The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides health insurance for international students and employees of most Ontario Universities. University of Windsor is the primary exception to this coverage. When you have UHIP you may also be able to access some covered health services outside the province and even outside the country but this is mostly limited to emergency medical care only.
Overall, UHIP is a beneficial program that allows international students and university employees to access health care at an affordable price. This is particularly important in Canada where you are required to have health insurance even if you do not qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Here we will look at what UHIP is, what it covers, who is eligible, and everything else you need to know about your UHIP coverage.
What is UHIP?
UHIP offers an affordable alternative to other private health insurance plans in Ontario. Its coverage is similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) though there are differences in coverage. For example, OHIP provides prescription coverage for those under the age of 25 while UHIP does not. Additionally, there is a monthly fee for UHIP while OHIP is tax funded.
How is UHIP Funded?
UHIP is a non-profit program that is funded by monthly payments from members. Monthly payments can fluctuate and will differ depending on how many individuals are covered under your plan. For example, the lowest price will be for a single individual and this will go up if you have a partner or dependents covered under the plan.
Currently, you can expect to pay around $63 per month for each covered person. While this cost may rise at any time, one of the goals of the program is to keep monthly premiums at an affordable level.
Coverage for Spouses and Dependents Under UHIP
When you are studying or working at an Ontario university, your spouse or dependent children are also required to have coverage. UHIP makes this relatively easy and affordable to accomplish.
You can start the process of enrolling your spouse or dependents by visiting the UHIP office of your university and filling out an application form. You will also need passports for each of the dependents you are seeking coverage for to verify they have arrived in Canada.
Note: It is important that you enroll your dependents within 30 days of their arrival in Canada. While they can still enroll after this period, you will be charged a late fee which is currently $500. Failing to enroll on time can make this affordable program considerably more expensive.
What Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP covers a wide range of services including emergency, diagnostics and testing, routine doctor visits, many specialist services and more. Here are some of the most common services and service categories, however; this is not an exhaustive list. If you do not see the service you are looking for, contact the UHIP office at your university.
Hospital Services: Emergency and medically necessary hospital stays are generally covered. However, you will need pre-approval for non-emergency and elective surgeries. If your hospital stay and procedure are approved, your meals, lab work, and medications administered during your stay will all be covered. Prescriptions required after your hospital stay will not be covered.
Doctor Visits: Visits to a general practitioner or family doctor are covered and include annual checkups, prenatal care, treatment of illness and injury, and anesthesia in case of surgery.
Eye and Vision Care: Vision care is available for those under 19 and over 65 including annual checkups. If you are between 20 and 64 you may receive coverage for annual exams if you have certain conditions affecting vision including diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Diagnostic Services: Lab analysis, x-rays, and other diagnostics will be covered when ordered by a physician and/or performed as part of an approved hospital stay.
Ambulance Transportation: Similar to diagnostic services, ambulance transportation is covered when it has been deemed necessary by a physician.
Dental Surgery: Dental surgery that requires a hospital stay including corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting will be covered. This typically includes any dental procedures that are considered emergencies.
What Percentage Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP is intended to pay the full cost of all covered services. However, some physicians may have higher rates than the UHIP reimbursement maximum. In this case, you will be responsible for paying the difference. If you are concerned about this, consult with your doctor and contact your UHIP office at your school to check on coverage amounts.
What Does UHIP NOT Cover?
Private Hospital Room Accomodations: Private room accommodations are typically not covered. You may be able to get coverage with pre-approval so if this is important to you, reach out to UHIP at your university before asking for a private room.
Elective Surgeries: Some elective surgeries may be covered with pre-approval but this is not the norm. To avoid unexpected bills, make sure to seek approval from UHIP before proceeding.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is covered in some instances including for those over 65 and under 18. If you are between 19 and 64 you will be covered for physiotherapy only if it is administered as part of a hospital stay. Non-hospital physiotherapy for those 19 to 64 is not covered.
Dental Care: While some dental services including surgery are covered, regular checkups are not covered. However, patients with certain conditions such as a compromised immune system or who have mental or physical impairments may receive coverage with pre-approval.
Prescriptions: Prescriptions are not covered under UHIP unless administered as part of a hospital stay. However, the Canadian government works to keep the costs of prescriptions as low as possible so do not let this deter you from receiving necessary prescriptions.
UHIP Coverage Outside of Ontario
UHIP coverage in Canada but outside of Ontario is limited to emergency services. If you plan to travel outside of Canada, it is best to obtain traveler’s insurance since UHIP will not apply even in emergency situations.
Find a UHIP Doctor
UHIP is accepted throughout Canada but if you are new to the country it can be difficult to find medical professionals for all your needs. At Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic, we offer a range of non-emergency medical services including dental care, physiotherapy, and diagnostics. For fast and convenient care for your medical needs, contact us at 416-929-1900.