How Do I Apply for UHIP?

January 12, 2023August 15, 2022 by Mark

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is an obligatory insurance health plan that caters to Canadian citizens, international students, dependents and more. However, do you know how to apply for UHIP? Are you familiar with the steps for applying for UHIP?

This knowledge is especially important for expatriates who aren’t covered under the Ontario health insurance plan (OHIP).

The overall expense of medical treatments and services in Canada can climb quickly. Hence, knowing how to get a UHIP plan will save you a lot of money. UHIP is there to shoulder the cost of any health services you need.

Plus, applying for UHIP is a straightforward process. Here’s all you need to know!

Getting Started: What is UHIP?

As a student in Ontario, health insurance may appear complex to you. Here are the finer details of Canada’s comprehensive health insurance provisions.

Canadian Student

Health insurance is a piece of cake for Canadian students. The reason for such ease is because, as a Canadian citizen, you’re eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Numerous health providers take UHIP and OHIP, and you can access the list via the UHIP website.

Students of Canadian nationality will need to visit the Service Ontario Centre to do their OHIP registration. You’ll need the following documents to complete the registration:

Proof of Canadian Citizenship, e.g. birth certificate
Proof of Residency in Canada, e.g. gas bill
Proof of Identity, e.g. driver’s license

Once you have these essential documents, you can enroll for full medical coverage. Hence, you can visit any health care provider in Ontario and get the necessary treatment.

Non-Canadian Student

Canada is home to a rich and diverse population of international students seeking quality education. Furthermore, how to apply for UHIP has a different answer for international students.

As an international student in Ontario, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the UHIP. Typically, the university will add health insurance fees to your tuition, giving you access to various basic medical needs.

As an international student, you’re less likely to have an OHIP, making the UHIP of utmost importance. So, let’s discuss where to apply for UHIP as an international student.

The first thing to do is to locate a Service Ontario Center. Next, you’ll need these important documents confirming your immigration status as a legal occupant in Ontario.

Application Form
Passport Photographs
Cash for Payment of UHIP (If payment isn’t part of your tuition)
University Acceptance Letter
Temporary/Permanent Resident Card: This card legitimizes your immigration status
Proof of Residence in Ontario: e.g. Ontario driver’s license, electricity bill, and lease agreement.
Proof of Identity: International passport or a national ID card will do.

Presenting these documents will ease your UHIP application process. Upon the approval of your UHIP, it’s important to know the plan only has a one-year coverage period. Therefore, you’ll have to renew your UHIP after one year.

UHIP is mandatory even if you’re an exchange student living in Ontario for a relatively short period. In this case, the UHIP will cover you for the short duration of your stay in Ontario.

What Health Services Does UHIP Cover?

Before applying for UHIP, it’s essential to understand the level of coverage this health insurance plan offers.

Hospital Usage

Generally, UHIP will cover emergency hospitalization and grant you total coverage on the first four days of admission. You also get access to use the radiotherapy and respiratory facilities.

Health care services that take UHIP will also provide medication during your stay. You’ll also get access to physician services for checkups.

Doctor Services

You’ll get access to doctors for diagnosis and treatment of injuries, pregnancy-related care and one health exam per annum.

Additionally, what is UHIP without added access to a nurse practitioner? You can employ the services of a nurse practitioner and get coverage on about 90% of your fees.

Eye Care

UHIP also covers some eye examinations. You’re entitled to one annual eye examination under the care of an optometrist.

Oral Care

When you apply for UHIP, you also get coverage for your dental cavities. You are eligible for dental procedures like corrective jaw surgeries. You can also go for an annual dental check-up to spot and treat any cavities early.

Dependent Medical Tools

Another benefit of your UHIPap application is access to assistive medical equipment. For instance, UHIP coverage extends to patients who need respirators for respiratory-related illnesses.

What doesn’t OHIP cover?

There are many more services that UHIP covers, but it’s also essential to know its shortcomings. As great as UHIP is, there are some medical services it doesn’t cover.

