International Student Services

All international students studying in Ontario must be covered by a provincial health insurance plan. As a full-time international student you are provided with the mandatory health insurance plan, known as the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), which pays for medical services such as seeing a doctor, hospital stays and treatment, exams and emergency services.

International students must visit International Student Services (ISS) to ensure that you are enrolled in UHIP. Your UHIP card will also be available at ISS for pick up.

As an international student you must:

• Review account details on RAMSS for the UHIP premium fee.
• Visit ISS office in POD-50A to verify your UHIP enrollment status.
• Speak to an International Student Advisor about UHIP premium fee, coverage details, etc.
• Register online to access your UHIP e-card or pick up temporary proof from ISS.

The cost of this insurance, currently $684, is charged to your student account along with your tuition fees and you are covered from September 1 until August 31 of each academic year. Click here for more information about UHIP coverage or email ISS at uhip@ryerson.ca.

The Ryerson Students Union (RSU) Members' Health and Dental Plan provides complimentary health coverage for some services not covered by UHIP, to all full-time students at Ryerson. Such complimentary health services include prescription medications, chiropractors, dental services and massage therapy.

For more information on the Members' Health and Dental Plan contact the RSU Health Administrator at 416-979-5255 ext. 2311, email health@rsuonline.ca or visit the Member Service Office in SCC. You may also visit the RSU website.

International students who are not eligible for UHIP, mainly part-time or Continuing Education students, can obtain health insurance by an alternative provider. The cost and type of medical services covered by an alternative plan will vary depending on the insurance provider.

Visit the Alternative Health Information page for more information about available insurance plans.

The Ryerson Medical Centre provides registered students with health services similar to those offered by a family doctor. International students are encouraged to visit the Medical Centre for health services and referrals. The services available include general medical care, annual physicals, allergy and flu shots, blood tests and referrals to specialists.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 416-979-5070 or visit the Medical Centre's website.

Open Work Permit holders (including international students with a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit) and their spouses/dependants may be eligible for Ontario health insurance coverage provided that they have been employed full-time for an employer in Ontario for at least six (6) months, have a valid work permit during this time and they:

• maintain their primary place of residence in Ontario; and
• are physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period; and
• are physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province.

For more detailed information about OHIP eligibility and requirements, refer to the fact sheet on OHIP Eligibility and Questions and Answers on OHIP.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for OHIP coverage please contact INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 or visit your local Service Ontario Office.