Health and well-being

students hanging out together in the Rock Garden

It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of assignments, exams and societal pressures, often leaving little time to focus on what matters most: our personal well-being. 

Our physical health, mental wellbeing, emotional balance and spiritual safety are crucial for tackling life’s challenges with confidence, staying resilient in the face of stress and building connections. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. 

Mental Health

Two students sitting on a bench

On-campus supports

Find identity-based support for a healthy and balanced life at UWaterloo.

Call 519-888-4096 to book an appointment with Campus Wellness.

Counselling SupportIf you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, explore the range of counselling options available to help you live a healthy and balanced life. Connect with one of our counsellors to determine the most effective approach based on your needs. 

  • Brief counselling 
  • Single session counselling 
  • Crisis appointments

If you have specific needs, or would like to request a counsellor with lived experience or identity, specialized counsellors are available for those that identify as Black and 2SLGBTQIA+.

After Hours Support: If you need help after hours or immediate or urgent support, check out all mental health support resources available to you.

Workshops and connections 

Discover ways to support your mental health and well-being with various opportunities available on campus.

Whether you want to incorporate breaks into your schedule, develop self-care strategies, build mental health knowledge, or connect with others, there's something for everyone. 

Learn more about workshops and connections

  • Wellness programs and student groups  
  • Become a volunteer Peer Health Educator  
  • Join the Student Advisory Committee
  • And much more! 

Physical and Medical Health

A nurse taking the student's blood pressure

On-campus supports

Make your physical health and mental well-being a priority.

Call 519-888-4096 to book an appointment with Campus Wellness.

Primary care appointments: Campus Wellness provides a range of services to support students physical and mental health needs. If you require assessment or treatment of:

  • Illnesses or injuries
  • Management of ongoing physical or mental health concerns
  • Sexual health and wellness
  • Medical documentation and forms (VIF)
  • And more!

Check out the services available through in-person appointments at the Student Medical Clinic, Family Health Clinic and Travel clinic.

outside of health services building

Sexual violence prevention and response

We're here to listen.

If you have been impacted by sexual violence, support is available. Advocates will connect you to services and resources, and empower you to understand your options to take the next steps.

If you have an urgent non-crisis need, we will do our best to meet with you as soon as possible. Please connect with us at svpro@uwaterloo.ca.

Equity and anti-racism support

UWaterloo is here to listen, advocate and support

If you have experienced antisemitism, Islamophobia or other elements of hate, email gethelp@uwaterloo.ca, an expedited way for you to report instances of hate or reprisal.

If you have experienced harm, or are looking for supports related to your identities the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism is here to help.

You can also continue to report them to the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism by submitting to the form below.

Health coverage

Undergraduate

To help UWaterloo undergrad students pay for the health services they need, WUSA has partnered with Studentcare to provide extended health and dental coverage. The Plan is designed specifically for students to cover many services not covered by OHIP and other basic health-care programs.

Graduate

From access to a range of health professionals to coverage of prescription drugs, vaccinations, diagnostic services and medical equipment, the GSA student supplementary Health Plan is designed to provide graduate students important health services, in addition to the basic provincial healthcare plan. 

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Every Ontario resident (Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents) with a primary home in Ontario is entitled to access emergency and preventative care under OHIP. 

If you have applied for Permanent Resident status in Canada and have received your "approval in principle" letter from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) you may be eligible for OHIP coverage. 

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) 

International undergraduate students are automatically charged for coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) once they enroll in more than two 0.5-credit on-campus courses.

Continuous coverage must be maintained throughout your academic career at the University unless/until you can provide proof of having obtained OHIP coverage or an equivalent health plan.

Uninsured services  

Some of the services provided are uninsured services and are not covered by UHIP, OHIP, or other provincial plans.  

Student medical insurance coverage on co-op outside of Canada 

If you plan to work abroad, having appropriate health insurance is crucial. Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan details and see if supplementary insurance is required. 

student on laptop

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