Ontario International Students Face 20% Health Fee Hike

International students studying at major Ontario universities will face a higher health insurance bill this fall, with mandatory University Health Insurance Plan premiums increasing by 20%.

Starting September 1, 2026, the annual cost for one student will rise from $792 to $948, an increase of $156. A family of three will pay $2,844, up from $2,376, adding $468 to their yearly expenses.

Increase Applies Across 22 Ontario Universities

The new rates apply to international students enrolled at 22 publicly funded Ontario universities participating in UHIP.

These include the University of Toronto, York University, McMaster University, Queen’s University, University of Waterloo, Western University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, University of Guelph, Brock University and several other institutions across Ontario.

Most international students attending UHIP member universities must maintain coverage throughout their studies.

Universities generally charge the UHIP premium automatically through the student’s account along with tuition and other academic fees.

Who Can Opt Out of UHIP?

International students can avoid UHIP charges only when they meet specific exemption requirements.

Students may qualify if they:

• Have or will receive Ontario Health Insurance Plan coverage;
• Have another eligible, pre-approved health insurance plan;
• Hold diplomatic status; or
• Have coverage through a government-sponsored health plan.

Few international students qualify for these exemptions.

Unlike Alberta and British Columbia, Ontario does not generally provide provincial health insurance simply because a foreign national is studying in the province as an international student.

Dependants Must Also Be Covered

International students whose dependents live with them in Ontario must also enrol those family members in UHIP unless they qualify for an exemption.

Unlike the student’s own enrollment, dependent coverage is not added automatically. Students must arrange it themselves.

Coverage begins either when the international student arrives in Canada or on the 10th day of the month before their study period starts, whichever date comes later.

What Does UHIP Actually Cover?

UHIP provides up to $1 million in medical coverage per policy year.

The plan is designed to provide basic medically necessary care for international students who cannot access OHIP.

Coverage can include:

• Visits to primary care doctors;
• Diagnostic tests;
• Emergency room treatment; and
• Hospital surgeries.

However, UHIP is not the same as OHIP, and students should not assume that every medical or health-related expense will be covered.

Students May Need Extended Health Insurance Too

Many international students also purchase extended health coverage through their university or student society.

These separate plans commonly cover expenses that UHIP does not, including prescription medications, dental treatment and vision care.

At many universities, extended health insurance is also mandatory. Students may be able to opt out if they can prove they already have comparable coverage, such as insurance provided through a spouse or parent’s employer-sponsored group plan.

Higher Costs Add to Student Budgets

The UHIP increase means international students and their families will need to budget more for health coverage during the 2026-27 academic year.

Because UHIP is compulsory for most international students at participating universities, the increase directly adds to the overall cost of studying in Ontario. Students bringing dependents may feel the increase more sharply, making it important to understand both UHIP and any additional health insurance fees charged by their institution.