Ontario International Students Will Pay 20% More for UHIP in 2026-27

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) has increased its premium rates by nearly 20 percent for the 2026-27 policy year. Beginning September 1, 2026, most international students will pay $948 for 12 months of coverage, up from $792 last year.

While UHIP helps cover many medically necessary healthcare services, it does not pay for everything. Understanding what the plan includes, what it doesn’t, and how much it costs can help you better plan your time as a student in Canada.

Key Takeaways

• UHIP premiums are increasing by nearly 20 percent for the 2026-27 policy year.
• Most international students at Ontario universities must enroll in UHIP unless they qualify for an exemption.
• UHIP covers many medically necessary healthcare services but excludes many everyday health expenses, such as prescription drugs and dental care.
• Many students also rely on supplementary health insurance to cover services that UHIP does not.

UHIP Premium Costs for 2026-2027

For students beginning their studies in September 2026, the annual premium will increase by $156, from $792 to $948. The new rates will also apply to current international students returning for the 2026-27 academic year, including those entering the second, third, or later years of their studies.

If you have a dependent, your premium costs will increase proportionately.

Students starting in January or May pay prorated premiums based on the length of their coverage. Those beginning in January 2027 will pay $632 for eight months, while May 2027 entrants will pay $316 for four months.

According to UHIP, premiums are reviewed every year and may change based on the overall cost of healthcare claims and expected increases in healthcare costs.

What Is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is the mandatory health insurance program used by Ontario’s publicly funded universities for eligible international students and their dependents.

International students in Ontario are not eligible for the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). UHIP provides similar coverage for many medically necessary healthcare services while they study in the province.

If you are admitted to a participating university, you will generally be enrolled automatically, and the premium will appear on your student account. Your coverage renews automatically as long as you remain eligible.

Which Universities Participate in UHIP?

UHIP is mandatory for most international students studying at one of Ontario’s 22 publicly funded universities that participate in the plan. If you’re an international student enrolled at one of these institutions, you’ll generally be automatically enrolled in UHIP.

The participating universities are:

• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Saint Paul University
• Toronto Metropolitan University
• Trent University
• Université de l’Ontario français
• University of Guelph
• Ontario Tech University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

If you’re attending a college or another post-secondary institution in Ontario, you will require a different health insurance arrangement. Check with your school to confirm if they offer an insurance plan or if you require private health insurance.

What Does UHIP Cover?

UHIP is designed to provide coverage that is similar to OHIP for medically necessary physician and hospital services.

Coverage includes many essential healthcare services, such as:

• Visits to family doctors, walk-in clinics, specialists, and nurse practitioners
• Emergency and medically necessary hospital care, including surgery and physician services provided during a hospital stay
• Pregnancy and maternity care, including prenatal and postnatal services
• Diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds ordered by a doctor or nurse practitioner
• Certain physiotherapy, home care services, assistive medical devices, and other specialized services, where eligibility requirements are met and prior approval has been obtained
• Emergency medical care while travelling outside Ontario or outside Canada, subject to UHIP’s reimbursement limits.

However, UHIP is not a comprehensive health insurance plan.

What Isn’t Covered by UHIP?

Although UHIP covers many essential medical services, it may not necessarily cover all the health or paramedical services you need.

Some of the most common expenses not covered include:

• Prescription drugs, unless they are administered during a hospital stay
• Most dental care and supplemental health benefits, such as routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, and acupuncture
• Cosmetic surgery, unless it is required because of an accident
• Immigration medical examinations and medical tests requested by a third party
• Out-of-hospital food and accommodation expenses
• Charges that exceed UHIP’s coverage limits or are covered under another insurance plan

UHIP also excludes certain administrative and non-medical expenses, such as physician reports prepared for third parties, court testimony, travel costs, and telephone advice.

Should International Students Consider Supplementary Health Insurance?

Even with UHIP, supplementary private health insurance may still be worth considering.

UHIP covers many medically necessary healthcare services. But it generally does not cover supplemental health benefits such as prescription drugs, routine dental care, vision care, and services like chiropractic care, massage therapy, or other paramedical treatments. Depending on your healthcare needs, additional coverage can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for these services.

Our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare, offers flexible private health insurance plans that can help complement your existing coverage, giving you greater financial protection and peace of mind while studying in Canada.

Before purchasing any additional insurance, review both your UHIP benefits and your expected healthcare needs so that you understand where there may be gaps in coverage.

When Does UHIP Coverage Start?

Your UHIP coverage does not always begin on the day you arrive in Canada.

In most cases, coverage starts on the later of:

• The date you arrive in Canada, or
• The 10th day of the month before your studies begin.

For example, if your program starts on September 1 but you arrive on August 5, your UHIP coverage would begin on August 10. You will need private health insurance for the period between your arrival and the start of your UHIP coverage.

What This Means for International Students in Ontario

The UHIP premium increase adds another unavoidable expense for international students already budgeting for tuition, housing, and everyday living costs.

While the additional $156 per year may seem modest compared with tuition, it is a mandatory fee that should be included in your overall study budget.

UHIP provides valuable protection for medically necessary healthcare, but it doesn’t cover every healthcare expense you may face during your studies. Understanding your university health plan and deciding whether supplementary private insurance makes sense for your situation can help you avoid unexpected medical bills during your time in Canada.