- UHIP for Students Overview
- What UHIP covers, where UHIP can be used, and submitting claim forms
- Being exempted, post-graduation coverage and alternative coverage options
UHIP for Students Overview
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) applies to the following two groups of students at Carleton:
- international students enrolled in classes and physically in Canada;
- registered students with domestic status/paying domestic fees who are not yet eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
This page provides information about enrolment, what UHIP covers, making claims, etc. If you are a staff member wanting to enroll in UHIP, please visit our UHIP for Staff page.
UHIP does not cover prescription drugs, dental or vision services. For information on the supplemental drug/dental/vision plan, visit here if you are an undergraduate student and here if you are a graduate student. For students starting in winter or summer term, enrollment in the supplemental plan is not automatic. Please visit each site for opt-in details and deadline dates.
Enrolment
Enrollment in the University Health Insurance Plan, (UHIP), is mandatory for all international students enrolled (and their dependents in Canada with them) in a degree program at participating Ontario universities including Carleton University.
How to get your UHIP card: You will receive a welcome email from Cowan (the insurance underwriter) to your Carleton email account with details on how to access your UHIP e-card. Check your spam/junk email folder as it will likely end up there. Print off your UHIP card and carry it with you at all times as you will need to show it to the doctor/hospital for all visits. More details can be found here
- What is the coverage period for UHIP?
For degree students, the UHIP coverage year follows the academic year which is September 1 to August 31. The annual UHIP premium table will provide the coverage amounts and details for the academic year. The UHIP premium will be added to your student account based on your terms of registration.Your UHIP coverage remains active while you are registered in classes. At any point should you make a complete withdrawal from all classes, your UHIP coverage will be terminated immediately.
No refunds for any withdrawals after Cowan deadline date of March 1st.
- How do I add dependents to the UHIP plan?
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If you are enrolled as a Carleton student and have dependents (children and/or spouse) with you in Canada, it is mandatory to enroll them in UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan). You can do so by completing the UHIP Enrolment Form 2022 (PDF) and sending it to uhip@cunet.carleton.ca.
The UHIP amount to be paid for your dependents will be calculated from their arrival date in Canada and the duration of their stay. The UHIP premium will be added to your student account. The UHIP Premium Table outlines the premiums on a monthly basis.
If you are a graduate student and wish to add dependents to the drug/dental plan, you must do so online through Green Shield, administered by the GSA (Graduate Students’ Association) with those plan details here. Opt-in deadline dates apply.
If you are an undergraduate student, you can enroll your family members in CUSA’s (Carleton University Students’ Association) drug and dental plan. Those plan details can be found here. Opt-in deadline dates apply.
As a student, you are considered the UHIP ‘member’ and your UHIP will automatically be added to your student account, however, for dependents, you must contact the ISSO at the start of each September to reinstate add your family into the UHIP plan.
Note: You must enroll your dependents within thirty (30) days of their arrival in Canada. If you fail to do so, the insurance company will charge you a late administration fee of $500, plus retroactive premiums. All plan details can be found here.
- Is UHIP mandatory for Exchange and Special Status students, and how do they enroll in UHIP?
Exchange students and those with Special student status are automatically enrolled in UHIP at the time of course registration for the terms they are registered.As an exchange student, even if you have other insurance plans from your respective country/university, UHIP is still a mandatory requirement. You are, therefore, advised to not purchase another insurance plan to cover you while you are studying at Carleton.
- How much does UHIP cost for students?
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Rates for 2023-2024 (2024-2025 rates coming in May)
Start date (degree students) Member for 12 mos to Aug 31st Member + 1 Dependent Member + 2 or more dependents September 2023 $756 $1,512 $2,268 January 2024 $504 (8 months – Jan 1 to Aug 31) $1,008 $1,512 Special/Exchange Students Coverage per term (4 mos) $252 (4 months) $504 - Are students covered by UHIP during a co-op term?
You will remain covered under the UHIP plan while on your co-op work term. You will not, however, be covered under the drug/dental plan administered by Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). In order to remain in the drug/dental plan, it is required that you visit the respective office to remain enrolled in the plan while you are on your work term.If you are completing your coop term in Quebec, please read our FAQ for students residing in Quebec below.
- I am a student completing my co-op term or residing in Quebec. What does this mean for my UHIP coverage?
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Some guidelines for UHIP and students living out of province:
- There are no Preferred Providers in Quebec, however there are some clinics that you can access in Hull/Gatineau that other members have accessed with their UHIP:
- Guidelines for out of province claims can be found on UHIP’s page (Emergency services outside of Ontario and in Canada).
- Emergency means any unexpected sickness or injury first occurring during the coverage period, which requires immediate medical treatment to relieve acute pain and suffering.
- If you have any medical conditions or take prescription medication, please ensure that you take care of this prior to your departure with your current doctor/clinic. This way you will avoid unnecessary out of pocket expenses.
