UofT Health Insurance Canada: Review 2024

UofT Health Insurance, also known as UHIP, is the University of Toronto Health Insurance Plan designed primarily for international students and exchange students studying at the University of Toronto.

UHIP provides essential healthcare coverage to safeguard the well-being of students during their academic journey in Canada. Read on to find out what it covers, what it doesn't, the pros and cons, and more.

You can also use our comparator to find a health and dental insurance plan that is tailored to your unique needs. You can both compare multiple plans and get free quotes in seconds.

Our 2024 review of UofT health insurance 

UofT Health Insurance (UHIP) is best suited for international and exchange students at the University of Toronto who require mandatory health coverage while studying in Canada. It offers comprehensive benefits and convenient enrollment, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordable healthcare protection.

However, some students may opt for additional private health and dental insurance to supplement their coverage. This could be due to specific healthcare needs not fully addressed by UHIP, such as elective cosmetic procedures. Additionally, students with pre-existing conditions or those desiring broader coverage may find private insurance to be a valuable addition.

Finding good private health insurance requires careful consideration of multiple plans and coverage. While it may seem daunting, we've made it simple for you. You can use our comparator below to compare health insurance plans and get free customized quotes in seconds.

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Pros of UofT health insurance

• Covers a wide range of health services, including prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, and mental health services
• Affordable premiums for graduate students
• Easy to enroll and renew
• Convenient online claims submission
• Has a network of over 50,000 providers in Ontario

Cons of UofT health insurance

• Deductibles and copays may apply
• Some services may not be covered, such as cosmetic surgery
• There may be waiting periods for certain services
• The plan is subject to change

Who provides UofT health insurance?

The UTSU administers a comprehensive Health & Dental Plan tailored to benefit all full-time undergraduate students. Renowned for its excellence, this plan offers some of the most comprehensive mental health and dental coverage within the spectrum of Canadian student association plans.

It fills crucial gaps in provincial healthcare (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) by providing either full or partial coverage for various services. International students enjoy dual coverage through the UTSU Health Plan and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).

Mandatory Health and Dental Plan fees are automatically integrated into your tuition, ensuring convenience and accessibility. However, students do have the option to opt out (also known as UofT health insurance opt-out) should they possess proof of alternative extended health insurance coverage.

If you already have equivalent health and dental coverage through a parent's or spouse's employee benefit plan, a plan provided by your band council, or one offered by Health Canada, you possess the freedom to opt out of this plan, optimizing your coverage according to your unique needs.

What does UofT health insurance cost?

For full-year coverage spanning from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, the Plan fee is $450.58. The Plan cost is automatically included in your tuition charges.

Coverage period	Plan fee	Health fee	Dental fee	Health & dental fee
Full Year (Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024)	$450.58	$122.71	$102.58	$225.29
Fall 2022 (Sept. – Dec.)		$122.71	$102.58	$225.29
Winter 2023 (Jan. – Aug.)		$122.71	$102.58	$225.29

If you would like to look at private health insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage at the same premium as UofT, you could do it right here. Use our comparator below and get quotes for Canada's best health and dental insurance plans in no time.

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What is UofT student health insurance coverage?

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the services offered through your UTSU plan, designed to provide you with essential health support:

Prescription drugs and vaccinations

• Prescription drugs: Enjoy up to 80% coverage, with a maximum benefit of $5,000 per policy year.
• Vaccinations: Receive 100% coverage for vaccinations, with a limit of $200 per policy year.
• Oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices: Benefit from coverage of up to $250 per policy year.
• Non-prescription drugs: Coverage includes insulin, diabetic syringes, and testing agents, with a maximum benefit of $1,000 per benefit year.

Health Practitioners

• Mental health practitioners: Receive up to $100 per visit, with a generous limit of 15 visits per policy year.
• Registered massage therapists and acupuncturists: Enjoy coverage of up to $30 per visit, with a combined limit of 20 visits per policy year.
• Chiropractors and physiotherapists: Benefit from up to $30 per visit, with a cap of 20 visits per policy year.

Hospitalization and home care

• Hospital room upgrade: The plan allows for an upgrade to a semi-private hospital room.
• Tutorial services: In the event of an accident causing disability and confinement for more than 15 consecutive days, you can receive up to $25 per hour for tutorial services provided by a qualified teacher.

Accidents and emergencies

• Ambulance coverage: Rest assured knowing that air or land ambulance transport to the nearest hospital during emergencies is covered.

Medical equipment

• Orthopedic shoes or arch supports: Coverage extends up to $350 per policy year.
• Hearing aids: Repairs or replacement parts are covered, with a maximum benefit of $500 every five years.

Diagnostic services

• Diagnostic tests: Coverage includes diagnostic tests, x-rays, and lab tests when prescribed by a medical practitioner to ensure your health and well-being.

What are the requirements for UofT health insurance?

