Frequently asked questions

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).

2026-2027 academic year

If you will be studying outside of Canada, please email [email protected]to inquire about your eligibility for a UHIP exemption.

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 the Mandatory coverage for you and your dependants section on our UHIP webpage.

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 don't have your UHIP card, you can see a health care provider and may be asked to pay for the consultation. You may then submit a claim to Cowan to request a reimbursement.

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.

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
• Adding or removing your dependants
• UHIP premiums
• Premium refunds
• Updating your name, date of birth, email, or address

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
• Confirmation of UHIP coverage letter
• 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.