Why Are Ontario Students Paying More for UHIP in 2026?

esigned to provide coverage similar to what OHIP provides for eligible medical services.

UHIP is administered by Cowan Insurance Group, while coverage is provided by Manulife. The plan is not-for-profit, and its premiums can change from year to year.

Is UHIP mandatory?

For most eligible international students at UHIP-member universities, yes.

Students are generally enrolled automatically and charged the premium through their university account. Some students may qualify for an exemption, such as those who have OHIP coverage or another eligible, pre-approved health plan.

How much is UHIP increasing?

The new rates apply from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The increase works out to $156 more per student per year. For a family of three covered under UHIP, the increase is $468 per year. The listed rates include 8% tax.

What does that mean per month?

The new rate is equivalent to $79 per person per month, compared with $66 under the previous annual rate.

For students who start their studies in January 2027, the eight-month rate will be $632. Those beginning in May 2027 will pay $316 for four months of coverage.

Why are UHIP premiums rising?

The simple answer is higher healthcare costs and higher claims.

UHIP says its premiums increased for the 2026–27 academic year to reflect rising healthcare costs and claims. The plan also states that premiums may change each September based on two main factors:

• The cost of claims made across UHIP members.
• Expected increases in healthcare costs overall.

In other words, the increase is connected to what healthcare services are costing the plan and how much members are using their coverage.

Why does that matter to students?

UHIP is a shared insurance plan. When medical claims become more expensive or the overall cost of providing healthcare rises, the plan needs enough money to continue paying eligible claims.

That does not mean every student personally made more claims or used more healthcare. The premium reflects the experience of the UHIP membership as a whole.

What does UHIP actually cover?

UHIP mainly covers medically necessary healthcare services. The plan provides up to $1 million in primary healthcare coverage, according to UHIP.

However, students should not assume that UHIP covers every health expense.

UHIP generally covers

• Eligible doctor services
• Hospital services
• Other eligible medically necessary healthcare services

UHIP does not replace supplementary coverage

UHIP does not generally cover services such as prescription drugs, dental care and eyeglasses. Students may receive separate supplementary health and dental coverage through their university or student association.

How can students avoid unexpected UHIP costs?

The insurance premium itself is compulsory for most eligible students, but students can still reduce the chance of unexpected bills.

Use a UHIP preferred provider

UHIP recommends using providers within Cowan's preferred provider network where possible. These providers can bill the plan directly at UHIP rates.

Some providers outside the network may charge more than the amount UHIP pays. If that happens, the student may have to pay the difference.

Keep your UHIP card available

Students should carry their UHIP card when visiting a healthcare provider. Having proof of coverage can make the billing process easier.

Students should also understand what their separate university health and dental plan covers before assuming UHIP will pay for a service.

What should international students expect now?

The 20% increase means healthcare insurance will take a larger share of the budget for international students in Ontario.

For a single student, the difference is $156 a year. That may seem manageable on its own, but when combined with tuition, housing, food, transportation and other study-related expenses, every additional cost matters.

The important point is that the increase is not a new separate charge. It is the updated UHIP premium for the 2026–27 policy year, with the plan citing higher healthcare costs and claims as the reason for the change.

The Bottom Line

UHIP costs are rising by 20% for the 2026–27 academic year because the plan says healthcare costs and claims have increased. The annual premium is now $948 for one student, up from $792. Students should also remember that UHIP is mainly for medical and hospital care, while prescription drugs, dental services and eyeglasses may require separate coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did UHIP increase by 20% in 2026?

UHIP says premiums increased because of rising healthcare costs and claims across its membership. The new rate applies from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

How much does UHIP cost for one student in 2026–27?

The annual UHIP premium is $948 for one student, including 8% tax. That works out to $79 per month.

Is UHIP mandatory for international students in Ontario?

For most eligible international students at participating Ontario universities, UHIP is mandatory. Students may qualify for an exemption if they have OHIP or another eligible, pre-approved health plan.

Does UHIP cover dental and prescription drugs?

No. UHIP mainly provides coverage for eligible medical and hospital services and does not generally cover prescription drugs or dental care. Students may have separate supplementary health and dental coverage through their university.

Can international students opt out of UHIP?

Only students who meet an approved exemption can opt out. Having another private insurance plan does not automatically qualify a student for an exemption; the alternative coverage must meet UHIP's requirements.