What is UHIP?
    How does it work?

    Every person living in Canada must have coverage for primary healthcare services, such as hospital, physician, surgery, and medical testing. Ontario residents have OHIP, the mandatory government health insurance plan. International students access comparable coverage through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), a not-for-profit insurance plan created by Ontario’s universities.

    You and any family members who come to Canada must have UHIP – this primary healthcare protection is mandatory.

    (Exemptions can apply)

    Who is (and isn’t) eligible for UHIP?


    You must be a student at a participating Ontario university or an affiliated college, and one of the following:

    • A full-time student with a valid study permit or temporary resident visa, registered in a degree program and working toward an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree.
    • A part-time student (maximum six semesters) previously enrolled as full-time.
    • A non-resident full-time student participating in a study-abroad or co-op work exchange program, or with a letter of permission to attend an overseas university for credit.
    • A full-time student (maximum two years) registered in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or non-degree program. Check with your university to confirm whether it extends coverage to ESL or non-degree students.

    You will be enrolled in UHIP automatically by your university. Premiums will be charged to your student account. While you are an eligible student, your coverage renewal is automatic.

    You must be an employee at a participating Ontario university or an affiliated college, and one of the following:

    • An international employee with a valid work permit.
    • A Canadian employee absent from Canada on approved University business (maximum 18 months) and who has exhausted their OHIP extension.
    • A Canadian employee returning to Canada after an approved University business extension during the OHIP waiting period (maximum three months).

    You must apply for UHIP, and pay the university. Once enrolled, you must contact the university to renew and pay your premium before your coverage end date.

    You must live with an eligible student, employee, or visitor, and be one of the following:

    • A legal, common-law (including same-sex) spouse of the student, employee, or visitor. Your common-law relationship must have existed for at least 12 months.
    • A natural or legally adopted child, stepchild or child for whom the eligible student or employee is the legal guardian. The child must be unmarried, live with the student or employee, and be  dependent on the student, employee, or visitor for support. Dependant children must be under age 22, or under age 25 if studying full-time at an accredited educational institution. Disabled dependants, as defined by UHIP, are covered beyond the limiting age.

    You must apply for UHIP, and pay the university. Once enrolled, you must contact the university to renew and pay your premium before your coverage end date.

    You must be officially associated with a participating Ontario university or an affiliated college, and one of the following:

    • In a designated educational or staffing function, or an invitee to a seminar (minimum two weeks, maximum three months). Dependants travelling with you are also eligible. Check with your university to confirm whether it extends coverage for short-term visitors.

    You must apply for UHIP, and pay the university. Once enrolled, you must contact the university to renew and pay your premium before your coverage end date.

    The following are not permitted to join UHIP:

    • Students, employees, or visitors at an Ontario university or affiliated college not participating in UHIP.
    • Students who take an unapproved leave of absence from a participating Ontario university.
    • Correspondence students.
    • Dependants of students, employees, or visitors whose status is that of a visitor under a Minister’s permit, or medical Minister’s permit.
    • Children who become disabled after age 21 (or after age 24 if a full-time student) when the student, employee, or visitor applied for coverage.
    • Individuals, other than short-term visitors and families, who have temporary resident status.
    • Individuals who weren’t eligible for OHIP before July 1, 1994, or who wouldn’t be eligible had the government eligibility rules been unchanged.
    • Dependants of students, employees, or visitors who never had UHIP coverage.
    • Anyone else not specifically listed as eligible for UHIP, such as your siblings or parents.

    Coverage highlights

    • IMPORTANT
      • UHIP’s policy year is September 1 to August 31. We provide up to $1,000,000 CAD for primary health care services, similar to OHIP for eligible medically necessary services. See below for coverage highlights and refer to the coverage details for full information on what UHIP does (and doesn’t) cover.
      • Remember to bring a paper copy of your UHIP card to your medical provider. Some providers outside of Cowan’s Preferred Provider Network may charge more than what UHIP pays. This extra cost is not covered by UHIP, and you will need to pay the difference to the provider.
      • You must notify Cowan within 48 hours of your admission to hospital. Some services and treatments (e.g. surgery) need to be approved by Cowan before they happen. Contact Cowan for more details.
      • Refer to your university’s supplementary health insurance for coverage such as prescription drugs, dental, and eyeglasses.
    • Doctors/Clinics

      Services of physicians and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat an illness or injury, including care related to pregnancy.

      Details

    • Diagnostic/Lab

      Services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work.

      Details

    • Hospital

      Accommodation, and inpatient hospital services, outpatient services, and emergency room.

      Details

    • Ambulance

      Licensed ground ambulance to transport you to hospital.

      Details

    • Outside Ontario

      Outside of Ontario and Canada, UHIP limits coverage to medical emergencies (not applicable to residents of Gatineau/Hull). This means that your condition requires immediate medical attention to relieve acute pain and suffering. Outside of Canada, UHIP’s reimbursement is limited. We strongly recommend that you buy supplemental travel coverage.

      Details

    • Other

      UHIP covers many other services and practitioners. Examples:

      • Podiatrists, ophthalmologists (limited), medical devices, home care, repatriation, etc.

      Details

    • Services not covered by UHIP

      Including, but not limited to:

      • Treatment or surgery in Canada, where travel to Canada is undertaken specifically for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment or hospital services, even if the visit is taken on the advice of a physician.
      • Medical examinations and tests required for immigration or by a third party.
      • Cosmetic surgery.
      • Out-of-hospital food or accommodation.
      • Charges that are eligible under another plan, or would have been provided without cost in the absence of insurance.
      • Supplemental health and dental services, e.g. prescription drugs, dental cleanings, eyeglasses, acupuncture.
      • Charges in excess of UHIP limits, or in the absence of limits, reasonable and customary.
      • Travel emergency medical services during an approved leave of absence if you have exceeded the maximum trip duration.
      • Services not currently covered by OHIP unless otherwise noted. Changes to OHIP will not be automatically adopted by UHIP.

      Details

    How much does UHIP cost?

    UHIP is a not-for-profit insurance plan. Premiums are based on the academic year (ending August 31).

    Rates for September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025:

    Course Start Date Member Member
    + 1 Dependant
    Member
    + 2 or more
    Dependants
    September 2023 $756 $1,512 $2,268
    January 2024 $504 $1,008 $1,512
    May 2024 $252 $504 $756

    Note: These prices are in Canadian dollars and include 8% tax.

    UHIP premiums may change each September 1 based on:

    • The cost of claims across all UHIP members.
    • Expected increase to health care costs overall.

    Get your UHIP Card

    Before you register online, please check your University email inbox. You may already have received a copy of your UHIP coverage card from Cowan’s email—UHIP.RAMU@cowangroup.ca.

    Remember to bring a paper copy of your UHIP card to your medical provider. Some providers outside of Cowan’s Preferred Provider Network may charge more than what UHIP pays. This extra cost is not covered by UHIP, and you will need to pay the difference to the provider.

    I can’t find my
    coverage card email.

    Register online

    I’ve registered.
    Now what?

    How to print your card

    Find a Clinic/Doctor/Lab

    Knowing which health care providers accept UHIP is important and can save you money! Access Cowan’s Preferred Provider Network and find a health care provider close to you that will bill Cowan directly for medical services – at UHIP rates.

    Contact

    Have a question about UHIP’s coverage, your claim, or how to update your information?