Ontario international students to pay $156 more for UHIP Sept 2026
UHIP premium increase for Ontario international students: what the Sept 1, 2026 change means
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) paid by most international students at 22 publicly funded Ontario universities increases on September 1, 2026. Individual annual premiums rise from CAD 792 to CAD 948 (an extra CAD 156). A family-of-three premium rises from CAD 2,376 to CAD 2,844 (an extra CAD 468). These premiums are usually charged automatically each term to student accounts.
Who participates
UHIP applies to international students at 22 member universities, including Algoma, Brock, Carleton, Lakehead, Laurentian, McMaster, Nipissing, OCAD, Queen’s, Royal Military College of Canada, Saint Paul, Toronto Metropolitan University, Trent, Université de l’Ontario français, Guelph, Ontario Tech (University of Ontario Institute of Technology), Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, Western, Wilfrid Laurier, and York University.
What UHIP covers
UHIP is basic medical coverage for students who do not qualify for Ontario’s public plan (OHIP). It provides coverage up to CAD 1,000,000 per policy year for essential services such as primary care visits, diagnostic tests, emergency-room care, and hospital surgeries. It is not equivalent to OHIP.
Who can opt out
Enrollment is automatic and premiums are typically charged each term. Students can opt out only if they meet one of four narrow exemptions:
– They already have OHIP or will have OHIP coverage;
– They have coverage under an eligible, pre-approved plan;
– They hold diplomatic status; or
– They are covered by a government-sponsored plan.
Dependents
If a student’s dependent(s) live with them in Ontario, dependents must be enrolled in UHIP unless they qualify for an exemption. Enrolling dependents is not automatic—the student must add them manually. Coverage begins on the student’s arrival date in Canada or on the 10th of the month before the study period starts—whichever is later.
Extended health plans
Many students also buy (or are required to buy) extended group health insurance through student societies or other group plans. These supplemental plans typically cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, and other services not included in UHIP. To opt out of a mandatory extended plan, students generally need to provide proof of comparable alternative coverage.
Practical impacts and actions
– Cost impact: Individuals pay an extra CAD 156 per year; a family of three pays an extra CAD 468 per year.
– Review student account statements each term to confirm charges.
– Incoming students should include the higher UHIP premium in their budgets.
– If you have dependents, enroll them promptly to ensure coverage.
– If you believe you qualify to opt out, gather and submit the required documentation early.
– Check any mandatory extended health plans at your institution and confirm whether you can opt out with comparable coverage.
Key numbers and dates
– Effective date: September 1, 2026 (rates apply to Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027)
– New individual annual premium: CAD 948 (from CAD 792)
– New family-of-three annual premium: CAD 2,844 (from CAD 2,376)
– UHIP coverage maximum: up to CAD 1,000,000 per policy year
Summary
The premium increase raises the baseline mandatory health-insurance cost for most international students in Ontario. Because UHIP is often charged automatically and exemptions are limited, students should review charges, update budgets, and follow their institution’s opt-out or dependent-enrolment procedures as needed.
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