Healthcare providers in Ontario won’t accept UHIP for medical situations like immunization, eyeglasses, and dental surgery.

UHIP Enrolment for Dependents

In cases when you have dependents like a sibling, spouse or offspring, you can apply for UHIP on their behalf. The process ensures they get adequate medical coverage during their stay.

Here’s how to get UHIP for your dependent. Once they enter the country, you’ll have to take their documents to the Service Ontario Center.

The primary documents needed for enrolling a dependent are:

The passport page of the dependent with their copies
Your student number
Proof of your dependent’s arrival date.

You must enrol the dependent in less than 30 days after arrival. Failure to adhere to this stringent rule can yield a $500 fine.

How Much Does UHIP Cost?

Now that you know what UHIP is, let’s break down the amount you’ll be paying for the plan and the criteria surrounding each payment.

One Year Plan	Monthly($)	Per Term($)	Annually($)
For student	65	255	760
For one dependent	65	255	760
For two dependent	130	510	1,520

Print your UHIP Card

After you apply for UHIP, print out the physical card from your school’s portal. Your card will grant you access to insurance-covered treatment in a medical emergency. Hence, it’s always better to have a physical copy on you.

Related Article: Is UHIP a Government Health Plan?

Final Thoughts

There are advantages to new students in Ontario completing their UHIP applications. It’s even better when you realize how seamless applying for UHIP coverage is. Simply find a Service Centre Ontario near you and go along with the necessary documents as described above.

The next step is identifying clinics near you that take UHIP. We’re Lockwood Clinic, and we do just that. Call 416-929-1900 to discuss our UHIP-covered health services and how you can take full advantage.

How much is a doctor visit without OHIP?

January 12, 2023March 8, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan provides free medical care for Ontario citizens and long term residents. However, this leaves a gap in insurance coverage for anyone who is visiting the province, has not resided in Ontario for at least three months, or who only lives in Canada part-time. Additionally, some medical services are not covered under OHIP even for residents.

Here we will look at how much a doctor visit costs without OHIP and other key facts about who is eligible for OHIP and which services are covered. Regardless of your insurance status, you can also contact the BCML walk-in clinic at 416-925-6677.

Cost of a Doctor Visit Without OHIP

When determining the cost of a doctor’s visit without OHIP, several factors will affect the cost. One of the most important factors is simply where you are seeking treatment. There is no standardized cost for doctors’ visits in Ontario and specialists will typically be more costly than a general practitioner.

Additionally, there is a different cost for uninsured Canadian residents from other provinces versus an uninsured person who resides outside the country. That being said, you can expect a walk-in clinic visit to cost an average of $100CDN. This may be higher or lower but this is an average estimate of what most patients are likely to be charged.

Who is Not Covered by OHIP?

OHIP, most notably, does not cover non-residents. However, there are several factors that may also leave you uninsured. Here are some of the most common reasons you might not be covered and what you can do to become or remain eligible.

Part-Time Residents: In order to be considered for OHIP you must maintain Ontario as your primary residence. This means residing in the province for at least 153 days out of the year.
Mobile Worker/Student Status: A workaround for those who will not physically be in Ontario for 153 days is to fulfill the requirements for a mobile worker or student. This includes living in the province for at least two years prior to moving and providing proof that Ontario is still your primary residence. For a complete list of requirements, consult the Ontario Ministry of Health website.
3-Month Residency: In most cases, you must make Ontario your primary residence for at least three months before being eligible for OHIP. You must also plan to physically reside in Ontario for 153 out of the first 183 days after becoming eligible. Additional details and requirements can also be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health Website.
Exemptions: There are several exemptions to the 3-month rule and the 153/183 day rule. Mobile workers and students do not need to meet the requirement of living in the province for 153 out of 183 of their first days. Additionally, children under 16 years of age who have been adopted by Ontario citizens will not be subject to the 3 months rule and will receive coverage upon living in the province.

