Record #:
ONT00060
Last Full Update:
30 May 2024
Contact Information
| Toll Free Phone | Call 811 |
| TTY Phone | 1-866-797-0007 |
| Crisis Phone | Call 911 in emergencies |
| Website | www.ontario.ca/health811 |
Agency Information
| Legal Status | (30) Provincial Government |
| Established | 2000 |
| Funding | Provincial - MHLTC |
Description and Service Details
| Description (Service) | Free, secure and confidential service Ontarians can access by calling, chatting online or visiting the service's website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through the service, Ontarians can receive health advice from qualified health professionals, such as registered nurses, locate local health services and find trusted health information. Health811 is for non-emergent issues only. For emergencies, call 911 immediately. Health811 does not provide medical diagnoses, renew or order prescription medications and is not a substitute for touch points with a health care provider. The service is also available in French, which includes the phone service, online chat and the website. Translation support is available for Health811’s phone service and can be requested in more than 200 languages. Translation support is available for Health811’s phone service and can be requested in more than 200 languages. Formerly Telehealth Ontario Services offered by Health811 include: Health Advice and Mental Health Information: Call or chat online with a registered nurse to receive health advice about non-emergent symptoms you may be experiencing or general health questions. Users can also connect to mental health information through Health811. Access to Health Professionals: Connect with health professionals, such as registered nurses, registered dieticians, lactation consultants, and smoking cessation coaches. Symptom Assessment Tool: An artificial intelligence-powered symptom assessment tool guides users through a series of questions to suggest possible reasons for their symptoms and provides care options, as well as a downloadable symptom report. Find a Service: Find health services and health care providers by keyword, specialty, location, or postal code. Medical Library: Medical library with common conditions, symptoms, treatments and prevention. The content has been vetted and approved by clinical experts. ColonCancerCheck Program: Access information about colorectal cancer * FITs for colorectal cancer screening can be requested by eligible Ontarians through the phone service only. Health Care Connect - Ontarians can receive assistance finding a family physician or nurse practitioner accepting new patients through the phone service (not available over chat) Dietitian Counselling Service - Call or chat online to request a touch point with a dietitian for advice and information on nutrition and healthy eating Refugee HealthLine - Refugees can connect with health care providers who deliver transitional health care and services, including primary care, specialist care and mental health supports * transitional care includes initial assessments, care and referrals to other health services * service is not for emergencies |
| Hours | Daily 24 hours |
| Areas Served | Ontario |
| Boundaries | Ontario |
| Eligibility | Residents of Ontario * Ontario health insurance plan number (OHIP) not required |
| Application | Call, chat online or visit the website |
| Languages | English ; French |
| Fees | Free |
Site Information
| Located In Community | Toronto Downtown Central |
| Physical Access | Not Applicable |
Categories and Classification
| HCSD Main Heading | Health Care |
| HCSD Sub Heading | Finding a Doctor |
| Service Categories | General Health Education Programs ; Medical Information Services ; Nutrition Education ; Physician Referrals |
