The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides basic medical coverage for international students and employees of most public Ontario universities. It is a non-profit plan that is funded through the monthly premiums users pay.
Here we will look at all you need to know about UHIP, its benefits, and how it is funded.
How is UHIP Funded?
UHIP is funded through membership fees paid by the students and university employees who use the plan. Though the plan is not funded by the government, it is also not a profit generating program. All of the money paid by members is used to facilitate the program and to provide care.
Why Are There Membership Fees for UHIP?
Contrary to popular misconception, health insurance is not completely free for anyone in Canada, not even citizens. The national health plan, Canadian Medicare, and the individual provincial plans are all funded with tax dollars.
While this significantly lowers the costs individuals pay when they need medical care, citizens are still technically funding it. Moreover, this system ensures that people can receive care regardless of their ability to pay.
This is especially important for individuals who are managing chronic conditions and severe illnesses that require an above average amount of medical attention.
How Much Does UHIP Cost?
Current UHIP costs are $63 per person per month. You can also add a spouse or child to your plan for an additional $63 per person.
For many students who are often young and healthy, this cost may seem like an unnecessary burden since they are unlikely to require significant medical care. However, in the event that you do need medical care, a single emergency hospital stay can cost upwards of $2,000.
This cost is greater than a full two years of health insurance coverage. Similarly, a doctor’s visit typically costs upwards of $100. Should you get any kind of illness that requires a visit and check-ups, this cost could easily surpass your annual fees as well.
Therefore, UHIP membership fees are necessary for two primary reasons:
Funding: Membership fees for UHIP work in the same way that taxes work to fund provincial health plans and Medicare. Since members are not paying the same taxes as citizens, the membership fees take the place of this.
Shared Costs: The cost of the program is spread among all users in order to ensure no one individual is left with an astronomical bill that they cannot pay.
Which Universities Participate in UHIP?
UHIP is available through all public Ontario universities. The University of Windsor is the one exception to this. If you study here, you will have access to the Green Shield plan which provides similar coverage to UHIP.
Note that private universities do not participate in UHIP and will, instead, have their own private health insurance options. Many of these options are also affordable and easy to access.
How do I Enroll Dependents in UHIP?
As a UHIP eligible student, you will also be able to obtain coverage for a spouse or children living with you. In order to enroll, you will need to fill out a UHIP© application form from the UHIP.ca website.
You will then bring this form and proof of your eligible family member’s arrival in Canada to the UHIP office of your university. Proof of arrival is typically a passport. From there, your university’s UHIP office will help you complete the process.
Am I Required to Enroll in UHIP?
When you enroll in an Ontario university that participates in UHIP, you will automatically be enrolled. Your monthly premiums will then be charged to your student account.
Moreover, health insurance is a requirement when studying or working in Canada. UHIP provides an affordable and simplified way to receive the coverage you need. Though there are ways to receive an exemption by having alternate health insurance, there is no way to avoid having health insurance altogether.
Can I Be Exempt from UHIP?
You can get an exemption from UHIP in certain circumstances. For example, if you have health insurance from your employer or home country that will cover your medical costs while in Canada. You will need to provide proof of this coverage and there is still a chance that your exemption will be denied or the process could take some time.
Due to this, it recommended that you still enroll in UHIP even if you are requesting an exemption. This will ensure you have coverage as soon as you arrive in Canada, which is a requirement.
Find UHIP Supported Medical Care
Finding medical services when you are new to a country can be an overwhelming task. Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic makes it easy with our comprehensive non-emergency medical care services.
We offer a wide range of UHIP covered services along with affordable dental care and physiotherapy. To learn more, contact us at 416-929-1900.
