Ontario universities raise mandatory health insurance fees for international students

International students enrolled at major Ontario universities will pay more for compulsory health insurance from September 1, 2026, with the annual premium for individual coverage rising by $156 to $948, according to a report by CIC News.

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) premium for a family of three will increase by $468, from $2,376 to $2,844 for the September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027 policy year.

UHIP mandatory for most international students

UHIP is compulsory for international students enrolled at its member institutions, which include 22 publicly funded Ontario universities such as the Queen's University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, York University and Toronto Metropolitan University.


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Students are generally charged the premium automatically through their student accounts along with tuition and other fees.

They can opt out only if they qualify for an exemption, including coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), another approved health plan, diplomatic status or a government-sponsored plan.

Few international students qualify for these exemptions. Unlike some provinces, Ontario does not provide OHIP coverage to foreign nationals solely because they are in the province as international students.

Dependents must also be enrolled

International students must also enrol dependents living with them in Ontario under UHIP, unless the dependents qualify for an exemption.

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This enrolment is not automatic and must be completed by the student.

UHIP coverage begins from the date the student arrives in Canada or the 10th day of the month before the study period starts, whichever is later.

UHIP provides coverage of up to $1 million per policy year for certain basic medical services. The plan covers services including primary care visits, diagnostic tests, emergency room treatment and hospital surgeries.

However, UHIP is separate from OHIP and does not provide equivalent coverage.

Many international students also have extended health insurance through their university or student society. These plans generally cover services that UHIP does not, such as prescription medicines, dental care and vision care.

At many institutions, students must also pay for these plans unless they can show proof of comparable coverage and qualify to opt out.

The UHIP fee increase will therefore add to the health insurance costs faced by international students enrolled at participating Ontario universities from the 2026-27 academic year.