Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to some of the questions you may have regarding your UHIP coverage. If you can't find the answer to your questions here, then have a look at the UHIP website or come in to the UHIP office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my UHIP card?
All UHIP cards available online. To learn how to get your card, visit the UHIP Enrolment page for step-by-step instructions.
Can I enrol my parents or other family members in UHIP?
You may enrol your eligible dependents in UHIP (i.e. children and/ or spouse or common-law partner). UHIP does not consider parents, siblings or other family members to be dependents. To learn how to enrol your eligible dependents, please refer to the Dependent Enrolment section.
Can I opt out of UHIP?
UHIP is compulsory for all international students registered at UofT. If you are enrolled in a Pre-Approved Plan, then you may opt out of UHIP by visiting the UHIP office and submitting proof of your alternative coverage. If you are enrolled in a health plan other than one of those on the pre-approved list, you may apply for an exemption within 30 days of the annual start date of your studies. Please see the UHIP Exemption page for more information.
What is covered by UHIP?
UHIP provides basic coverage for eligible health services and medical treatments. For a complete list of coverage details, visit the UHIP site directly.
Does UHIP provide travel coverage?
UHIP provides minimal out of country coverage, which is not sufficient to cover medical expenses when travelling outside of Canada. You are strongly encouraged to seek private travel insurance if you plan to travel outside of Canada. For more information, see the Travel Insurance section.
What’s the difference between UHIP and supplementary health insurance?
UHIP provides basic coverage for medically necessary services and treatments. Supplementary health insurance plans provide additional coverage for services that are not covered under UHIP or OHIP (e.g. prescription drugs, dental care). Supplementary insurance is separate from UHIP. To learn more, visit the Supplementary Health Insurance Plans section of the website.
What is a preferred provider? How do I find a preferred provider?
A preferred health care provider (i.e. a provider that accepts UHIP), will bill Sun Life directly for any health or medical expenses. This means you will not have to pay upfront for services covered under UHIP. To learn more, visit the Preferred Health Care Network section. To find the preferred provider closest to you, visit the International Health Care Network.
I have been charged upfront for services by a health care provider. Can I get reimbursed?
Some health care providers may not accept UHIP and will charge upfront for their services. In this case, be sure to get an official receipt for services from the health care provider and then submit it to Sun Life, together with a Claim Form. Keep copies of the original receipts for your files. To learn more, visit the Accessing Health Care Services page.
Where do I submit my Claim Form?
You must submit your claim form directly to Sun Life within 12 months of the date from which the service was provided. The original receipt of payment must be attached to the claim form (keep copies for your files). Sun Life's address can be found on the claim form. For more information, visit the Accessing Health Care Services page.
I have submitted a claim. When will I receive my reimbursement?
Claims take 4-6 weeks to process after they have been submitted to Sun Life. To learn how to follow the status of a claim, please refer to the Accessing Health Care Services page.
Once approved, a cheque payable to the UHIP member will be mailed directly to the address indicated on the claim form. If you prefer, you may sign up for a direct deposit. To learn more, please refer to the Accessing Health Care Services page.
I am a Canadian citizen (or permanent resident) and am currently not eligible for OHIP coverage. Can I enrol in UHIP?
You are eligible for UHIP in the period before your OHIP effective date. For details, please refer to the OHIP Waiting Period section.
I am leaving for the summer to return to my home country. Can I get a refund for this period?
Unfortunately, you are not able to get a refund for your summer holidays. Please see the UHIP Refund page for more information.
My immigration status has changed and I now have OHIP coverage. Do I still have to pay the UHIP coverage charge for the entire year?
No, you do not have to pay for the whole year. As soon as you become eligible for OHIP, visit the UHIP office and submit a Pre-Approved Health Care Plan Form (OHIP) along with proof of your OHIP coverage. The UHIP coverage charge will be adjusted on your ROSI account once proper documentation is provided. UHIP members are financially responsible for every month in which active coverage is maintained. It is therefore extremely important that you notify the UHIP office as soon as you are eligible for OHIP, in order to avoid unnecessary UHIP payments. Please refer to the UHIP Exemption page for more information.
