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Mandatory Health Insurance Plan for International Students

International students who study at one of Ontario's Post-Secondary Institutions are mandated by the government to be enrolled in UHIP. The Student VIP (Health & Dental Plan) plan is a supplementary plan that works in combination with UHIP to ensure students have coverage where UHIP does not.

In order to be eligible for your Student VIP, you must have UHIP.

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

UHIP provides insurance to cover the cost of hospital and medical services that students or employees and their families might need to maintain their health while studying and working at an Ontario university in Canada.

UHIP is a basic and primary health plan that covers the following services:

  • Hospital services such as emergency room services, non-emergency hospitalization, etc.;
  • Physician services (for example: annual health examination, diagnosis or treatment of illness and injuries, care related to pregnancy, etc.);
  • Diagnostic and x-ray services, vaccinations, emergency ambulances, etc.; and
  • Routine eye examinations for persons under 20 years of age.
Student VIP Health a& Dental Plan

All full-time international undergraduate students under the age of 75 who are registered in a minimum of 12 credits each semester (fall & winter) by September 30th are automatically enrolled for AUSU health and dental coverage. Those who are eligible can opt-in their dependents or opt-out of the plan during the allotted opt-out period found on the Student VIP website.

The AUSU health and dental plan covers the following services:

  • Prescription drugs (medication)
  • Dentist visits
  • Eye exams, glasses and contact lenses
  • Physiotherapy, chiropractor and more
  • Accident coverage
  • Travel coverage

Drop by the AUSU office (Townhouse 10) any time for any of these services or general questions or [email protected].

  • Pick up your health plan card
  • Assistance with making a claim online
  • Pick up forms
  • Purchase coverage for your spouse and/or dependents
  • Inquire about opt-out process
University Health Insurance Plan FAQ

UHIP is health insurance plan that helps to protect you while you study or work in Canada. Common questions will often arise, so we hope the answers below help.

UHIP is a basic and primary health plan that does not cover:

  • Routine eye examinations for persons between the ages of 20 and 64. Eyeglasses, frames and/or contact lenses;
  • Dental care services, unless considered “Emergency Dental” and specified under “Expenses UHIP pays for”;
  • Drugs, whether prescribed or not (unless administered during a hospital stay);
  • Extended Health Care Services such as Chiropractor treatment, Massage Therapy and/or Physiotherapy; and
  • Acupuncture procedures.

For a complete listing of services not covered please visit the UHIP website.

You will only receive your UHIP card roughly 1 business week after the last date of add and drop courses.

An email will be sent to your Algoma U email address from Manulife Cowan with steps on how to access your UHIP card.

We do this to ensure all students have an opportunity to add or drop courses for the Semester.

If you need to go see a doctor please do so and hold on to the receipt. 

Cowan will reimburse you for services covered under UHIP.

You can register for UHIP today by following these simple steps:

  • Go to the UHIP website and click “Register Online” at the bottom of the page.
  • Click on ”Sign up now” on the webpage.
  • Input your AlgomaU mail under “Your E-Mail Address” and your personal information under “Your Personal Information”.
  • Your certificate number is mentioned in your welcome mail from Cowan UHIP.
  • Click on Next Step
  • You will receive a confirmation mail on your registered AlgomaU mail.
  • Look for the “Activate My Account” link and click on that 
  • Then input your Date of Birth and Certificate number again. 
  • Set up your password for the account and also select the security question for your account. 
  • Your account will be activated.
  • Please check your University email inbox. You already have received a link to access your UHIP coverage card from Cowan’s email – [email protected].
  • Go to the Welcome Email on your AlgomaU Mail from Cowan UHIP and click on “Click here to get your UHIP coverage card”.
  • Input the information asked on the webpage like First Name, Last Name, DOB, and Certificate number.
  • Your certificate number is mentioned in your welcome mail from Cowan UHIP. 
  • Then click on submit button and you can check your UHIP E-Card. Either you can download or print it. 
  • You have to present your E-Card to your healthcare provider.

To find your UHIP Email, we recommend you search your inbox using the following tags:

Please visit the “Forms & Important Documents” page on the UHIP website. (Click Here)

By scrolling down to the Tutorials section, you can learn how to submit a claim for your medical expenses here. 

Once you have submitted your claim, please follow up with Cowan.

Below we have listed Cowan’s contact information. 

They are available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (Canada)

Toll-Free: 1-833-377-8447

Email: [email protected]

If you withdraw from school, your coverage will be automatically cancelled from the day you withdraw. If you withdraw due to illness or injury, contact the Registrar’s Office to apply to reinstate your coverage. If you withdraw for reasons other than illness or injury, you are required to return your proof of coverage to the Registrar’s Office. Further use of the insurance is fraudulent. Apply to the Registrar’s Office to be considered for a partial refund of your premium. For more information, please email [email protected].

If you transfer to another Ontario university, you will have UHIP coverage through your new university. To avoid paying at both universities, contact the Registrar’s Office to cancel your UHIP as soon as you know you are transferring.

No. You are required to have health insurance from your exchange university or host country. Contact the Registrar’s Office to adjust your UHIP coverage as soon as your exchange is confirmed.

International students may extend their UHIP coverage for a maximum of 1 semester (4 months) after the last period of academic study. This normally occurs when a student wishes to stay in Ontario past their academic term for travel or graduation purposes only. Students can apply for this extended coverage at the end of the term and pay at the Registrar’s Office.

Knowing which healthcare providers accept UHIP is important and can save you money!

By accessing the Cowan Preferred Provider Network, you’ll find a healthcare provider close to you that will bill Cowan directly for medical services – at UHIP rates.