Health Care Coverage

What is UHIP?

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides basic healthcare coverage for international postgraduate medical learners and their eligible dependents while living in Ontario.  

UHIP covers many of the same services as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), including: 

• Hospital services 
• Physician visits 
• Laboratory services 
• Ambulance services

Who needs UHIP? 

UHIP is required if you are an international postgraduate medical learner who: 

• Holds a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) 
• Is employed by the University of Toronto or an affiliated teaching hospital 
• Has arrived in Canada on a temporary status 

Why is UHIP mandatory?

UHIP is a mandatory registration requirement and must be completed before you begin training.  

You must have UHIP because: 

• Health insurance is required for PGME registration 
• Most learners must wait up to three months after arrival before OHIP becomes active 
• UHIP provides coverage during this waiting period 

Who is eligible for UHIP?

Eligible Member

You are eligible for UHIP if you: 

• Hold a valid IRCC work permit  
• Are employed by the University of Toronto or an affiliated teaching hospital 
• Have a valid passport, stamped with the official date of your arrival in Canada 

Eligible Dependents

You may also enroll: 

• A legal, common-law, or same-sex spouse (relationship of at least 12 months) 
• Dependent children who: 
  • Live with you as their primary residence 
  • Are unmarried and financially dependent on you 
  • Are under age 22 (or under 25 if studying full-time), or any age if medically dependent 
• Note: Only spouses and children are eligible dependents. 

What if I already have health insurance?

Even if you already have private or travel health insurance, you must still purchase UHIP unless your plan is pre-approved on the UHIP website. 

If your plan is not listed, you may apply for a UHIP exemption.  

How long do I need UHIP?

Work permit valid for 6 months or longer:

You typically need 3 months of UHIP to cover the OHIP waiting period.

Work permit valid for less than 6 months: 

You must purchase UHIP for the entire duration of your training.

UHIP premiums

Effective September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

Only spouses and children are eligible dependents.

How to apply for UHIP (Step-by-Step) 

Step 1: Submit your UHIP application 

Submit your completed UHIP application through the Registration Document Portal. 

• Upon arrival in Canada, or 
• No earlier than 20 days before your program start date 

Step 2: Purchase UHIP 

Once your application is uploaded and reviewed: 

• Your Coordinator, International Learner Registration will email you a link to purchase UHIP coverage

Step 3: Upload Proof 

After purchase, send payment receipt to your coordinator, International Learner Registration 

• Proof of UHIP payment 
• Copy of your work permit

Step 4: Link to UHIP Card  

Check your university e-mail inbox where you will receive a link to access your UHIP coverage card from Cowan’s e-mail – UHIP.RAMU@cowangroup.ca.

If your UHIP coverage card shows incorrect information, contact Angelina Sulay.

Important: 
If you arrive in Canada more than 20 days before your program start date, you are responsible for arranging temporary travel insurance until UHIP coverage begins. 

How to complete the UHIP application form 

• Complete only the fillable fields — leave all other fields blank 
• Complete the Member form if you are travelling alone 

Field-specific tips

• Member ID: Your 8-digit trainee number (found on your Letter of Appointment or on your POWER account 
• Middle name: Not mandatory 
• Email address: University of Toronto UTmail+ e-mail address you set up when activating your UTORid 
• Telephone number: Your current primary phone number 

Adding dependents

If you are bringing a spouse and/or children: 

• Middle name: Not mandatory 
• Relationship: Spouse or Child only 

Important note about OHIP

• You generally cannot apply for OHIP until your first day of work 
• If OHIP cannot be issued right away, you must maintain UHIP coverage until OHIP becomes active 
• Some clinical fellows have obtained OHIP shortly after arrival, while others have experienced delays 
• You may attempt to visit a ServiceOntario office upon arrival, but early issuance is not guaranteed

Helpful links 

• UHIP website (Information above is subject to change — always refer to the UHIP website for the most up-to-date details) 
• How to complete the UHIP application form  
• OHIP information 
• Accessing the Registration Document Portal 

Contact Information

Postgraduate Medical Education Office UHIP

Phone: (416) 978-516
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET) 
Email: angelina.sulay@utoronto.ca

Cowan Insurance Group (UHIP Administrator)

Phone: 1-833-377-8447
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 - 5:00pm (ET)
Email: UHIP.RAMU@cowangroup.ca

What is OHIP?

OHIP is Ontario’s public health insurance plan. It covers many medically necessary health services, such as doctor visits and hospital care. 

OHIP does not cover services that are not medically necessary (for example, cosmetic surgery). 

You can see what OHIP covers here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers

How is OHIP Different from UHIP?

OHIP

• Funded by the Government of Ontario 
• No monthly premium (no payment required) 
• Accepted by health care providers across Ontario 

UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)

• Private insurance required for international trainees and students 
• Must be purchased until you become eligible for OHIP 

Who Can Qualify for OHIP?

To qualify, you must: 

• Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period 
• Be physically in Ontario for at least 153 days of your first 183 days after moving here 
• Make Ontario your primary home 

You must also meet at least one of the following: 

• You are a Canadian citizen 
• You are a Canadian permanent resident 
• You are a registered Indigenous person under the federal Indian Act 
• You have a valid work permit, are working full-time in Ontario for an Ontario employer, for at least 6 months 
  • If you qualify, your spouse and dependents may also qualify 

Important

• If you are eligible, you must apply for OHIP within the first 3 months after you arrive in Ontario. 
• Even if you qualify for OHIP, you must still purchase 3 months of UHIP coverage for yourself (and your family, if applicable).  This covers the OHIP waiting period. 

UHIP and OHIP cover medically necessary health services only. 

They do not cover some services, such as: 

• Prescription medications (in many cases)
• Dental care 
• Vision care 
• Other non-medically necessary services 

Do You Need Extended Insurance?

• If your employment contract includes extended health benefits, you may already be covered. 
• If you are not eligible through your employer, you can purchase private extended health insurance. 

Private Insurance Companies (Examples)

• Sun Life Financial
• Manulife
• Blue Cross (Ontario)
• Green Shield Canada

You may compare plans and choose one that best meets your personal and family health needs.

If You Travel Within Canada (Outside Ontario) 

UHIP will cover medical expenses at the same level as in Ontario. 

If You Travel Outside Canada

• UHIP covers only medically necessary emergency services. 
• OHIP also covers only limited emergency services outside Canada. 
• Coverage amounts are usually very limited. 

UHIP benefits may change if OHIP benefits change.

• UHIP travel coverage
• OHIP travel coverage

Important Recommendation

If you plan to travel outside Canada, it is strongly recommended that you purchase additional travel medical insurance. 

This will help protect you from high medical costs in other countries. 

Travel Insurance Companies (Examples)

• Manulife
• Green Shield Canada
• Sun Life Financial
• Travel Guard Insurance
• Blue Cross Canada
• CIBC Insurance

You may compare plans and choose one that fits your travel needs.