From September, some international students in Ontario will have another expense to budget for as the cost of mandatory health insurance increases. The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) will raise its annual premium from C792 to C948 from September 1, 2026, for students at participating universities.
That is an additional C$156 per student for the 2026-27 academic year. The increase applies across UHIP member institutions, including universities such as the University of Toronto, York University, McMaster University and the University of Ottawa.
UHIP says its premiums can change based on healthcare costs and claims made by members.
Treasure Ayanfe Adetula
How Much Will International Students Pay?
The new annual UHIP premium is C$948 for a single student, compared with C$792 for the 2025-26 academic year. That represents a 20% increase. Students starting their studies in January 2027 will pay C$632 for eight months, while those beginning in May 2027 will pay C$316 for four months. The rates include 8% tax.
The increase also affects students bringing family members to Ontario. A student with one dependant will pay C$1,896 for a full year, while coverage for a student with two or more dependants rises to C$2,844.
Who Has to Pay The New UHIP Fee?
UHIP is generally compulsory for international students who are not covered by an eligible Canadian provincial health plan or another approved exemption. The plan is used by participating Ontario universities, meaning students should check their institution's fee schedule rather than assume every university has identical arrangements.
York University, for example, says international students are automatically enrolled once they register for their courses. Its 2026-27 coverage runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, with the C$948 premium charged through the student's account.
Subscribe for free to continue reading this article
Subscribe SubscribeAlready have an account? Log in
