Quick answer
UHIP is mandatory for international students at Ontario's 22 participating universities and costs $948 a year for a single student from September 1, 2026. You can only opt out if you're eligible for OHIP or covered by an approved plan, so private insurance doesn't replace it. Private cover is useful for the gaps: arriving before UHIP starts, family members, college programs with different plans, travel outside Canada, and the months after graduation before OHIP.
UHIP and Private Plans Compared
| UHIP | Private student or visitor plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | International students at 22 Ontario universities | Anyone who needs cover UHIP doesn't give |
| Mandatory? | Yes, at member universities | No, but often needed for gaps |
| 2026-27 cost | $948 a year (single) | Pay by the day, for the days you need |
| Starts | Sept 1 (Aug 10 for early arrivals) | The day you choose, even before you land |
| Covers | Doctor and hospital care, like OHIP | Emergency medical, depending on plan |
| Opt out | Only with OHIP or an approved plan | Cancel with a refund of unused days, if no claims |
UHIP 2026-27 rates as published by participating universities. Students starting in January 2027 pay $632 for eight months.
Find Your Uncovered Days
UHIP for the fall term starts on September 1, or on August 10 for students who arrive earlier. Check whether you land in a gap.
Start-date rule as published by Western University for 2026-27 terms (the 10th of the month before term). Confirm with your own university.
Five Gaps UHIP Leaves Open
Before UHIP starts
Arrive in July for an apartment and you're on your own until UHIP begins. A private plan from the day you land covers that.
College students
UHIP is for member universities. Ontario colleges usually have their own mandatory plan. Check what yours includes.
After graduation
On a PGWP, OHIP needs a full-time Ontario job for six months. Between UHIP ending and that point, you need cover. Work permit rules.
Family visits
Parents visiting for convocation aren't on your UHIP. They need visitor insurance. Visitor prices.
UHIP and Private Insurance: Your Questions
Can I opt out of UHIP with private insurance?
Usually not. Opt-outs are generally limited to students eligible for OHIP, covered by an approved plan (such as some sponsor or government plans), or not in Canada for the term.
How much is UHIP for 2026-27?
$948 a year for a single student from September 1, 2026, up from $792. A student with one dependant pays $1,896.
When does UHIP start?
September 1 for the fall term. Students who arrive between August 10 and 31 are covered from arrival; those arriving before August 10 are covered from August 10.
Does UHIP cover my spouse and children?
They can be added for an extra premium, and must be enrolled if they live with you in Ontario unless they qualify for OHIP or another approved plan.
Do college students in Ontario pay UHIP?
UHIP is for its member universities. Ontario colleges usually run their own plans. Check your college's fees.
What happens to my coverage after I graduate?
UHIP ends with your enrolment period. On a PGWP you need private cover until you qualify for OHIP through a full-time job for six months.
Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS
Pankaj is a licensed insurance advisor with offices in Mississauga and Cambridge, Ontario, and a member of Advocis. He helps families compare Super Visa and visitor plans from Canadian insurers and sorts out claims and refunds when plans change.
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Arriving before term?
Send your arrival date and university. We'll quote the days before UHIP starts.