University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

Definitions of the different student type under UHIP program

Learn more about your UHIP premium and general provisions by selecting the student category that fits you best.

Regular student registered in a degree program

International students and Canadian students returning from abroad who are not covered by a provincial health insurance.

Student on an exchange

A student from a partner university taking part in an exchange at the University of Ottawa. The exchange is based on an agreement between the student's home university and the host university (in this case, the University of Ottawa)

OLBI student

Student studying at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

Special student

A student who has received permission from the University to register for undergraduate courses in order to receive university credits but who is not seeking an undergraduate degree, certificate or diploma from the University.

Visiting student researcher

A student who is completing a research internship at the University of Ottawa who comes from another educational institution (Canadian or foreign).

Non-students

Contact the Human Resources team by e-mail at hrinfo@uottawa.ca or by phone at 613-562-5832.

What type of student are you?

Regular students

Premium for regular students

International students, Canadian students returning from abroad, and others who are not covered by a provincial health insurance.

General provisions

Preamble

The policies listed below are similar to those found on the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Some of the policies differ in order to meet the requirements of the University of Ottawa’s new student information system, uoCampus. In the event of a discrepancy between information related to registration in UHIP and premiums found on the UHIP site and in the policies below, the policies below will take precedence. These policies are effective September 1, 2016.

University Health Insurance Plan

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for all eligible international students and eligible non-resident students.

Coverage typically runs from September 1 to August 31, inclusive, and covers the fall term (September 1 to December 31), the winter term (January 1 to April 30) and the summer term (May 1 to August 31).

It is not possible for students to opt out of the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Under the contract that universities have with the insurer, all international students must remain covered at all times by the UHIP group insurance. Allowing students to opt out would not only increase the premiums all students pay but also leave students unprotected and at risk.

The University has a responsibility to ensure its international students have adequate medical coverage, whether they are in Canada or elsewhere. If you leave Canada during your studies, whether short term or long term, your UHIP coverage must remain in effect.

UHIP rules are different than academic ones.

You are responsible for submitting a request for a refund of premiums if you leave the University of Ottawa or are otherwise no longer eligible for UHIP. Be sure to submit your request as soon as possible because fees billed for previous terms will not be refunded.
Premiums for previous terms are not reimbursed.
Note that a refund WILL NOT be given if any healthcare claims were submitted for the term in question.
If you are eligible to receive a refund, only Sun Life can determine the premiums to be reimbursed (i.e., full or partial premiums).
The insurer can refuse to reimburse medical expenses if UHIP coverage regulations are not followed, even if the University administrator or his or her delegate issues a contrary opinion. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to medical expenses not being reimbursed, even if premiums are paid.

International students are automatically covered by UHIP through uoCampus once they have been assigned international student status AND have registered for a course. If you are an international student but do not meet these two criteria, please come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.
If you are an international graduate student and are not registered in a course or will not be awarded your degree by the beginning of the coming term, you must come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.

If you are an international student who has applied for (but not received) permanent resident status or a non-resident Canadian student and are not covered under a provincial health insurance plan elsewhere in Canada, you must come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person. If you register in UHIP after the effective date of coverage for the plan, you are liable for premiums retroactively to the first day of the month in which your study period began.

Important
Information

Some ineligible special students may see the insurance premiums appear on their statement in error. If this happens to you, please come to the International Office before you pay your fees to have the charges reversed. Remember that you will be required to purchase alternate private health insurance coverage.

N.B. This health insurance plan does not cover dental care or prescription
Information

Please note that medication insurance and dental insurance are provided for undergraduate students through the University of Ottawa Students' Union (UOSU), or, for graduate students through the Graduate Students' Association (GSAED).

Premium

Effective date of coverage

Coverage begins on the 10th day of the month preceding the month your academic term or activities begin. If you arrive in Canada prior to the 10th day of the month preceding the month your academic term or activities begin, you will need to purchase private medical insurance to cover you until your UHIP coverage takes effect.

End date of coverage

Your UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which you have paid for UHIP;
the date you are no longer eligible for UHIP;
the date that your authorization documentation (i.e. student visa, work permit, or temporary resident permit) expires or is no longer good, and you have not been given an extension of coverage (see How do I extend coverage);
the date it is determined that your proof-of-coverage card has been used fraudulently;
the date you begin a leave of absence not approved for UHIP coverage (see Approved Leave of Absence);
the date Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results;
the date a student enrolled in a non-accredited program at a university that offers UHIP coverage transfers to a university that does not offer UHIP coverage;
the first of the month that coincides with or immediately follows the normal retirement date defined by the participating university, if you are an employee; or
for short-term university visitors, no later than the end of the month when your educational or staffing function ends.

Your dependant’s UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which UHIP has been paid for your dependant(s);
the termination date of your dependant’s coverage;
the last day of the month in which your dependent is no longer considered an eligible dependant;
the date that Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results

Premiums

Premiums are calculated based on when you begin your program:

Starting fall 2021 term: $756; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting winter 2022 term: $504; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting summer 2022 term: $252; coverage ends August 31, 2022

In subsequent years, UHIP premiums will be billed on an annual basis and are calculated up to and including August 31 of the following year.

