As an international student at an Ontario university, the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is your primary medical insurance. Understanding what it covers, how to access care, and how to handle claims can prevent unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
What UHIP Covers
UHIP provides coverage for a range of medically necessary services comparable to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Key inclusions are:
- Doctor visits at a clinic or hospital outpatient department.
- Emergency room services, including ambulance transportation when medically required.
- Hospital stays, including standard ward accommodation, nursing care, and meals.
- Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays ordered by a physician.
- Annual eye exams for individuals under 20 or over 64, plus medically necessary eye care.
- Surgical procedures, anesthesia, and related facility fees.
Note that UHIP does not cover prescription drugs, dental care, vision care beyond what is listed, or elective cosmetic procedures. Many students supplement UHIP with a separate student benefits plan for these services.
How to Access Medical Services
To use your UHIP coverage and minimize costs, follow these steps:
- Carry your UHIP card — Always have your printed or digital UHIP card and your university student ID when seeking care.
- Choose a network provider — Whenever possible, visit a doctor or clinic that directly bills UHIP. University health services on campus often bill directly, so check with your campus clinic first.
- Hospital visits — Present your UHIP card at registration. Most Ontario hospitals can bill UHIP directly for covered services.
- Emergency care — Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Ambulance costs are covered if the transport is medically necessary. At the emergency room, show your UHIP card to avoid upfront charges.
If you receive care from a provider that does not bill UHIP directly, you will have to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.
Reimbursement Claim Tips
When you pay upfront for a covered service, a timely and accurate claim is essential:
- Obtain an itemized receipt that includes the provider’s name, address, date of service, diagnosis, procedure details, and the amount paid.
- Submit claims promptly — claims must be received by the UHIP insurer within a specific time frame, typically 12 months from the service date. Late submissions may be denied.
- Use the correct claim form — download the UHIP claim form from your university’s international student office or the insurer’s website. Complete all sections and attach the original receipts.
- Keep copies of every document you submit for your records.
Reimbursements are paid to the student’s mailing address or deposited directly if you have provided banking information. Processing times can vary, so follow up if you do not receive a response within a few weeks.
Avoiding High Medical Bills
Unexpected costs often arise from simple oversights. Protect yourself by:
- Confirming coverage before a procedure — call the UHIP insurer or check the policy document if you are unsure whether a service is covered.
- Understanding out-of-province care — UHIP covers urgent care anywhere in Canada, but non-urgent services are only covered within Ontario. For travel outside Canada, purchase additional travel insurance.
- Being aware of waiting periods — coverage starts on the first day of the month after you arrive, but there may be a brief gap. Some universities provide bridge coverage; check with your international office.
- Using approved providers abroad — if you need urgent care while temporarily outside Canada, UHIP may reimburse you at Ontario rates, leaving you responsible for the difference. Purchase supplemental travel insurance to fill that gap.
If you are unsure about a bill or a coverage decision, contact your university’s international student support team or the UHIP insurer’s helpline before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use UHIP for prescription medications?
UHIP does not cover prescription drugs. You need a separate extended health plan, often provided by your student union.
2. What if the hospital or clinic does not accept UHIP?
Pay the bill upfront, get a detailed receipt, and submit a claim. Confirm with UHIP that the service was medically necessary and covered.
3. Is dental care included?
Routine dental care is not covered by UHIP. Some dental surgery performed in a hospital may be covered; check with the insurer beforehand.
4. How long does it take to get reimbursed?
Processing times vary but typically take a few weeks after the insurer receives all required documents.
5. Can I go to any doctor in Canada?
UHIP covers urgent care anywhere in Canada, but non-urgent care outside Ontario may not be covered unless you have a referral. For planned out-of-province care, verify coverage first.