Visitors: Visitors, travelers, and tourists will not have coverage under OHIP. Instead, Canadian residents from other provinces should receive coverage from their own province’s health plan or from Canadian Medicare, which is the national health plan.

What is Not Covered by OHIP?

While OHIP provides coverage for a wide range of services, there are items that are not covered even for those who are eligible for the program. When considering the cost of a doctor’s visit in Ontario, these potential additional costs should also be considered.

Doctor’s Notes: If you need a doctor’s note for work, school, jury duty, or other reason, this will not be covered. For basic notes like the ones needed to verify illness or injury to a child’s school, the cost is around $20 but can range up to $80 for a jury duty note.
Prescription Drugs: Generally, prescription drugs are only covered when administered during a hospital stay. Additionally, those over 65 will also have their prescriptions covered.
Eye and Dental Care: With the exception of those who are on financial assistance, dental care is not covered. Eye care is also typically not covered.
Other Treatments: A variety of other treatments may also not be covered. These include physical therapy and chiropractic sessions.
Medical Supplies: One of the more surprising costs that OHIP does not cover includes some medical supplies such as crutches, casts, and splints.
Mental Health Services: The rules regarding mental health coverage under OHIP can be difficult to navigate. While psychiatry, medicine based therapy, is typically covered, talk therapy may not be. Before committing to any kind of mental health therapy it is best to check if it is covered under OHIP.

Options for Coverage without OHIP

Your options for coverage without OHIP will depend on your individual situation. For those who are visiting from outside Canada, some form of traveler’s insurance is best. What will be available is dependent on your home country but is a good investment no matter the circumstances when traveling.

For those who need coverage for the three months before they are eligible for OHIP, you can choose lower cost care options such as a walk-in clinic or community health center. However, a private healthcare plan will provide the best coverage during this time. Private insurance will even help with costs that would not typically be covered by OHIP for eligible residents. Due to this, private insurance may be worth the cost if you find you continue to have many out of pocket expenses even with OHIP.

Find Treatment without Insurance in Toronto

If you are not covered by OHIP in Toronto, it can be difficult to find the treatment you need. At BCML, we understand the unique needs of all of our patients, both insured and uninsured. We will work with you to create a plan that works for your health, your schedule, and budget.

We offer everything from standard physicals and blood work to dental care and more advanced diagnostics. To schedule an appointment and learn more about what BCML can do to help you manage your health goals, call us at 416-925-6677.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan: How Does it Work?

September 7, 2020September 7, 2020 by Kevin

Canada is known for having a national healthcare system, but individual provinces also have health insurance and even private insurance. Ontario Health Insurance Plan or OHIP covers most medical care including emergency and preventative care costs. Notable exceptions to its coverage include dental, vision, and chiropractic services.

For those outside Canada, there is often the misconception that all healthcare is free. Even residents may not know what services OHIP covers or how it is funded. Here we will take a look at how OHIP works, what it covers, eligibility and other important questions many Ontarians have.

Is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Really Free?

OHIP is funded by three sources: The Canadian Government, payroll taxes from employees and taxes paid by Ontario-based businesses. While there is no direct “OHIP Tax,” citizens do essentially pay for healthcare to be available.

Though OHIP may not be as socialistic as some might assume, Ontarians still spend less per person on healthcare than in countries like the United States where there is no universal healthcare.

Also, OHIP’s system allows for a more equitable distribution of healthcare access. This means a sudden job loss or other financial hardship will not prevent a person from getting medical attention the way it might in the U.S.

Who is Eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan?

Eligibility for OHIP and medical coverage in Ontario is fairly straightforward in most cases. Anyone who is considered a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or who has a valid work permit is eligible to be covered under OHIP.

What about new residents?

When an individual first moves to Canada, there is typically a 3 month waiting period before their health care can be covered under OHIP. Supplemental insurance can be purchased to cover this gap.

Citizens who move from another province?

When you move from another province to Ontario, there will also be a 3 month waiting period until you are eligible for OHIP. However, you will still be covered by your previous province’s insurance during this time.