Because premiums are sbilled annually, it is not possible to remove coverage for any term or partial term. The University remits the premiums to the insurance carrier, which does not provide any refunds after March 1 of the current academic year (e.g., for the 2021-2022 academic year, no refunds will be given after March 1, 2022).

Exchange students

Premium for exchange students

A student from a partner university taking part in an exchange at the University of Ottawa. The exchange is based on an agreement between the student’s home university and the host university (the University of Ottawa).

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for all eligible international students and eligible non-resident students.

UHIP rules are different than academic ones.

You are responsible for submitting a request for a refund of premiums if you leave the University of Ottawa or are otherwise no longer eligible for UHIP. Be sure to submit your request as soon as possible because fees billed for previous terms will not be refunded.
Premiums for previous terms are not reimbursed.
Note that a refund WILL NOT be given if any healthcare claims were submitted for the term in question.
If you are eligible to receive a refund, only Sun Life can determine the premiums to be reimbursed (i.e., full or partial premiums).
The insurer can refuse to reimburse medical expenses if UHIP coverage regulations are not followed, even if the University administrator or his or her delegate issues a contrary opinion. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to medical expenses not being reimbursed, even if premiums are paid.

International students are automatically covered by UHIP through uoCampus once they have been assigned international student status AND have registered for a course. If you are an international student but do not meet these two criteria, please come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.
If you are an international graduate student and are not registered in a course or will not be awarded your degree by the beginning of the coming term, you must come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.

Important
Information

N.B. This health insurance plan does not cover dental care or prescription
Information

Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Your UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which you have paid for UHIP;
the date you are no longer eligible for UHIP;
the date that your authorization documentation (i.e. student visa, work permit, or temporary resident permit) expires or is no longer good, and you have not been given an extension of coverage (see How do I extend coverage);
the date it is determined that your proof-of-coverage card has been used fraudulently;
the date you begin a leave of absence not approved for UHIP coverage (see Approved Leave of Absence);
the date Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results;
the date a student enrolled in a non-accredited program at a university that offers UHIP coverage transfers to a university that does not offer UHIP coverage;
the first of the month that coincides with or immediately follows the normal retirement date defined by the participating university, if you are an employee; or
for short-term university visitors, no later than the end of the month when your educational or staffing function ends.

Your dependant’s UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which UHIP has been paid for your dependant(s);
the termination date of your dependant’s coverage;
the last day of the month in which your dependent is no longer considered an eligible dependant;
the date that Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results

Premiums

Premiums are calculated based on when you being your program:

Starting fall 2021 term: $756; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting winter 2022 term: $504; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting summer 2022 term: $252; coverage ends August 31, 2022

In subsequent years, UHIP premiums will be billed on an annual basis and are calculated up to and including August 31 of the following year.

Because premiums are billed annually, it is not possible to remove coverage for any term or partial terms. The University remits the premiums to the insurance carrier, which does not provide any refunds after March 1 of the current academic year (e.g., for the 2021-2022 academic year, no refunds will be given after March 1, 2022).

OLBI students

Premium for OLBI students

Student studying at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI).

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for all eligible international students and eligible non-resident students.

UHIP rules are different than academic ones.

You are responsible for submitting a request for a refund of premiums if you leave the University of Ottawa or are otherwise no longer eligible for UHIP. Be sure to submit your request as soon as possible because fees billed for previous terms will not be refunded.
Premiums for previous terms are not reimbursed.
Note that a refund WILL NOT be given if any healthcare claims were submitted for the term in question.
If you are eligible to receive a refund, only Sun Life can determine the premiums to be reimbursed (i.e., full or partial premiums).
The insurer can refuse to reimburse medical expenses if UHIP coverage regulations are not followed, even if the University administrator or his or her delegate issues a contrary opinion. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to medical expenses not being reimbursed, even if premiums are paid.

International students are automatically covered by UHIP through uoCampus once they have been assigned international student status AND have registered for a course. If you are an international student but do not meet these two criteria, please come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.
If you are an international graduate student and are not registered in a course or will not be awarded your degree by the beginning of the coming term, you must come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.

Important
Information

N.B. This health insurance plan does not cover dental care or prescription
Information

Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Your UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which you have paid for UHIP;
the date you are no longer eligible for UHIP;
the date that your authorization documentation (i.e. student visa, work permit, or temporary resident permit) expires or is no longer good, and you have not been given an extension of coverage (see How do I extend coverage);
the date it is determined that your proof-of-coverage card has been used fraudulently;
the date you begin a leave of absence not approved for UHIP coverage (see Approved Leave of Absence);
the date Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results;
the date a student enrolled in a non-accredited program at a university that offers UHIP coverage transfers to a university that does not offer UHIP coverage;
the first of the month that coincides with or immediately follows the normal retirement date defined by the participating university, if you are an employee; or
for short-term university visitors, no later than the end of the month when your educational or staffing function ends.

