International students at Ontario’s public universities will see their compulsory health‑insurance premiums rise by about 20 % starting 1 September 2026.
- Individual premiums increase from C$792 to C$948 per year.
- A family of three sees the cost rise from C$2,376 to C$2,844 annually, an extra C$468.
The increase applies to the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), the mandatory coverage for all international students enrolled at any of the 22 Ontario universities that participate in the program.
Universities covered by UHIP
- 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
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Ontario Tech)
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- University of Western Ontario
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
How UHIP enrollment works
- Premiums are added automatically to each term’s student account unless the student submits an exemption request.
- Exemptions are limited to four situations:
- Existing coverage under Ontario’s provincial plan (OHIP) – not available to most temporary residents.
- Coverage under another pre‑approved health plan.
- Diplomatic status.
- A government‑sponsored plan from the student’s home country.
Only a small number of students qualify for these exemptions.
Dependent coverage
International students must also enroll any dependents who reside with them in Ontario, unless the dependent meets one of the exemption criteria. Enrollment is not automatic; students must add dependents manually through their institution’s UHIP process.
Coverage details
- Maximum benefit: C$1 million per policy year.
- Includes primary‑care visits, diagnostic tests, emergency‑room treatment, and hospital surgeries.
- Does not provide the full range of services covered by OHIP; it is a basic safety net for non‑OHIP‑eligible residents.
Extended health insurance
Many institutions also require students to purchase an extended group health plan, which typically adds coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, and vision. This supplemental coverage is often mandatory unless the student can prove comparable benefits from another source (e.g., a spouse’s employer plan).
Practical considerations for students
- Review the exemption criteria early to avoid unnecessary charges.
- If enrolling dependents, complete the UHIP registration promptly; failure to do so may leave them uninsured.
- Compare the extended health plan offered by the university with any existing coverage to determine if opting out is possible.
- Note that the coverage start date is the later of the student’s arrival in Canada or the 10th day of the month preceding the study period.
The fee increase reflects rising healthcare costs and the need to maintain a minimum level of medical protection for the growing international student population in Ontario.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
