International students attending participating universities in Ontario
The annual premium for individual coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) will increase from $792 to $948, representing a $156 increase, or approximately 20%. For a family of three, the annual premium will rise from $2,376 to $2,844, an increase of $468.
UHIP Premiums Increase for 2026–27
UHIP provides health coverage to eligible international students at participating Ontario universities. The new rates apply from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.
Coverage | Previous Annual Premium | New Annual Premium | Increase |
Individual | $792 | $948 | $156 |
Member +1 | $1,584 | $1,896 | $312 |
Family of three | $2,376 | $2,844 | $468 |
The new individual rate works out to $79 per month, compared with the previous monthly rate of $66.
Which International Students Are Affected?
The increase applies to eligible international students attending UHIP member institutions. UHIP member institutions include 22 publicly funded Ontario universities, including:
• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Saint Paul University
• Toronto Metropolitan University
• Trent University
• Université de l’Ontariofrançais
• University of Guelph
• Ontario Tech University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University
The specific health-insurance arrangements can vary by institution, so students should confirm the applicable charges with their university.
Care Initiative: Healthcare, Education, Childcare and Veterinary Occupations
Under the care objective, British Columbia is prioritizing skilled workers in 36 occupations across healthcare, education, childcare and veterinary care. Eligible occupations include:
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
- Licensed practical nurses.
- Nurse practitioners.
- General practitioners and family physicians.
- Dentists.
- Pharmacists.
- Physiotherapists.
- Occupational therapists.
- Psychologists.
- Social workers.
- Medical laboratory technologists.
- Medical radiation technologists.
- Medical sonographers.
- Respiratory therapists.
- Paramedical occupations.
- Early childhood educators.
- Veterinary professionals.
- Other specified healthcare and education occupations.
The full list also includes several specialized medical, dental and therapy occupations.
Candidates seeking a targeted invitation under the care initiative must generally have a current full-time job or job offer in an eligible occupation. Work experience and other requirements can vary depending on the occupation and immigration stream.
UHIP Coverage Is Generally Mandatory
Most international students enrolled at participating UHIP institutions are required to have UHIP coverage for the duration of their studies. Students are generally enrolled automatically, with UHIP premiums charged to their student account along with tuition and other applicable fees.
Students cannot normally replace UHIP with any private health insurance plan of their choice. However, certain students may qualify for an exemption if they meet one of the approved exemption categories.
Who Can Opt Out of UHIP?
Students may be able to opt out of UHIP if they qualify under an approved exemption. The exemptions identified by UHIP include students who:
- Have or will have coverage under OHIP.
- Have coverage under another eligible, pre-approved health insurance plan.
- Have diplomatic status.
- Have coverage through a government-sponsored plan.
Few international students are expected to qualify for these exemptions.
International students should not assume that having another private insurance policy automatically makes them eligible to opt out.
International Students Generally Do Not Qualify for OHIP
International students in Ontario generally cannot obtain OHIP coverage simply because they hold temporary resident status as international students. This differs from some other Canadian provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia, where qualifying international students may be eligible for provincial health coverage under specific conditions.
As a result, UHIP serves as an important source of basic health coverage for many international students studying at Ontario universities.
What Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP is designed to provide coverage for certain medically necessary healthcare services.
Coverage can include services such as:
- Visits to primary care physicians.
- Diagnostic services.
- Emergency room treatment.
- Hospital services.
- Medically necessary surgeries.
- Other eligible healthcare services covered under the plan.
UHIP provides coverage of up to $1 million CAD per policy year for eligible expenses.
However, UHIP should not be considered equivalent to Ontario’s public health insurance system.
UHIP Does Not Cover Everything
International students may need additional health coverage for services that are not included in UHIP. Depending on the student’s university and extended health plan, additional coverage may include:
- Prescription medications.
- Dental services.
- Vision care.
- Certain paramedical services.
- Other extended healthcare benefits.
Many universities and student associations offer separate extended health plans. In some cases, these plans are also mandatory unless the student qualifies for an exemption.
Students should therefore check their university’s fee schedule carefully to understand the difference between UHIP and any separate extended health plan.
International Students With Dependents
International students who bring family members to Ontario must also consider health insurance costs for their dependents. Eligible dependents living with the student in Ontario generally need to be enrolled in UHIP unless they qualify for an approved exemption.
Enrollment of dependents is not necessarily automatic, meaning students may need to manually arrange UHIP coverage for their spouse, common-law partner, or children. The new rates mean that a family of three will pay $2,844 annually for UHIP coverage during the 2026–27 policy year.
When Does UHIP Coverage Begin?
UHIP coverage generally begins on the date an international student arrives in Canada or on the 10th day of the month before the study period begins, whichever is later.
Students should confirm their exact coverage dates with their university or UHIP administrator before travelling to Canada.
What the Fee Increase Means for Students
The $156 annual increase for individual coverage adds another cost for international students planning to study in Ontario. For students already budgeting for tuition, accommodation, transportation, food, study materials and other university fees, health insurance represents an additional mandatory expense.
The financial impact is greater for students travelling with dependents because the UHIP premium increases according to the number of covered family members. For example, a family of three will pay $468 more per year under the new rate.
Students Should Budget for Health Insurance
Prospective international students should consider mandatory health insurance when calculating the total cost of studying in Ontario. The overall cost of studying in Canada can include:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Food and daily living expenses.
- Transportation.
- University and student fees.
- Health insurance.
- Study materials.
- Immigration and travel-related expenses.
Health insurance rates can also change from one academic year to another, so students should check the latest rates before finalizing their study budget.
Key Takeaways
- International students at participating Ontario universities will face higher mandatory health insurance costs from September 1, 2026.
- Individual UHIP coverage will increase from $792 to $948 per year.
- The annual increase for an individual student is $156.
- The monthly individual premium will rise to $79.
- Coverage for a family of three will increase from $2,376 to $2,844 annually.
- UHIP is generally mandatory for eligible international students at participating universities.
- Only students who meet specific exemption requirements can opt out.
- International students generally cannot qualify for OHIP solely because they are studying in Ontario as temporary residents.
- UHIP provides up to $1 million in coverage per policy year for eligible services.
- UHIP does not provide the same coverage as OHIP and may not cover services such as prescription drugs, dental care and vision care.
- Students bringing dependents should account for the additional UHIP costs.
- The new rates apply for the September 1, 2026–August 31, 2027 policy year.
Start Your Canada Immigration Journey Today!
If you are planning to study in Canada, understanding the total cost of studying—including tuition, living expenses, university fees and mandatory health insurance—is an important part of preparing for your move. Canada Immigration Global provides guidance for students and families exploring Canadian immigration pathways, including Study Permits, Canadian education options, Post-Graduation Work Permits, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Work Permits, and Permanent Residence.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
