1What Is UHIP?
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a not-for-profit primary healthcare plan created by Ontario universities for eligible international students, employees, and visitors who are not covered by OHIP. UHIP states that this primary healthcare protection is mandatory for eligible students and dependants at participating universities.
Students are usually enrolled automatically and premiums are charged to the student account. Coverage details are published in the current UHIP booklet on UHIP.ca Get Started.
2Official UHIP Rates (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027)
Rates below are the UHIP rates for the 2026–2027 coverage year. Always confirm on uhip.ca before budgeting, because universities bill by course start date.
| Course Start | Member | Member + 1 Dependant | Member + 2+ Dependants |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | $948 | $1,896 | $2,844 |
| January 2027 | $632 | $1,264 | $1,896 |
| May 2027 | $316 | $632 | $948 |
| Full-year member rate is $948, about $79 a month. January and May starts are billed for the months remaining in the coverage year. Confirm the current figure on uhip.ca, because universities bill by course start date. |
3UHIP vs Private Student Insurance
| Factor | UHIP | Private Student Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Primary healthcare (OHIP-comparable) | Often emergency/medical travel-style or school plan |
| At UHIP universities | Usually mandatory | Usually cannot replace UHIP |
| Enrolment | Automatic via university | Purchased privately or via college |
| Best use of private | N/A | Supplement, gap coverage, non-UHIP schools |
4Can You Opt Out of UHIP?
According to UHIP coverage details, opt-outs are limited. UHIP states everyone living in Ontario needs primary health insurance (OHIP for residents; UHIP for eligible international students). Exemptions are considered for specific government-sponsored plans meeting UHIP criteria, not for ordinary private travel or visitor policies.
Do not cancel UHIP because you bought a private plan online. You may still be billed for UHIP and left without approved primary coverage.
5When Private Insurance Still Matters
- Colleges or schools outside the UHIP participating list
- Coverage before UHIP starts or after it ends
- Dependants or visitors who are not enrolled in UHIP
- Supplementary benefits UHIP may not fully cover (confirm booklet)
Broader student guide: International Student Insurance Canada 2026.
6Outside Ontario
UHIP is an Ontario-university plan. Other provinces use different systems (provincial student plans, school plans, or private insurance). Always check your school’s official insurance office, do not assume UHIP rules apply outside participating Ontario universities.
7How to Choose the Right Setup
- Confirm whether your school participates in UHIP on uhip.ca.
- If yes, budget for UHIP and keep enrolment active.
- Ask whether you need a private supplement or gap plan.
- If your school is not on UHIP, compare private international student plans at egeinsure.ca/international-student-insurance/.
Key Takeaways
Summary
- UHIP is mandatory primary coverage at participating Ontario universities
- 2026–27 member rate from a Sept start is $948, about $79 a month (uhip.ca)
- Private plans usually cannot replace UHIP
- Private insurance still helps for supplements, gaps, and non-UHIP schools
8Frequently Asked Questions
EGE Insurance Canada
Is UHIP mandatory for international students in Ontario?
At participating Ontario universities, yes for eligible students. See UHIP.ca.
How much does UHIP cost in 2026–2027?
The member rate is $948 for a September 2026 start, about $79 a month. A January 2027 start is $632 and a May 2027 start is $316. Dependant rates are higher. Source: UHIP Get Started.
Can I replace UHIP with private student insurance?
Usually no at UHIP universities. Private plans are better as supplements or for non-UHIP schools.
Does UHIP cover the same things as OHIP?
UHIP is designed as primary healthcare protection comparable to OHIP for eligible students. Confirm benefits in the current UHIP booklet.
When do international students need private insurance instead?
At non-UHIP schools, before/after UHIP periods, for visitors/dependants not enrolled, or as a supplement. Start at student insurance quotes.
Compare International Student Insurance
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