Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

UHIP is a basic medical insurance plan that helps students pay for medical services. This includes some medical tests, emergency care at hospitals, visits to doctors and clinics, and surgery. For a complete list of services covered, see the UHIP Coverage details page. For questions about coverage, please contact Cowan Insurance Group.

Please note that the University of Ottawa only handles the UHIP insurance (provided by the Cowan Insurance Group).

UHIP does not cover medication, dental, vision, and some specialist services.  For information on the additional health and dental insurance please contact the University of Ottawa Student Union (if you are an undergraduate students) or the GSAED (if you are a graduate student).

2024-2025 academic year

The UHIP opt-out options are not available for studies outside Canada this year.

Please note that the University of Ottawa only handles the UHIP insurance (provided by the Cowan Insurance Group), the mandatory health insurance for international students and their dependants.

Please contact the University of Ottawa Student Union (if you are an undergraduate students) or the GSAED (if you are a graduate student) for information on opting out of the additional health and dental insurance.

See Coverage for your family: Dependants.

If you have received your UHIP card, find a clinic or doctor through the UHIP website. By accessing the Cowan Insurance Group Preferred Provider Network, you’ll find a health care provider close to you that recognizes the UHIP plan as valid health insurance coverage. 

If you haven’t received your UHIP card, you can see a health care provider without it and pay for the consultation. Once you receive your card, you can submit a claim to Cowan for a refund.

It’s normal to have additional fees not covered by UHIP when you receive medical care and submit your claim form for reimbursement. Cowan refunds at 125% of the OHIP Schedule of Benefits and fees. If a doctor charges more than UHIP refunds, you must pay the difference.

Email the University of Ottawa and email Cowan within 48 hours.

See the Provincial or territorial health insurance plans section on our website. 

Provincial and territorial governments (for example, the Government of Ontario) cover the vaccine cost. Therefore, it’s not reimbursed by UHIP. 

Email the University of Ottawa about:

• Eligibility
• Enrolling your dependants
• Changing your coverage
• UHIP premiums
• Premium refunds
• Updating your name, date of birth, email, or address
• Confirmation of UHIP coverage letter

Contact Cowan at [email protected] or by calling 1-833-377-UHIP (8447). Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Ottawa time) about:

• What is covered under UHIP
• How to submit a claim
• Your UHIP claims
• Registration, access to your file, and printing of your coverage card.  

For information on the additional health and dental insurance, please contact the University of Ottawa Student Union if you are an undergraduate students or the GSAED if you are a graduate student.

To learn more about the impact of a break on your UHIP or immigration status, please email the University of Ottawa.

You can also check our immigration page.