Immigration Announcement
Ontario International Students Face 20% Increase in University Health Insurance Plan Fees From September 2026
International students attending 22 publicly funded universities in Ontario will face higher compulsory health insurance costs beginning September 1, 2026.
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) annual premium for an individual student will increase from $792 to $948, representing a 20% increase for the 2026–27 academic year.
Family coverage will also become more expensive. Coverage for a member plus two or more dependants will rise from $2,376 to $2,844.
UHIP is generally required for international students who are not eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), although some students may qualify for exemptions depending on their circumstances.
What is the University Health Insurance Plan?
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a not-for-profit health insurance plan designed primarily for eligible international students and other members of participating Ontario universities.
Many international students do not qualify for OHIP, so UHIP provides coverage for eligible healthcare services while they are in Ontario.
According to the information provided for the 2026–27 academic year, UHIP coverage includes basic medical services such as:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency medical services
- Hospital services and surgeries
The coverage limit is up to $1 million CAD per policy year.
University Health Insurance Plan coverage is provided by Manulife, while administration is handled by Cowan Insurance Group.
How Much Will University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) cost in 2026–27?
The new rates will apply from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.
| Start | Member | Member + 1 Dependant | Member + 2 or More Dependants |
| September 2026 | $948 | $1,896 | $2,844 |
| January 2027 | $632 | $1,264 | $1,896 |
| May 2027 | $316 | $632 | $948 |
Source: University Health Insurance Plan Fees
The listed prices are in Canadian dollars and include 8% tax.
For students starting in September, the individual annual premium increases by $156, from $792 to $948.
Why are UHIP Premiums Increasing?
The updated information states that premiums have increased for the 2026–27 academic year to reflect rising healthcare costs and claims.
UHIP premiums may also change each September based on factors including:
- The cost of claims across UHIP members
- Expected increases in healthcare costs overall
The revised rates are intended to support the sustainability and reliability of the insurance plan.
Who Needs UHIP in Ontario?
Most international students at participating Ontario universities are required to have UHIP because they generally do not qualify for OHIP.
However, the specific requirements can vary based on an individual’s circumstances and university.
Students should therefore check with their university or UHIP administrator to determine whether they are required to enrol and whether they may qualify for an exemption.
Is UHIP Mandatory for International Students?
For most international students covered by participating institutions, UHIP is compulsory unless they meet the requirements for an exemption.
This means students should factor the insurance premium into their overall education and living costs when planning to study in Ontario.
The increase in premiums is therefore an additional expense that incoming and continuing international students should consider when preparing their budgets for the 2026–27 academic year.
What Does UHIP Cover?
The information provided states that UHIP covers basic medical services, including:
- Physician or doctor visits
- Emergency care
- Hospital surgeries
The coverage can reach $1 million CAD per policy year.
Students should review the applicable UHIP policy terms to understand exactly what services are covered, what limitations apply and whether additional insurance is required for services outside the plan.
What Should International Students Do Before September 2026?
Students preparing to begin or continue their studies in Ontario should:
- Check Their University’s UHIP Requirements: Confirm whether UHIP applies to their program and student status.
- Budget for the higher premium: Students beginning in September 2026 should account for the new $948 individual annual premium, where applicable
- Check dependant coverage: Students bringing family members should review the applicable dependant rate. The September rate for a member plus one dependant is $1,896, while coverage for a member plus two or more dependants is $2,844.
- Confirm their coverage dates: Students should make sure their insurance coverage is active for the period they are studying and understand how enrolment and payment are handled by their institution.
- Check whether an exemption applies: Students who believe they may qualify for an exemption should confirm the requirements with their university rather than assuming they are exempt.
What Does the Increase Mean for Prospective International Students?
The UHIP increase adds to the cost of studying in Ontario, although the insurance premium is only one component of an international student’s overall education budget.
Students should consider tuition, accommodation, transportation, food, study materials and health insurance when calculating their expected expenses.
The higher UHIP premium may be particularly relevant for students bringing dependants because family coverage can result in significantly higher annual insurance costs.
Key Takeaways
The main changes for the 2026–27 academic year are:
- UHIP premiums increase from September 1, 2026.
- The individual annual premium rises from $792 to $948.
- The increase represents 20%.
- September-start students with one dependant will pay $1,896.
- Coverage for a member with two or more dependants will be $2,844.
- Most international students at participating Ontario universities are required to have UHIP unless they qualify for an exemption.
- UHIP provides basic medical coverage, including doctor visits, emergency care and hospital surgeries.
- Students should confirm their specific coverage and enrolment requirements with their university.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will UHIP cost international students in Ontario in 2026?
For students starting in September 2026, the individual annual UHIP premium will be $948, including 8% tax.
2. Why are UHIP fees increasing in 2026?
The provided UHIP information says premiums are increasing to reflect rising healthcare costs and claims and to maintain sustainable coverage.
3. How much will UHIP cost for a student with dependants?
For a September 2026 start, coverage costs $1,896 for a member plus one dependant and $2,844 for a member plus two or more dependants.
4. Do all international students in Ontario need UHIP?
Most international students at participating universities are required to have UHIP because they generally do not qualify for OHIP. However, exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
5. What does UHIP cover?
The provided information states that UHIP covers basic medical services, including doctor visits, emergency care and hospital surgeries, with coverage of up to $1 million CAD per policy year.
