UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) premiums are going up almost 20% for Ontario international students starting September 1, 2026. This guide explains what UHIP is, who must pay it, the new 2026-27 rates, and who qualifies for an exemption.
Warning! The new UHIP rates start on September 1, 2026. If you are enrolling at an Ontario university this fall, budget for the higher premium now.
What Is UHIP?
UHIP stands for University Health Insurance Plan. It is a mandatory health insurance program for international students at many publicly funded universities in Ontario, Canada. UHIP pays for doctor visits, hospital care, and many other medical services while you study.
Ontario has a public health plan called OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) for residents and eligible workers. Most international students do not qualify for OHIP right away, so their university enrolls them in UHIP instead. UHIP is designed to give you coverage that is similar to OHIP.
UHIP is administered by Cowan Insurance Group on behalf of the participating universities. Cowan sets the annual premium, processes claims, and reviews exemption requests.
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Who Has to Pay UHIP?
You must pay UHIP if you are an international student at one of the 22 publicly funded Ontario universities that require it. This includes large research universities such as the University of Toronto, York University, McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, Queen's University, the University of Waterloo, and Western University.
Most universities enroll you in UHIP automatically the moment you register for classes. The charge appears on your student account along with your tuition. You do not need to apply for UHIP yourself unless your university tells you otherwise.
Note: Not every Ontario university uses UHIP. Some colleges and a few universities use a different provider. Always check your specific school's international student office page to confirm which plan applies to you.
New UHIP Rates for September 2026 to August 2027
The UHIP premium is rising by roughly 20% for the coverage year that runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. This is the yearly rate review that UHIP publishes each spring, and it applies automatically to every student enrolled in the plan.
That is an extra $156 a year for a single student, and an extra $468 a year for a family of three. If you start your program partway through the year, your premium is prorated based on your start date.
Why Is UHIP Going Up in 2026-27?
UHIP says the increase reflects rising healthcare costs and a higher volume of claims across the plan. UHIP reviews and adjusts its premium every year, so year-over-year changes are normal, but a jump close to 20% is larger than recent increases.
Who Can Get a UHIP Exemption?
You can only skip UHIP if you meet one of a small number of exemption categories. Having your own travel insurance or a private plan from home is not enough on its own.
If you think you qualify, you still need to enroll in UHIP first and then apply for the exemption. Most universities give you a short window, often around 45 days, to submit proof and request a refund.
UHIP vs. Extended Health and Group Insurance Plans
UHIP is not the only health-related cost you will see as an international student in Ontario. Many student unions also sell an extended health plan, sometimes called a group insurance plan. These two plans cover different things.
Think of UHIP as your base medical coverage and the extended plan as the add-on for the things UHIP leaves out. Most students carry both.
What UHIP Covers
Doctor visits, hospital care, many diagnostic tests, and emergency treatment.
What UHIP Does Not Cover
Routine dental care, vision care, and most prescription drugs. You need a separate plan for these.
Who Needs Extra Coverage
Students who wear glasses or contacts, need regular prescriptions, or want dental checkups should also look at their school's extended health plan.
How to Budget for the Higher UHIP Cost
- Add the new premium to your tuition and living cost estimate before you apply for your study permit.
- If you are bringing your spouse or children to Ontario, budget for their UHIP coverage too, since dependants are not always added automatically.
- Ask your university's international office whether UHIP is billed once a year or split across terms.
- Keep proof of any existing health coverage ready in case you want to apply for an exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UHIP Increase
The new rate applies to coverage starting September 1, 2026. If your university bills UHIP with tuition, the higher premium will appear on your account for the 2026-27 academic year.
Usually not. Regular travel insurance does not qualify for a UHIP exemption. Only OHIP or IFHP eligibility, diplomatic status, a UHIP pre-approved plan, or a qualifying government-sponsored plan can exempt you.
Dependants can be added to UHIP, but you often need to enroll them yourself. Check your university's UHIP page for the enrollment deadline for dependants.
OHIP is Ontario's public health plan for residents. UHIP is a separate, mandatory plan built specifically for international students who do not yet qualify for OHIP, with similar but not identical coverage.
UHIP applies at 22 publicly funded Ontario universities, including several available on ApplyBoard, such as Algoma University, Laurentian University, the University of Guelph, and the University of Waterloo. Be sure to check your institution’s international student services page to confirm its specific health coverage requirements.
UHIP costs are going up, but knowing the new rates and your exemption options ahead of time helps you plan your budget with confidence. Review your university's UHIP page as soon as you accept your offer, and set aside the extra cost so it does not catch you off guard in September.
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