The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is compulsory for international students studying at a university in Ontario, Canada. UHIP provides basic health coverage similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Your coverage typically begins at the start of your academic term or the UHIP policy period and remains active as long as you are enrolled and eligible. UHIP fees are charged to your student account each year, with the first-year fee due upon arrival.
What Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP covers medically necessary services, including:
- Emergency room services at hospitals
- Hospitalization in a standard ward
- Medications administered during hospitalization
- Physician services (doctor visits)
- Annual health examination
- Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury
- Surgery
- Diagnostic laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited emergency services outside Ontario or Canada (under the same conditions as OHIP)
- Services of certain practitioners (e.g., osteopaths and podiatrists), under the same conditions as OHIP
Important Information
- UHIP covers basic healthcare only. It does not include prescription drugs, dental care, or vision care. These services are typically covered under a separate extended health plan (Student Insurance Plan), which is different from UHIP.
- When traveling outside Ontario or Canada, UHIP provides limited emergency coverage only. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance.
Using Your Coverage
You will receive your UHIP proof of coverage electronically to your student email. Please present this document when visiting a healthcare provider.
In most cases, you should not have to pay for services when you present proof of coverage. However, some providers may require payment at the time of service. If this occurs:
- Pay for the service
- Request a receipt
- Submit an online claim for reimbursement through the insurer
Eligible expenses will be reimbursed according to UHIP guidelines.
Before Arrival
Before leaving your home country, you may wish to purchase travel insurance to cover you during your journey to Canada. We also encourage all international students to review the UHIP plan in advance to determine if additional coverage is needed.
For more detailed information, please visit: www.uhip.ca
If you have any questions about UHIP, including claims, please contact the International Student Support Office at internationalsupport@nipissingu.ca.