Your dependant’s UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which UHIP has been paid for your dependant(s);
the termination date of your dependant’s coverage;
the last day of the month in which your dependent is no longer considered an eligible dependant;
the date that Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results

Premiums

Premiums are calculated based on when you being your program:

Starting fall 2021 term: $756; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting winter 2022 term: $504; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Starting summer 2022 term: $252; coverage ends August 31, 2022

In subsequent years, UHIP premiums will be billed on an annual basis and are calculated up to and including August 31 of the following year.

Special student

Premium for special students

You are eligible for UHIP if you are a part-time student who was previously enrolled as a full-time student and who has a valid study permit or temporary resident visa issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The part-time student must be registered in a degree and pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or post graduate degree. The student may be enrolled as part-time student for a maximum of six semesters.

International students are automatically registered by UHIP through uoCampus once they have been assigned international student status AND have registered for a course. Ineligible special students may see the insurance premiums appear on their statement in error. If this happens to you, please come to the International Office before you pay your fees to have the charges reversed. Remember that you will be required to purchase alternate private health insurance coverage.

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory for all eligible international students and eligible non-resident students.

UHIP rules are different than academic ones.

You are responsible for submitting a request for a refund of premiums if you leave the University of Ottawa or are otherwise no longer eligible for UHIP. Be sure to submit your request as soon as possible because fees billed for previous terms will not be refunded.
Premiums for previous terms are not reimbursed.
Note that a refund WILL NOT be given if any healthcare claims were submitted for the term in question.
If you are eligible to receive a refund, only Sun Life can determine the premiums to be reimbursed (i.e., full or partial premiums).
The insurer can refuse to reimburse medical expenses if UHIP coverage regulations are not followed, even if the University administrator or his or her delegate issues a contrary opinion. Failure to comply with the regulations may lead to medical expenses not being reimbursed, even if premiums are paid.

International students are automatically covered by UHIP through uoCampus once they have been assigned international student status AND have registered for a course. If you are an international student but do not meet these two criteria, please come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.
If you are an international graduate student and are not registered in a course or will not be awarded your degree by the beginning of the coming term, you must come to the International Office to register in UHIP in person.

Important
Information

N.B. This health insurance plan does not cover dental care or prescription
Information

UHIP Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Your UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which you have paid for UHIP;
the date you are no longer eligible for UHIP;
the date that your authorization documentation (i.e. student visa, work permit, or temporary resident permit) expires or is no longer good, and you have not been given an extension of coverage (see How do I extend coverage);
the date it is determined that your proof-of-coverage card has been used fraudulently;
the date you begin a leave of absence not approved for UHIP coverage (see Approved Leave of Absence);
the date Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results;
the date a student enrolled in a non-accredited program at a university that offers UHIP coverage transfers to a university that does not offer UHIP coverage;
the first of the month that coincides with or immediately follows the normal retirement date defined by the participating university, if you are an employee; or
for short-term university visitors, no later than the end of the month when your educational or staffing function ends.

Your dependant’s UHIP coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:

the last day of the month in which UHIP has been paid for your dependant(s);
the termination date of your dependant’s coverage;
the last day of the month in which your dependent is no longer considered an eligible dependant;
the date that Sun Life obtains reasonable evidence that medical clearance was fraudulently obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada as a result of either non-disclosure or submission of false medical test results

Premiums Premiums are calculated based on when you begin your program:

Start fall 2021 term: $756; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Start winter 2022 term: $504; coverage ends August 31, 2022
Start summer 2022 term: $252; coverage ends August 31, 2022

In subsequent years, UHIP premiums will be billed on an annual basis and are calculated up to and including August 31 of the following year.

Because premiums are billed annually, it is not possible to remove coverage for any term or partial term. The University remits the premiums to the insurance carrier, which does not provide any refunds after March 1 of the current academic year (e.g., for the 2021-2022 academic year, no refunds will be given after March 1, 2022).

Visiting student researcher

A student who is completing a research internship at the University of Ottawa who comes from another educational institution (Canadian or foreign).

Upon arrival, international student-researchers (undergraduate and graduate students) should come to the Centre of Reseach Opportunities to register, get their student number, and subscribe to the mandatory University Health Insurance Program (UHIP).

For more information, you can visit the Centre of Reseach Opportunities website or send us an e-mail at eci@uottawa.ca.

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

Definitions of the different student type under UHIP program

Regular student registered in a degree program

Student on an exchange

OLBI student

Special student

Visiting student researcher

Non-students

What type of student are you?

Regular students

Premium for regular students

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Premiums

For more information

Exchange students

Premium for exchange students

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Premiums

For more information

OLBI students

Premium for OLBI students

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Premiums

For more information

Special student

Premium for special students

General provisions

Preamble

University Health Insurance Plan

UHIP Premium

Effective date of coverage

End date of coverage

Premiums Premiums are calculated based on when you begin your program:

For more information

Visiting student researcher

Visiting student researcher

Non student

Non student

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