Eligibility for health claims requires Canadian provincial health-care coverage or an equivalent level of coverage. Here’s more information: 

• Reimbursements are determined based on the reasonable and customary fees applicable in the Canadian province where the services or supplies are received.
• As a reference point, the current policy year extends from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024.

What is UofT health insurance vision coverage? 

Here’s a breakdown of the vision services offered through your UTSU plan. 

Eye exam, eyeglasses and contact lenses

• Coverage includes new or replacement eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as eye exams, with a combined benefit of up to $150 every two years.

Vision benefits

• Enjoy up to 30% off or a maximum of $75 discount on prescription glasses when visiting an independent specialist who is a member of the Studentcare Vision Network.
• Get a 10% discount on the purchase of contact lenses and a 25% discount on the purchase of a pair of eyeglass frames from clearly.ca by using the code STUDENT21.
• Benefit from up to $200 off the cost of a laser vision correction procedure from LASIKMD.

What does UofT health insurance not cover?

The specific coverage details of UofT Health Insurance (UHIP) may vary over time and by policy year, so it's important for students to refer to the most up-to-date policy documents and check with the insurance provider for the latest information. However, there are typically certain services and items that UHIP may not cover or may have limitations on, such as:

1. Elective cosmetic surgeries: UHIP often does not cover elective cosmetic procedures.
2. Some pre-existing conditions: Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be limited or excluded.
3. Experimental or investigational treatments: UHIP may not cover treatments that are considered experimental or investigational.
4. Some prescription medications: While UHIP covers prescription drugs, there may be limitations on certain medications or specific drug brands.
5. Some vision care expenses: While vision care is covered to some extent, there may be limitations on coverage for certain eyeglass frames, lenses, or contact lenses.
6. Non-emergency dental care: Dental coverage under UHIP may primarily focus on emergency dental care, and routine dental check-ups and procedures may not be fully covered.

If you want to compare health insurance plans that offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, you can do it right here using our comparator below. You can also get free personalized quotes in a few seconds.

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What is UofT health insurance opt-out?

If you are currently covered by an equivalent health plan, such as a parent's or spouse's employee benefit plan, you have the option to opt out of the UTSU Health Plan during the Change-of-Coverage Period, which runs from September 1 to October 3, 2023. Additionally, a Winter Change-of-Coverage Period is available from January 2 to January 31, 2024, exclusively for new January academic starts.

• To opt-out and receive a refund for the health portion of the Plan, you must be able to provide proof of coverage by an equivalent health plan. 
• Your provincial health care, such as OHIP, does not qualify as equivalent coverage to the UTSU Health Plan.
• Students covered solely by OHIP or an equivalent primary healthcare plan are not eligible to opt out of the UTSU Health Plan.

UofT graduate health insurance: Does it cover graduates?

Here’s a breakdown of who’s covered under UofT health insurance and who is not:

Category	Included in coverage	Not included in coverage
Full-Time Undergraduate	St. George campus students - Toronto School of Theology students	Part-time students
Full-Time Undergraduate	Professional faculty students	Part-time students with 2.5 or fewer full course equivalents during Fall-Winter Sessions Part-time students at the Toronto School of Theology (unless they voluntarily enroll during the Change-of-Coverage Period)

How to file a UofT health insurance claim?

To simplify the claims process, ensure you have the necessary information ready. Also, reimbursement is determined based on reasonable and customary fees. The benefit you are claiming must be fully paid and in your possession before the end of the policy year.

Deadline for Health and Dental Claims Submissions: All health and dental claims must reach GreenShield no later than 12 months from the date of the eligible benefit incurred. Please allocate sufficient time for delivery.

Where to Submit Health and Dental Claims

Send your claims to GreenShield using the address specified on the form or through their online system.

1. To submit claims online, check claim statuses, and enroll in direct deposit, among other services, you can create an account with GreenShield at https://gsceverywhere.ca/login.
2. You'll need your Member ID, which consists of UTS followed by your student ID number (e.g., UTS11122233) and a GreenShield Registration Key.
3. Alternatively, you can also submit claims in person at the UTSU Office located at 12 Hart House Circle.

Where to Submit Travel Health Claims

For services incurred on or after September 1, 2023:

1. Starting from September 1, 2023, your travel insurer will transition from Blue Cross health insurance to Securian Canada (provider: CanAssistance). 
2. For any trips taken from September 1, 2023, onwards, carry the new Securian Canada Travel Health Passport. Use this contact information:
   • Canada & United States: 1-888-852-2419
   • Local: 1-514-904-4730

If you utilize your travel benefits, promptly contact CanAssistance at the provided numbers to understand the procedures and timelines for submitting your claims.

For services incurred before September 1, 2023:

1. The travel provider prior to September 1, 2023, is Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada.
2. For any claims pertaining to periods before September 1, 2023, continue to contact Blue Cross.
3. Refer to the Blue Cross Travel Health Passport and the comprehensive explanation of coverage for the contact details and specific information.