- Enrolment
- What UHIP covers, where UHIP can be used, and submitting claim forms
- Being exempted and requesting refunds
UHIP applies to the following groups of staff:
- International employees working in Ontario who cannot get OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan);
- Family members (spouse and/or children) of international students and employees who are not eligible for OHIP (separate enrollment required with the ISSO);
- Canadian employees or other individuals who are satisfying the OHIP waiting period; and
- Short-term visitors (international visiting researchers, visiting students, new employees, Post Docs) and their family members.
This page provides information about UHIP coverage for staff members. If you are a student with questions about UHIP, please visit our UHIP for Students page.
Enrolment
International short-term university visitors and employees who are here for a period of two weeks or more, are required to enrol in the UHIP plan. Enrollment is optional for stays less than two weeks. Short-term visitors include, but are not limited to, visiting researchers, visiting scholars, and post-doctoral students.
If you will be working here for a period of 6 months or longer, you may be eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) which is government-funded health insurance. There is typically a 3 month wait period for OHIP coverage to start, but in light of Covid-19 that wait period has been waived until further notice. There is currently a shorter wait period for OHIP to start, and not necessary immediate. Until such time as OHIP starts, you time you must enroll in UHIP. As soon as you can provide proof of OHIP eligibility, please contact the ISSO so that your UHIP can be terminated and to discuss any potential UHIP refund.
You are required to complete the online enrollment form. A payment link will be sent to you via email indicating what the UHIP premium will be. Payment will be made online using a credit card.
- How much does UHIP cost for faculty/staff?
UHIP for faculty and staff is charged on a monthly basis rather than according to the academic year. 2023-2024 rates:
| Months covered |
Member |
Member + 1 Dependent |
Member + 2 Dependents |
| 1 |
$63 |
$126 |
$189 |
| 2 |
$126 |
$252 |
$378 |
| 3 |
$189 |
$378 |
$557 |
| 4 |
$252 |
$504 |
$756 |
What UHIP covers, where UHIP can be used, and submitting claim forms
- What does UHIP cover/not cover?
UHIP is a basic and primary health care plan and it covers a number of services such as:
- Hospital services such as; emergency room services, non-emergency hospitalization etc. (Limitations may apply.) Cowan/Manulife must be notified within 48 hours of any hospital stay expected to exceed 72 hours in duration.
- Physician’s services, for example, annual health examination, diagnosis & treatment of illness and injuries, care related to pregnancy etc. and
- Miscellaneous, for example, diagnostic and x-ray services, emergency ambulances etc.
- Pre and postnatal care
- One eye exam per year if you are under the age of 20 or over the age of 65.
- UHIP reimburses physicians at a rate of 125% of the OHIP rate. Each medical test/assessment has a corresponding ‘OHIP code’ and cost and UHIP will pay 125% of that cost. Anything over and above that 125% will be the responsibility of the student/member to pay.
UHIP does NOT cover dental costs and prescription medication. If you are interested in enrolling in drug and dental coverage, you must enrol through Human Resources. Information on their plans is available on their benefits page.
- Where can I use UHIP?
UHIP is considered private insurance and not all medical providers will accept your UHIP card. Here are some guidelines for you when looking to find a doctor/medical clinic:
- Unless it is an emergency, visiting faculty/staff cannot utilize the on-campus clinic. This includes their counselling services.
- You are encouraged to find a medical practitioner on the International Healthcare Network . These doctors/clinics are part of the Preferred Provider Network (PPN) and will accept the UHIP card and do direct billing to Cowan so no immediate out-of-pocket expense for you.
- It is recommended you call the clinic/doctor in advance to confirm if they are still part of the PPN.
- Looking for some fast, free medical advice? Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. This a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. Details at https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-medical-advice-telehealth-ontario
- List of Walk-in Clinics and Medical Centres in Ottawa (Not all these clinics necessarily accept UHIP)
- If you are living in the Gatineau/Hull area you should be able to access these clinics with your UHIP card
Note: If you visit a clinic that is not part of the Student Health Network, you may have to pay for the medical services upfront. Note that additional administrative charges may apply when visiting a clinic or medical centre off campus. If you have to pay up front for any medical services, you will have to complete and submit a Claim Form to Cowan for reimbursement. Details and information on how to complete and submit a Claim Form can be found on the UHIP website.
In case of a serious medical issue:
- If you or a member of your family is hospitalized or intending to be hospitalized for more than 48 hours, it is important to notify the UHIP insurer as soon as possible of this admission.
- If you choose to be treated at or are admitted to a hospital that is not on the Preferred Hospital network, it is possible that you will have to pay expenses in addition to what UHIP pays.
- If you or a member of your family is hospitalized in a hospital not in the preferred hospital network, with 48 hours’ notice the UHIP insurer may relocate you to another hospital of its choice, if the transfer is approved by your attending physician.
- Please check the preferred hospital network listing or call the UHIP insurer in advance to verify whether the hospital you intend to visit currently has an agreement with the insurer at: +1 833-377-8447 toll-free.
Contact:
UHIP Administrator, ISSO, 128 Nideyinan (formerly University Centre), Carleton University.
- How do I make a claim?
-
If you visit a medical practitioner who is NOT part of the Preferred Provider Network you may have to pay for the services provided (referred to as ‘making a claim’). If you do, then you will have to complete a Claim Form and submit the claim form along with invoice details given to you by the doctor/clinic and submit to Cowan at case.mgmt@cowangroup.ca
If you paid money to the doctor/clinic, be sure to check the box that says Payment is to be made to member.
If you were invoiced by the doctor/clinic but paid nothing you check the second box that says Payment is to be made directly to the provider, so that Cowan will pay the doctor/clinic directly.
Being exempted and requesting refunds
- Can I be exempted?
Typically all visiting scholars and their families and non-resident Carleton Employees are required to enroll in UHIP. However, only those covered under a pre-approved plan can be exempted from UHIP. If you have insurance coverage under any one of these pre-approved plans, please email proof to the ISSO, or contact them via email.
Students/employees covered under a plan other than a pre-approved plan must join UHIP and pay the required premium before applying for an exemption.
If you have coverage with a non pre-approved provider and would like to apply to be exempted from UHIP, be sure to review the exemption checklist to see if your plan is comparable with UHIP and if so, complete an Exemption Form and submit to the Case Management team at Cowan for review. All details must be provided in either English or French. Be sure to include all details of your home plan i.e. inclusions, exclusions, limitations, etc.
- Do I need medical insurance before I come to Canada?
-
No. However, an immigration officer may request proof of your ability to pay for any health care which may be required in Canada. You should ensure you purchase travel insurance
You should not purchase health insurance before you leave as you will be required to purchase UHIP when you get here if you are staying for more than two weeks.
- Refund Requests
-
Any refund request for UHIP fees must be requested through the UHIP administrator at uhip@carleton.ca
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