Further Information

Who does what?

Student Financial Services administers UHIP for students which means we ensure that you have been appropriately charged each term on your Quest account, enrolled in the plan or terminated as necessary.  Student Financial Services does not process UHIP claims or reimburse students for medical expenses they may have incurred.  Please contact Cowan Insurance directly for any claims related matters at 1-888-509-7797.

Where to get medical attention?

·In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ER) for immediate medical attention.

·Students requiring medical attention that is not an emergency should contact Campus Wellness or the Preferred Provider Network that accepts UHIP. Please note that some health care providers in Ontario do not accept UHIP.

What is the effective date of coverage?

Coverage begins the date you arrive in Canada, but no earlier than the 10th day of the month before your studies begin.

When do I get my UHIP card?

You will be automatically enrolled into the UHIP coverage after you have the registered status "Fees Arranged" if you are on an active term, or once you have paid the UHIP charge on your account during a work term, inactive term or "off" term.  Student Financial Services will process the first UHIP enrolment list of students one day after the term due date.  Once enrolment is complete, Cowan Insurance will email your UHIP coverage card to you at your uWaterloo email address.  This typically occurs around the official start of term (September 1, January 1, May 1).

If you were fees arranged or paid your UHIP charge after the term due date, you will be included on a subsequent enrolment list and will receive your UHIP coverage card later in the term.

What if I need proof of health insurance for border officials?

If you are travelling to Canada prior to the start of term, you will not have your UHIP card in your possession, however, you can email yourself your term fees fee statement and download a copy of the UHIP Booklet.

Change of Status & UHIP

If you are no longer charged international tuition rates because of a change in residency status, this may impact your UHIP eligibility and continued coverage.  Examples include students whose status changes to refugees/protected persons or new permanent residents.  Student Financial Services will contact you after your student record has been updated by the Registrar’s Office or the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

COVID-19

For timely and credible information, please check:

The University’s COVID-19 website

On-campus COVID-Testing

Off-campus COVID-19 Testing

How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment

If you have additional COVID-19 questions or concerns as it relates to UHIP, please contact Cowan Insurance directly at 1-888-509-7797.

Out-of-Canada Coverage

UHIP provides minimal out-of-country for emergency medical expenses.  Please contact Cowan Insurance at clients@cowangroup.ca for information on out-of-Canada coverage and the claims process.

Canadian & Permanent Residents

To self-enrol into the UHIP plan, you must first apply for OHIP and obtain a letter with the effective date of your coverage or the denial letter explaining why you were not eligible for OHIP as a Canadian.