Compulsory health insurance for international students at 22 publicly funded Ontario universities is rising by roughly 20 percent, effective September 1, 2026. Individual UHIP premiums increase from 792 to 948 dollars a year, while a family of three now pays 468 dollars more. Most international students must buy this coverage because they do not qualify for OHIP.
What Is University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)and Who Has to Buy It?
The University Health Insurance Plan, known as UHIP, is compulsory health coverage for international students at member institutions across Ontario. Twenty two publicly funded universities require it, including large names like the University of Toronto, McMaster, Western, Waterloo, and Queen’s.
In Ontario, international students on temporary resident status cannot qualify for provincial health coverage under OHIP, unlike students in provinces such as Alberta or British Columbia. UHIP fills that gap.
How Much More Will Students Pay This Year?
Effective September 1, 2026, individual UHIP premiums rise from 792 dollars to 948 dollars a year. That is an increase of at least 156 dollars per student.
Families feel it more. A family of three will now pay 2,844 dollars a year, up from 2,376 dollars, an increase of 468 dollars. For a student supporting a spouse and child while studying full time, that jump lands at a difficult moment, right alongside tuition and housing costs.
Can International Students Opt Out of UHIP?
Very few students qualify. Exemptions exist only for those who already have or will have OHIP coverage, hold another eligible pre-approved plan, carry diplomatic status, or are covered under a plan sponsored by their home government.
Because Ontario students cannot access OHIP on temporary resident status, most of these exemptions simply do not apply. Coverage begins on arrival in Canada, or the tenth of the month before studies start, whichever comes later.
What Does University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) Actually Cover?
UHIP provides coverage up to one million dollars per policy year. That includes visits to primary care physicians, diagnostic tests, emergency room care, and hospital surgeries.
It is important to understand that UHIP is not equal to OHIP. Coverage is more limited, and many students choose to add extended health insurance on top of it for services like prescription drugs, dental care, and vision, which UHIP does not include.
Source: University Health Insurance Plan Fees
Should Study Permit Applicants Budget for This Now?
Yes, and this is where planning matters most. Study permit applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, and rising mandatory insurance costs feed directly into that calculation.
Dependents matter too. If a spouse or child will live with the student in Ontario, UHIP enrollment for dependents is not automatic. It has to be arranged manually, and it adds another line to the family budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The updated rates apply from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, covering all 22 member institutions across Ontario.
Individual annual premiums rise to 948 dollars, up from 792 dollars the previous year.
The 22 publicly funded member institutions require it, including major universities such as Toronto, McMaster, Waterloo, Western, and Queen’s.
Only if it meets one of the four narrow exemption categories, such as diplomatic status or a government-sponsored plan. Most students do not qualify.
No. UHIP covers core medical services like doctor visits, diagnostics, and hospital care. Prescription drugs, dental, and vision typically require separate extended coverage.
Yes. Dependents living with you in Ontario need their own UHIP enrollment, and it must be done manually rather than automatically.
Higher mandatory insurance costs increase the total funds you must demonstrate to IRCC, so your proof of funds calculation should be updated before you apply.
Planning to study in Ontario, or supporting a child or spouse who is? Talk to ImmigCanada before you finalize your study permit budget. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will help you build an accurate, up to date financial plan that accounts for the new UHIP rates.