- If you are admitted to the hospital please contact case.mgmt@cowangroup.ca
- If you do pay for emergency health care, please ensure that your UHIP claim form. has full details (specifically section 5- you need to list the reason you needed medical attention). For example, fractured leg, difficulty breathing, etc.
- UHIP claims can be emailed to clients.cowngroup.ca (with subject line: Policy 050150, Member ID CU…..). It is imperative that you submit your proof of payment and your Claim Form in order for Cowan to process your claim,
If you are on a co-op work term in the province of Quebec you may want to check and see if you are eligible for Quebec provincial health insurance with more details at https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en. If you are successful in getting Quebec medial health coverage, scan proof to uhip@carleton.ca and we will terminate your UHIP coverage and credit your Carleton student account the unused balance. You need either UHIP or provincial medical health coverage, but not both.
Drug/dental coverage while on Co-op work term: Although you remain covered under UHIP while on your Co-op work term, such is not the case for the drug/dental plan. If you are an undergraduate student, you are strongly encouraged to do a manual enrollment for this plan with more details on the CUSA Health Plan page. If you are a graduate student, visit the GSA Health Plan page. Opt-in deadlines apply.
More information can be found on UHIP’s website.
- Are domestic students eligible for UHIP? How can they enroll/unenroll?
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Students who are coming to study at Carleton and have domestic status/paying domestic fees will NOT be automatically enrolled in UHIP. You must complete the UHIP Enrolment Form (PDF) and email it to uhip@cunet.carleton.ca. You can visit Service Ontario to see if you are eligible for Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) and if approved, must provide proof ISSO. At such time, your UHIP will be terminated and your student account adjusted accordingly. Details on OHIP eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website.
- Can students with an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) be covered by UHIP?
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If you are a Graduate student and have been approved for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from your program of study, you can request to have your UHIP kept intact for a 4 month period (must provide proof). Cowan will approve only one LOA request per 12 month period (some exceptions may apply).
What UHIP covers, where UHIP can be used, and submitting claim forms
- What does UHIP 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. See above) Cowan 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.
- What is the difference between UHIP and the CUSA/GSA Drugs & Dental plan?
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UHIP does NOT cover dental costs and prescription medication. See table below.
- Undergraduate students should contact *Carleton University Student’s Association (CUSA) for details on the Accident, Dental and Drug Plan. Make sure to note opt-in and opt-out deadlines. Further inquiries can be directed to cusa@cusaonline.ca or visit them on 4th Floor Nideyinan
- Graduate students can find more details on their Health, Dental and Accident plan on the GSA’s website or visit the GSA (Graduate Student’s Association, 6th Floor Nideyinan). Make sure to note opt-in and opt-out dates. Further inquiries can be directed to occ@gsacarleton.ca
The CUSA/GSA supplemental plan charges will be added to your account automatically provided a) you start your studies in fall; b) you are registered full-time (4 or more classes for undergraduates). If you are starting studies in the Winter term, you must opt-in to the supplemental plan by visiting either CUSA or the GSA. Opt-in deadlines apply.
- Dependents can be added to the drug/dental plans. Opt-in deadlines apply. Visit the appropriate office for details.
Service UHIP CUSA/GSA supplemental plan Doctor visit Yes NO Hospital visit Yes NO X-rays Yes NO Blood work Yes NO Dental NO Yes Eye glasses NO Yes Prescription drugs NO Yes Physio NO Yes Massage Therapy NO Yes Out of country Travel NO Yes - 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:- DO NOT visit a hospital for minor health issues such as cough, cold, pink eye, SDI, etc. These are not considered emergency situation.
- You are encouraged to use Health and Counselling Services (HCS), 2600 CTTC Building, Carleton University (Note: for members only. Dependents (spouse/children) cannot visit the on-campus clinic). In person appointments available but call in advance to book.
- If not convenient, students are encouraged to find a ‘preferred provider* on the International Health Care Network. This group of medical practitioners has partnered with Cowan/ Manulife and will do direct billing them, so no immediate out-of-pocket expense to you. It is recommended you call the doctor/clinic in advance to confirm they are still a member of the ‘preferred provider network’.
- It is not mandatory to use a ‘preferred provider’; however, it is convenient as they do direct billing to Cowan, so there is no immediate payment required by you.
- 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
- If you are currently living in the Gatineau/Hull area, you can try accessing these clinics using 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 upfront 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 in an FAQ below.
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 +1 866-500-UHIP (8447) toll-free.
- I feel unwell and have cold and flu like symptoms, what should I do?
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Students feeling unwell with cold, flu and/or COVID-19 like symptoms should consider the following:
- Monitor symptom severity and connect with a health care professional for persistent and worsening symptoms
- Contact Health and Counselling Services at (613) 520-6674 to make a virtual appointment with a member of their medical team (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm)
- For suspected symptoms of or possible exposure to COVID-19, students should complete a Self-Assessment and/or contact Ottawa Public Health. Students advised to get tested for COVID-19 should follow public health guidelines and visit a Testing Centre.