What about travelling workers?

Typically, to be considered a permanent resident, you must live in Ontario for at least 153 days a year. However, if you have a job that requires you to travel more frequently than this you may need to provide proof you are travelling for your job in order to qualify.

Are refugees covered?

Refugees and protected persons can often get coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program, a temporary kind of insurance. Coverage with IFHP is similar to provincial healthcare. OHIP coverage may become available if an individual goes through the process of becoming a permanent resident.

What Services Does OHIP Cover?

OHIP is designed to provide citizens with urgent and preventative care. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, certain dental surgeries and costs associated with childbirth. Below you will find a partial Ohip coverage list with some of the most commonly covered and necessary services.

It is important to note that some services may not be fully covered or will only be covered if they are deemed medically necessary and/or performed in a hospital.

Hospital stays
Doctor visits
In-hospital dental surgeries
In-hospital surgical abortions
Diagnostics including x-rays and blood tests.
Eye exams
Ambulance transportation
Mental health services performed by a medical doctor
For a complete OHIP Coverage list, visit Ontario.ca.

What is Not Fully Covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan?

Dental, vision, prescription and physical therapy costs are some of the least covered by OHIP. However, this is not a blanket statement that applies to every service in these categories.

For example, vision tests are covered for anyone under the age of 19 or over the age of 65. Below are some of the services that may not be fully covered by OHIP.

Dental and Vision

OHIP will cover certain dental surgeries that are performed in a hospital but will not cover basic services like regular cleanings. Plus, while eye exams are covered, eyewear is not. Many people will either get coverage through their employers or purchase supplemental insurance to cover these costs.

Cosmetic and Chiropractic

Cosmetic surgery and most medically unnecessary surgeries are not covered. Chiropractic services and some physical therapy may also require complete or partial out-of-pocket payment.

Mental Health

Canada is a country that recognizes the need for mental health services. Also, most of these mental health services are covered. However, the definition of eligible mental health services covered under OHIP is typically narrowed to only include services provided by medical professionals such as psychiatrists. Other alternative therapy forms may not be covered and you should check for costs before proceeding.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is most widely covered for children/teens and elderly persons. It is also covered for persons recovering from specific injuries and illnesses.

Eligible physiotherapy will be performed in-clinic and your physician will determine how many sessions you should receive.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are typically only covered for persons under the age of 25 and for patients during hospital stays. However, the Canadian government does work to keep the cost of prescriptions affordable by negotiating better rates with drug companies when possible. Private insurance can also be purchased to cover more expensive prescriptions.

Should You Buy Supplemental Health Insurance?

While citizens have access to many free and low-cost healthcare services, there are still some that are not covered or not fully covered. Similarly, people who are in their 3 month waiting period for coverage or who do not qualify as permanent residents may also need supplemental insurance.

In many cases, employers will offer insurance to cover things like dental, vision, physiotherapy, prescriptions and other services not fully covered by OHIP. You can also purchase supplemental insurance on your own.

Supplemental insurance can be beneficial if you need regular access to specialists and therapists not covered under OHIP. Private insurance can help to reduce the costs of prescription eyewear, extensive dental work and prescription medications.

Does Ontario Health Insurance Plan Cover Pandemic Care Costs?

As of now, OHIP does cover care related to COVID-19. The Pandemic has also caused some changes in OHIP eligibility. Most notably, anyone who has applied for the insurance but is still in their 3-month waiting period for coverage can still get their care for COVID-19 covered.

However, if you have any doubts about your eligibility or coverage it is best to contact OHIP directly. This is especially true now as the Pandemic is continuing to cause changes to policies.

Need to Find out if OHIP Covers What You Need?

While OHIP fully or partially covers many types of care, procedures and treatments there are still some areas that may not be clear.

If you have questions about your health and what OHIP covers for you, BCML physicians are here to help you navigate your coverage. Contact us to schedule a consultation and we will work with you to get you the best care with maximum coverage.