Who will be charged for coverage?
You are eligible for UHIP coverage:
- if you are a full-time student with a valid study permit or temporary resident visa issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, registered in a degree program at University of Waterloo and pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or post graduate degree;
- if you are a part-time student who was previously enrolled as a full-time student and you have a valid study permit or temporary resident visa issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You must be registered in a degree program at University of Waterloo and pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or post graduate degree.
- during a maximum of six part-time terms.
- during one four-month medical leave of absence during any twelve-month period.
- for a maximum parental leave of twelve months.
International students will be automatically charged for coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) beginning with their first term.
You will be automatically enrolled into the UHIP coverage after you have the registered status "Fees Arranged" if you are on an active term, or once you've paid the UHIP charge on your account during a work term, Inactive term or "off" term.
UHIP coverage is compulsory for international students beginning with the first term they are in Canada each policy year (September - August), regardless of their location in subsequent terms in that policy year.
How much does UHIP cost?
Although UHIP is an annual plan the UHIP fee is currently charged on your Quest account once per term.
What if I'm not in Canada?
UHIP coverage is annual.
- If you will not be in Canada for any part of the fall term, you can opt out of UHIP coverage by completing the declaration at our help desk by September 30th. Once you opt out the UHIP charge will be removed from your fall term bill.
- If you were not enrolled in UHIP for the fall term and you will not be in Canada for any part of the winter term, you can opt out of UHIP coverage by completing the declaration at our help desk by January 31st.
- If you were not enrolled in UHIP for the fall term and the winter term, and you will not be in Canada for any part of the spring term, you can opt out of UHIP coverage by completing the declaration at our help desk by May 31st.
- If you are enrolled in UHIP in the Fall term, you will be charged for and enrolled in the plan for the winter term and the spring term, regardless of your location during those terms.
- If you are enrolled in UHIP for the Fall or the winter terms, you will be charged for and enrolled in the plan for the spring term regardless of your location during the spring term.
Canadian or Permanent Resident students not covered under a provincial health plan
For most students attending UWaterloo from other provinces, your provincial health care plan can be used in Ontario. Prior to leaving your province, contact your Provincial Health Plan office directly or view their website for the steps you must take to maintain your coverage while studying outside your province. Some provinces require you to fill out a form.
Canadians moving from one province to another are not eligible for UHIP coverage. If your provincial health plan expires before or during your studies at UWaterloo, you will need to apply for OHIP coverage. You will need to purchase your own private health insurance plan to cover any gap in coverage that might occur.
If you are a Canadian who has been living outside of Canada and you do not qualify immediately for provincial health coverage, please contact Student Finance at our help desk about temporary UHIP coverage.
If you have applied for Permanent Resident status in Canada and have received your "Approval in Principle" letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you may be eligible for OHIP coverage. Please see the OHIP website to determine your eligibility.
Does UHIP coverage apply to my dependents? (dependent eligibility)
UHIP coverage is compulsory for dependents in Canada. Your dependents must be enrolled in the plan within thirty days after they become eligible for coverage (i.e. the date of their arrival in Canada, the date of your marriage in Canada or the date of expiry of comparable coverage under another pre-approved plan), to avoid having a $500.00 penalty fee and premiums retroactive to the date they became eligible charged to your student account. Eligible dependents include
- a spouse
- a common-law partner
- children
How do I enrol my dependents?
Please contact Student Finance at our help desk to add your dependents. The additional charge for enrolling dependents will be posted to your student account.
How do I submit changes affecting coverage?
Changes affecting UHIP coverage require you to submit a new form outlining the change:
- contact our help desk.
I now qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) - what do I do?
If you receive OHIP coverage please send a scanned copy of your OHIP card or OHIP letter to our help desk. You will be entitled to receive an adjustment of the UHIP premium as of the first day of the month following the date we receive proof of your OHIP coverage.
Where do I get my UHIP card?
UHIP provides a web and mobile version of the UHIP card.
Once you have become “Fees Arranged”, you will be included on the next UHIP enrolment list. Cowan Insurance will email you within two weeks when your UHIP coverage is updated and you can log into your account to download your coverage card.
How do I extend my UHIP coverage when I graduate?
You must apply for your extension
- only once
- while your UHIP coverage is still in effect (except in the case of emergency hospitalization)
- by completing the application form and attaching proof of payment of the extension premium
- by the extension deadline for the term
- Fall term - December 31
- Winter term - April 30
- Spring term - August 31
- and enroll any eligible dependents for the same extension period
UHIP extension coverage
- begins the day after your UHIP coverage would have terminated
- requires you to meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the UHIP website
- is for medically necessary services
- cannot be changed once it has been purchased
Students who are graduating effective December 31 are eligible for a maximum of 6 months UHIP extension until June 30to attend convocation and travel purposes.
Students who are graduating effective April 30 are eligible for a maximum of 4 months UHIP extension to attend convocation in June and travel purposes.
Students who are graduating effective August 31 are eligible for a maximum of 4 months UHIP extension to attend convocation in October and travel purposes.
Exchange students are eligible for a maximum of 2 months UHIP extension for travel purposes.
Please note that for students who complete their degree requirements by the 100% or 50% refund deadline, the UHIP charge will remain on Quest. Payment is required to be enrolled in UHIP for the term.
How can I find out more about my UHIP coverage?
For more information about UHIP, please visit the UHIP website. You may also find these answers to Frequently asked UHIP questions helpful.
You can contact Cowan Insurance for services such as checking claims and setting up for direct deposit.
Cowan Insurance's Customer Care Centre can be reached at 1-888-509-7797 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. E.T.