- Students needing support outside of Health and Counselling Services’ regular business hours for a non-life-threatening medical issue that requires immediate attention, can consider attending a walk-in clinic to see a doctor without making an appointment. It is recommended that international students visit one of the Preferred Provider Network clinics to avoid extra fees not covered by the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). It is not mandatory to use a ‘preferred provider’; however, it is convenient as there is no immediate out-of-pocket expense to students with a valid UHIP card.
- Students are reminded to only seek medical attention from emergency services (i.e. by attending a hospital emergency room) if you believe you have a serious medical condition or acute injury. In Canada, waiting times to see doctors in the hospital are based on the severity of the medical condition, and emergency rooms are usually very busy and waiting times can be very long.
- How do I submit a claim form?
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If you visit a medical practitioner who is NOT part of the
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 send via Cowan’s member portal at clients.cowan.ca. Be sure to keep a copy of all paperwork for your records.
On the back of the claim form, section 3: 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, 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, post-graduation coverage and alternative coverage options
- Can I be exempted?
- Typically all international students, their dependents, exchange and special students, 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 bring proof to ISSO
- 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 (inclusions and exclusions) and email Cowan for review. If approved, the UHIP fees will be removed from your student account.
Exemption deadline: You have 45 days from the start of the academic year to apply for the exemption.
Diplomatic Insurance Coverage and Interim Federal Health Certificate/Incoming Exchange Students
- International students who are diplomats/dependents of (spouse or son/daughter) of diplomats may have acceptable health insurance plans with their Embassy or High Commission and UHIP is not required. If however, you are under your parent’s diplomatic health coverage, and they have left the country, it is your responsibility to enrol in the UHIP plan.
- For the students who are being covered under the Interim Federal Health Certificate, you are eligible for exemption from UHIP. Proof of this certificate must be submitted to the UHIP Administrator at the beginning of every school year.
Do I need medical insurance before I come to Canada?
- You should purchase travel insurance from your home country to protect you for the duration of your travel.
- You should not purchase health insurance for the duration of your studies as UHIP is mandatory for all international students while enrolled as a student at Carleton (including exchange students)
What happens if I withdraw from school?
- If you are considering withdrawing from classes, your UHIP health coverage will be terminated from the day you withdraw
- It is imperative that you visit the ISSO regarding any change in your status, the implications it has on your UHIP and potentially your immigration status
- I'm graduating. Can I extend my coverage? What are my options?
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Completing your Academic Program and graduating? You can extend your UHIP coverage!
If you’re an international student living in Canada and you’re about to graduate, it’s important to consider how you will protect you and your family in case of an emergency. You may be planning to travel or stay in Canada following your graduation. If that’s the case below are some options you may wish to consider.
- If Fall will be your last term of study and you are graduating in February, your current coverage expires December 31. You are able to extend your UHIP for up to 6 months (to June 30) or until such time as you may find you are eligible for OHIP (Ontario provincial insurance). The 6 months premium of $378 (single) will be charged to your student account. Email us at uhip@carleton.ca for more details.
- To extend your coverage, complete the UHIP Enrolment Form (PDF) and check the box ‘Graduation pending’ and email to uhip@cunet.carleton.ca for processing. Be sure to include proof of your application to graduate.
- Your coverage remains limited to emergencies, no matter where in Canada you may be.
- If you have received a Post Graduation Work Permit and have secured full time employment for a minimum of 6 months (with same employer), check to see about applying for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you get approved for OHIP and still have UHIP coverage, contact the ISSO and provide proof of OHIP start date and your UHIP will be terminated and your student account credited with unused portion. You need to have either UHIP or OHIP but not both.
- If you have been registered in classes as a Special student, you have UHIP coverage only for the terms you are registered. If you are still in Canada but not registered in classes, you should obtain private medical health insurance.
Private Health Insurance
If you do not qualify for provincial health insurance coverage you should strongly consider purchasing private health insurance. The following are just a few options that are provided for your convenience only and do not necessarily imply an endorsement by Carleton University. ISSO or Carleton University cannot be held responsible for information and materials found on these sites. While ISSO has tried to verify all the information as much as possible, students are advised to research their options and contact the insurance company before they enroll themselves or their families into any insurance plans.
Here are some other examples of health insurance companies that you may want to consider. Do your research and find the plan that best suits your needs.
- Manulife/Cover Me (1-844-378-3865)
- Sun Life
- Ingle International (1-800-360-3234)
- International Alumni (1-888-918-5056) – info@studentvip.ca
- Guard Me
- Cowan Insurance Group (1-866-912-6926)
- Greenshield (1-888-711-1119)
- Great West Life
- Ontario Blue Cross
- If Fall will be your last term of study and you are graduating in February, your current coverage expires December 31. You are able to extend your UHIP for up to 6 months (to June 30) or until such time as you may find you are eligible for OHIP (Ontario provincial insurance). The 6 months premium of $378 (single) will be charged to your student account. Email us at uhip@carleton.ca for more details.
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