Healthcare in London, Ontario: what GTA movers should know

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Access to healthcare is one of the first things families ask about when they consider leaving the GTA. The good news is that London is a regional healthcare hub, home to one of Ontario's largest hospital organizations and a medical school. The less good news is that finding a family doctor can take time here, just as it can almost anywhere in Ontario. Here's how it works and what you can do before and after you move.

Your OHIP coverage doesn't change

Because you're moving within Ontario, your OHIP coverage continues without any waiting period. You don't need to reapply. You do need to update the address on your health card with ServiceOntario after you move. If you have an older red-and-white card, you may be asked to switch to a photo card at the same time. Check ontario.ca for the current process.

London's hospitals

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

LHSC is one of Ontario's largest acute-care teaching hospital organizations and serves as the referral centre for much of Southwestern Ontario. Its main sites are:

• University Hospital, in the north end next to Western University.
• Victoria Hospital, in the south-central part of the city. It includes the Children's Hospital, which serves families from across the region.

Both have emergency departments. LHSC also runs a regional cancer program and many specialised services that people elsewhere in Southwestern Ontario travel to London for.

St. Joseph's Health Care London

St. Joseph's operates St. Joseph's Hospital near downtown, including an Urgent Care Centre for injuries and illnesses that need prompt attention but aren't life-threatening. It also runs specialised care including Parkwood Institute (rehabilitation and complex care) and mental health services.

Hours, services and locations change over time, so always check the hospital's own website for current details. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Urgent care, walk-ins and virtual options

While you're between family doctors, you'll likely rely on a mix of:

• Walk-in clinics around the city, many inside or near pharmacies and plazas. Some take same-day bookings online, and many fill up early in the day.
• The St. Joseph's Urgent Care Centre for non-life-threatening problems that can't wait.
• Health811, Ontario's free 24/7 health advice line and website (call 811), for a registered nurse's advice on whether you need to be seen.
• Pharmacists, who in Ontario can assess and prescribe for a number of common minor ailments. This saves a lot of walk-in visits for things like minor infections.

Finding a family doctor in London

Be prepared for this to take a while. Practical steps:

1. Ask your current GTA doctor whether they know colleagues in London, and request a copy of your records, or arrange to have them transferred once you have a new doctor.
2. Register with Health Care Connect, Ontario's program that refers people without a family doctor to providers who are accepting patients. You can register through ontario.ca or by phone.
3. Look for team-based practices. Family Health Teams and Community Health Centres sometimes open their rosters to new patients in particular neighbourhoods or groups.
4. Watch for "accepting new patients" announcements from clinics, especially new practices opening in growing areas of the city.
5. Ask new neighbours and coworkers. In London, word of mouth is often how people hear about a doctor taking patients.

Specialists and ongoing care

If you or a family member see a specialist in Toronto, talk to them before you move about transferring care to London. Because LHSC and St. Joseph's are regional referral centres, many specialties are available here. Some people choose to keep a Toronto specialist for continuity and travel for appointments. That's worth considering for complex ongoing care.

Dentists, pharmacies, mental health and more

• Dentists: generally much easier to find than family doctors. Many practices accept new patients, so ask about after-hours emergency coverage.
• Pharmacies: plentiful across the city, including 24-hour options. Transferring prescriptions from a GTA pharmacy is a quick phone call.
• Children's services: if your child receives services such as speech therapy, autism services or special education supports, contact the local providers and your new school board as early as possible. Waitlists are regional.
• Mental health: St. Joseph's and community agencies provide services. Your employer's benefits plan may also give access to counselling through an employee assistance program.

Choosing a home with healthcare in mind

If someone in your household visits the hospital regularly, location matters. The north end puts you close to University Hospital. The south and southeast put you closer to Victoria Hospital and the Children's Hospital. Downtown and Old North are central to St. Joseph's. It's worth asking your agent to factor that in.