University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for all international students, employees and their dependents (spouse and/or children) at Western University who are not covered by the provincial health insurance plan (OHIP).

The cost of medical services and treatment in Ontario can be very expensive. UHIP was created to offer affordable insurance to pay the cost of hospital and medical services that you and your family might need to maintain your health while at Western.

To learn more about UHIP, please visit All About UHIP.

On this page:

UHIP Enrolment
Enrolment Period
UHIP Enrolment for Dependents
UHIP Begin Date
UHIP Exemption
Printing your UHIP Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UHIP Enrolment

All international students enrolled at Western University are automatically enrolled in UHIP. This applies to full-time and part-time students. UHIP provides coverage for doctor’s fees, medical exams and hospital services. The current UHIP fees will be included in your tuition fee bill (Statement of Account).

You should confirm that the correct premiums have been charged to your tuition account. Exchange students will be required to pay certain fees, including UHIP.

If you are an international or exchange student who will not be living in Canada, UHIP may not be required. Send an email to Janis Kramer to let us know that you are not in Canada. Your UHIP fees may be adjusted accordingly.

Cowan, the UHIP insurance company, will send an email to your Western email address (@uwo.ca) once your card is ready to download.

If you need to see a doctor before the UHIP card is available, you will have to pay for the doctor’s fees. Hold on to the receipt and submit a claim once you have received your card.

Extended health insurance plan

In addition, full-time students are also enrolled in an extended health insurance plan through the USC (undergraduate students) or SOGS (graduate students), which covers some medical expenses related to prescriptions, physiotherapy, dentist, eye care, etc. International students are required to be enrolled in both health plans, unless they have an approved equivalent plan.

The current UHIP fees will be included in your tuition fee bill (Statement of Account). You should confirm that the correct premiums have been charged to your tuition account. Exchange students will be required to pay certain fees, including UHIP.

If you are not an international or exchange student

Students who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents are currently eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) immediately upon arrival in Ontario.

There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage. To find out if you or your dependents qualify and for information on how to apply, please visit Apply for OHIP.

If you or your spouse qualify for OHIP

You might be qualified for OHIP if your spouse is qualified for OHIP, for more information on eligibility please visit ontario.ca.

There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage. To find out if you and your dependents qualify and for information on how to apply, please visit Apply for OHIP.

Enrolment Period

As an International student, once you have registered for your courses, you are automatically enrolled in UHIP.

International undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in UHIP for the twelve-month period from September 1 to August 31 of the current academic year.
International graduate students are automatically enrolled for each 4-month term.
Exchange students are automatically enrolled in UHIP upon your arrival and for the duration of your exchange program at Western.

UHIP Enrolment for Dependents

Dependents travelling with you to Ontario are also required to have UHIP upon arrival. Eligible dependents include spouses, common-law and same-sex partners, and dependent children who are under 21 years of age or under 25 and are registered in full time studies.

To apply for UHIP for your dependents, send an email to Janis Kramer at jkrame4@uwo.ca with the following information:

Your student number
Work or study permit
Copies of the passport page of your dependents
Proof of arrival date of your dependents (plane ticket or boarding pass)

*You MUST send the email from your Western email address (@uwo.ca).

NOTE: Dependents must be enrolled in UHIP within 30 days of their arrival date to avoid a late fee of $500.

UHIP fees for dependents will be added to your tuition account.

UHIP Fees

Sept. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025	Monthly	Per Term	Annual
For the student	$63.00	$252.00	$756.00
For one dependent	$63.00	$252.00	$756.00
For two or more dependents	$126.00	$504.00	$1,512.00

UHIP Begin Date

Coverage starts on the date you arrive in Canada, or the 10th of the month before your studies or employment starts, whichever is later. If you arrive in Canada before you’re eligible for UHIP, you must buy private medical insurance until your UHIP start date.

Fall 2024 Term

September 1, 2024 is the UHIP start date for this term.
Students who arrive before August 10, 2024 will be covered by UHIP effective August 10, 2024 only.
Students who arrive between August 10 – 31, 2024 will be covered by UHIP effective on their arrival date.

Winter 2025 Term

January 1, 2025 is the UHIP start date for this term.
Students who arrive before December 10, 2024 will be covered by UHIP effective December 10, 2024 only.
Students who arrive between December 10 - 31, 2024 will be covered by UHIP effective on their arrival date.

Summer 2025 Term

May 1, 2025 is the UHIP start date for this term.
Students who arrive before April 10, 2025 will be covered by UHIP effective April 10, 2025 only.
Students who arrive between April 10 - 30, 2025 will be covered by UHIP effective on their arrival date.

In case of an emergency, go to the nearest hospital and let them know you are waiting for your UHIP card. You will not be turned away at the hospital. Provide a copy of your card to the hospital as soon as you have it.

UHIP Exemption

UHIP is mandatory unless you are provided with an exemption. Requirements for exemption are:
a. You have OHIP
b. You have diplomatic status
c. You are covered under one of the pre-approved plans listed in the Exemptions section of the UHIP website
d. Your government is paying for your education, living expenses and had purchased a health care
policy for you that is at least equal to UHIP

If you meet any of the requirements, apply for UHIP exemption within 45 dates from UHIP start date.

To apply for exemption, send an email to Janis Kramer at jkrame4@uwo.ca and attach:
a. Proof of coverage stating your name, name of insurance plan, start and end dates of coverage
b. Specific plan policy details that includes what is covered, deductibles, exclusions

These must be in English as your plan will be reviewed against UHIP. Exemption applications received
after 45 days will be automatically declined.

Printing your UHIP Card

Cowan, the UHIP insurance company, will send an email once your card is ready to download. The email will be sent to your Western email address (@uwo.ca) close to the start of the term.

Make sure to activate your Western Identity as early as you can to receive the Cowan email. Each time you visit a health care or medical service provider you will be required to show your UHIP card. It is very important that you print your UHIP card as soon as you receive the email and carry a copy with you in case of a medical emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do I receive my UHIP card?

Your UHIP card will be ready 2-3 weeks after your tuition account is prepared. Cowan will send an email to your Western email address (@uwo.ca) once your card is ready to download.

I have not received my UHIP card but need to see a doctor?

If you need to see a doctor before the UHIP card is available, you will have to pay for the doctor’s fees. Hold on to the receipt and submit a claim once you have printed your card.

What does UHIP cover?

For more information on the coverage, please see Your Coverage.

What's my UHIP number?

Cowan, the UHIP insurance company, will send an email to your Western email address (@uwo.ca) once your card is ready to download.

Print a copy of the card or keep picture of it on your phone to have available if you need to seek medical care. You will be required to show it when you go to see a doctor.

A UHIP number and a certificate number is assigned to each international student enrolled in UHIP. Both numbers are on your UHIP card. If you are unable to find your card or don't have it with you, here is an easy way to find your number.

WO+(your student number)
example: WO123456789
(note the 'O' in 2nd position is not a zero)

How do I submit a claim to UHIP?

For assistance on submitting UHIP claims, please see Submit a claim.

How do I extend UHIP coverage?

International students may extend the coverage after the last period of academic study. This normally occurs when a student wishes to stay in Ontario past their academic term for travel or graduation purposes only.

An email will be sent in the last month of each term (December, April, August) to international students who are eligible for extension.

If you do not receive an email, submit an application for extension before the end of the term to jkrame4@uwo.ca.