Newcomers without OHIP: Pay private rates until the 3-month waiting period ends. Expect $60–$120 per family doctor visit.
🔗 Related: International students healthcare coverage options in Ontario
City-specific family doctor costs in 2025
While OHIP standardizes coverage, private fees can differ slightly by city:
- Burlington & Oakville: $60–$90 for uninsured visits, $150–$200 for private physicals
- Mississauga & Hamilton: $80–$120 for uninsured visits, $200–$250 for physicals
- Milton & Brampton: $70–$100 for uninsured visits, $160–$220 for physicals
These differences reflect clinic demand and population growth pressures.
How to minimize family doctor costs
- Always present a valid OHIP card to avoid unnecessary charges
- Ask clinics about fee schedules before booking
- Use CHCs (Community Health Centres) for free access if eligible
- Register through doktr.ca to avoid high private-pay clinic costs
👉 Find a family doctor now at doktr.ca
Conclusion
In Ontario, family doctor visits are free with OHIP, but there are costs for those without coverage, premium options, and extra services. Fees vary slightly across Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, and Brampton. By knowing what’s covered and what isn’t, patients can avoid surprise bills and make informed choices.
👉 Start here: Register with a family doctor in your city