Many private and company health insurance plans cover naturopathic treatments. Patients and employers are encouraged to request that their policy include coverage of all naturopathic services. Currently OHIP does not cover visits to a Naturopathic Doctor.

A Homeopathic Practitioner uses only a homeopathic approach. Naturopathic Doctors, on the other hand, use homeopathic medicine as one of the therapies integrated into a total treatment plan. 

Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine have a minimum of 7 years of training: 3 to 4 years of premedical studies at a university followed by the 4 year intensive full time program at an accredited college of Naturopathic Medicine. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is located in Toronto.
After graduating from one of these colleges, the Ontario ND must pass rigorous North American-wide standardized licensing exams to obtain a license. NDs in Ontario are regulated and licensed by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

During the initial 90 minute consultation, the ND will take a thorough history so that the underlying issues surrounding your condition or concern can be looked at. A physical examination with clothes on (not internal), may occur during the first or second visit. The ND will then determine which lifestyle, nutritional, herbal, homeopathic or other type of therapy may best suit your case. At this point, a joint decision with you will be made as to how best to proceed. Our goal is to teach you as much as possible to help you reach your health goals.

Generally speaking the answer is no, you do not need a referral from an MD to see an ND. However, it is a good idea to confirm that with your health insurance provider so that you feel comfortable that the visit will be covered.