UHIP (Universal Health Insurance Plan)
Mandatory health insurance for international students at Ontario universities — provides basic medical coverage during studies.
Mandatory health insurance for international students at Ontario universities — provides basic medical coverage during studies.
Also known as
UHIP, Ontario Student Health Plan, IMED (plan name at some schools)
Real-world example
You're starting a PhD at University of Toronto. You land in Canada, your UHIP coverage starts on your enrolment date, and you're covered for GP visits, hospital care, and emergencies — but not dental, vision, or most prescriptions.
Country-specific notes
🇨🇦 Canada (Ontario)
Mandatory for most international students.
UHIP covers physician visits, hospital stays, and emergencies at Ontario universities. Administered by Sun Life, fees roughly CA$756/year.
You need your UHIP card to avoid paying upfront at hospitals.
🇨🇦 Canada (outside Ontario)
Other provinces have different schemes.
BC has MSP for students; Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia each have their own international-student coverage schemes.
Plans vary — confirm waiting periods and coverage caps before arrival.
🌍 Global
Many countries have similar mandatory plans.
Australia has OSHC, UK has NHS surcharge, Germany has TK/AOK. Name differs but the concept is identical: mandatory baseline coverage during study.
Check what your destination requires before starting visa paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Can I opt out of UHIP?
Usually no — it is mandatory at Ontario universities unless you have provincial (OHIP) coverage as a permanent resident.
Does UHIP cover my spouse or kids?
Yes — accompanying family members can be enrolled for an additional premium, typically matched to the same coverage period.
Upload your UHIP card and vaccination records to Nomedic — hand the QR code at any Ontario hospital for instant access.