International Student Services

All registered full-time international students (including incoming exchange students) studying at Ryerson with a valid study permit are required to participate in a province-wide private insurance plan, called the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This mandatory health insurance plan provides medical coverage comparable to that of OHIP for Ontario residents, for a twelve month period running from September 1 to August 31 of the academic year.

Services covered by UHIP include hospital and physician services, x-rays and annual exams. Students can visit the Summary of Coverage page to learn more about the types of services that are covered by UHIP and those that are not covered.

International students can contact International Student Services at 416-979-5000 ext. 6655, uhip@ryerson.ca or visit us in POD-61 for information and advice about UHIP coverage, as well as assistance with special issues or questions.

Eligible international students must visit International Student Services to ensure that you are enrolled in UHIP. As an international student, it is very important for you to:

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

*The temporary proof of coverage can be used to visit a doctor until your online registration is processed by Sun Life.

Health insurance coverage is mandatory for spouses and dependent children who are accompanying or visiting an international student. Couple or family coverage must be obtained (additional fee) to include your family members while they are staying in Canada. Spouses and children must be enrolled in UHIP within 30 days of their arrival in Canada or a late fee will be added to the UHIP premium fee. In order to enroll your spouse and/or children you must:

1. Visit the ISS office (POD-50A) to verify your UHIP enrollment status and enroll your spouse and/or dependent children.
2. Speak to an International Student Advisor about UHIP premium fee, coverage details, etc.
3. Review your account details on RAMSS for the couple or family UHIP premium fee and make the necessary payment at the Student Fees office.
4. Pick up the UHIP card for your spouse/children or temporary proof from ISS

In some cases students may be required to pay the health costs on their own and request reimbursement from Sun Life by completing a UHIP claim form. To request payment from Sun Life for any medical expenses covered by UHIP, an international student must:

1. Print a copy of the claim form* or pick up a copy from ISS in POD-50A.
2. Fill in the information and attach your original receipts. If you need help completing the form or have questions, please make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor. Always keep a copy of your receipts.
3. Mail your completed claim form and original receipts to:
   Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
   Claims Department
   PO Box 9845 STN T
   Ottawa, ON K1G 6V4

*You should always have a claim form with you for all doctor visits. If charged, have your doctor fill in Section 4 and Section 5 of the form.

For any inquiries related to claims you may contact Sun Life at 1-866-500-8447 or uhip@sunlife.ca.

It is very important that international students requiring hospital services use the UHIP "Preferred Provider Network" (PPN) of hospitals to ensure that they are not personally responsible for a portion of the costs for their medical treatment. A list of PPN hospitals can be found on the UHIP website.

The cost of the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), currently $684 for 12 months of coverage, is charged along with your tuition fees at the start of each academic year.

More information about the costs for the current year is available on the UHIP website.

• UHIP guide to mysunlife.ca
• UHIP Register Online
• Medical Services Covered by UHIP
• Health Insurance Brochure for International Students at Ryerson
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information Booklet from Sun Life