Resources > Women’s Health Screening
OHIP-Covered Women’s Health Screenings (No Referral Needed)
Preventive care is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself. Regular screenings—such as Pap tests and mammograms—are simple, effective ways to safeguard your long-term health. And here’s some encouraging news: in Ontario, you don’t always need a referral from a family doctor to get started.
Whether you’re without a primary care provider or simply prefer a more direct approach, there are self-referral options available to you. We’ve gathered the key information here, so you can take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Please note: We do our best to keep this page current, but health programs can change—sometimes without much notice. Be sure to double-check details with Health Ontario for the most up-to-date information.
Mammogram (Breast Cancer Screening)
Who it’s for: Women and people assigned female at birth, ages 50 to 74
How to book: You can self-refer through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
Do you need a doctor’s note? No
Covered by OHIP? Yes
How often: Every 2 years, unless your healthcare provider says otherwise
Find a location: OBSP Wait Times and Locations
Cervical Screening (Pap Test)
Who it’s for: Anyone aged 25 to 70 who has a cervix and is or has been sexually active
How to book: Self-refer at most sexual health clinics, nurse practitioner-led clinics, or OB/GYN offices
Doctor’s note? No
Covered by OHIP? Yes
How often: Every 3 years (if your last result was normal)
Find a clinic: Try Googling phrases like “Pap test clinic near me” or “Cervical screening [Your City]” for the closest options
More info: Ontario’s Cervical Screening Page