Frequently asked questions
Source: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/international-students/university-health-insurance-plan-uhip/faq Parent: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/international-students
About the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
If you need immediate medical care
Seeing a doctor or going to the hospital:
- Go to the medical clinic located on campus: bring your student card and your Statement of Account (UHIP must appear there) or your UHIP card.
- If you haven't received your UHIP coverage card yet, please note that only students who have paid their UHIP fees in full receive a UHIP card. It is emailed as a PDF from Cowan Insurance Group to your uOttawa email account. It takes 10 business days after the University receives your full UHIP payment to receive your UHIP card.
Other services:
If you need information
Do you have general questions about UHIP or additional health and dental insurance? See the following videos:
close international Insurance Plans
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University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) FAQ
What does UHIP cover?
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).
I’m not in Canada. Can I be reimbursed for my UHIP fees?
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.
How do I add my spouse and children to my UHIP account?
See Coverage for your family: Dependants.
I need to see a doctor. What do I do?
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.
Why did I receive a bill when I presented my UHIP card?
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.
I’ve been admitted to a hospital. What do I do?
Email the University of Ottawa and email Cowan within 48 hours.
I have OHIP, RAMQ or another provincial or territorial health card. How can I have my UHIP fees removed?
See the Provincial or territorial health insurance plans section on our website.
Does UHIP cover the COVID-19 vaccine in Canada?
Provincial and territorial governments (for example, the Government of Ontario) cover the vaccine cost. Therefore, it’s not reimbursed by UHIP.
Who do I contact when I have questions about 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.
What do I do when I have questions regarding additional health and dental insurance?
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.
If I take a break from my studies, how will it affect my UHIP or immigration status?
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.
Learn more
Contact us
InfoService
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Hours of operation
September 1 to May 31:\ Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
June 1 to August 31:\ Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please note that the University of Ottawa offices are closed during statutory holidays and during the winter break. Visit the Important academic dates and deadlines page for more information.