UHIP vs Private Student
Insurance in Ontario
1 What 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.
2 Official 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. | |||
3 UHIP 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 |
4 Can 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.
5 When 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.
6 Outside 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.
7 How 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/.
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
8 Frequently Asked Questions
Is UHIP mandatory for international students in Ontario?
How much does UHIP cost in 2026–2027?
Can I replace UHIP with private student insurance?
Does UHIP cover the same things as OHIP?
When do international students need private insurance instead?
Compare International Student Insurance
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