Gender Affirming Care

If you are interested in gender-affirming care, and/or for further information or self-referral, we suggest first booking an intake appointment by calling the Health Services, Student Medical Clinic at 519-888-4096. During this appointment we will review your medical history and collaborate together to establish a pathway toward optimal health. Students can call in and ask for an intake appointment for “gender-affirming care” or “to talk about hormones”. 

If you are considering hormone therapy, we recommend learning more about this through Rainbow Health Ontario before your medical visit, to help identify topics you would like to discuss with your primary care clinician.  

If you are an International Student and travelling with medication, including hormones, we recommend reading  bringing prescription medication into Canada.

Our Mental Health services offer one-on-one, inclusive and non-judgmental space that is respectful of your health care and gender needs. Our Mental health providers include physicians, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, registered social workers and registered psychotherapists. Additionally, we have a 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Support Counsellor, who has extensive expertise and specializes in working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Wait times for initial appointments typically range from one week to two months, depending on student volume and provider availability.

Billing Information

• Some services may not be covered by insurance, and you may receive a bill.
• Please note: Invoices for any unpaid fees will first be sent electronically via Medeo. After 30 days, a paper invoice will be mailed to the name and address on file, which will be consistent with your name and address on Quest. This will include both your legal name and the name you use on Quest.
• If you would like the invoice sent to an alternate address or wish to clarify the name that should appear on your invoice, please contact Campus Wellness.

Health insurance / coverage

Both UHIP and OHIP cover healthcare provider appointments at Health Services for gender diverse students. First Nations and Inuit people are also covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB). If you have been prescribed hormones, and wish to have the cost covered by your student benefit plan, log onto Student Care to access the Restricted Drug Use Form. Alternatively, you can request a copy of this form through Health Services, in which you can then fill out and submit to Student Care for approval. 

UHIP does cover some of the fees for some gender-affirming surgeries but students must apply for coverage individually.  Explore health coverage for undergraduate and graduate students.

If you have questions regarding coverage, you can consult with Student Care online or byvisiting the on-campus Health and Dental Plan office located within Health Services (Room 1006). 

You can also call them:

• Graduate students: 1-519-904-2600
• Undergraduate students: 1-519-783-1357

While ensuring the privacy of your treatment is a priority, insurance policies and practices can vary between providers and in cases where a parent is the policyholder, they may have access to information about claims submitted under the plan and the details provided on statements or explanations of benefits. If this is a concern for your care, we can discuss the best payment and insurance options for you.

Names and pronouns

Your name in our Campus Wellness system reflects your name in the University database. However, during registration, please inform staff of your authentic name and pronouns. We will be noted in your records and be respected by Campus Wellness staff.

Your first name listed in WatIM is used broadly across campus (e.g LEARN, Quest, WatCard, etc.) and this can be updated at any time. Take a moment to sign in and verify or add an authentic name in WatIM.

You may also update your WatCard to reflect your authentic identity. 

• Name change, preferred or legal - $20
• Photo retake - $20 Old card must be returned or it will be considered a lost card replacement. (NOTE: The fee for a photo retake may be waived, if the photo on the current card no longer accurately reflects the cardholder’s appearance)

Additional resources for name changes can be found through WUSA Glow Centre under Trans Resources.

Gender inclusive restrooms 

• Health Services washrooms are gender-inclusive. Staff can direct you to the closest restroom/changing area. 
• Across campus, there are also inclusive restroom options available. Refer to the Inclusive Washroom Map for these options. 

Mental health care

• Mental health service providers through Campus Wellness include physicians, psychiatrists, a mental health nurse, psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers.
• Counselling Services offers inclusive counselling and mental health services to support your academic, personal, career and health-related concerns. You may request counselling support through an Intake Appointment at Counselling Services in Needles Hall. Phone 519-888-4096 to learn more about our services and register for them.
• Students can also request a referral from a Health Services physician to get connected with our on-campus psychologists, psychiatrists or be connected with professionals within the community.