Health Care and Employee Benefits
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) work together to protect Ontario residents working at the University of Toronto and their dependents, against the cost of a wide range of medically necessary services and supplies.
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Information
- University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) Information
Please refer to our section on Employee Benefits for information about benefit coverage.
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
What is OHIP and what services does it cover?
Our provincial health plan is publicly funded. Following the standards of the Canada Health Act, OHIP provides for universal coverage of all “medically necessary” services. This includes unlimited visits to the doctor of your choice, surgical fees and hospital ward charges. For further details about eligibility and coverage offered by OHIP, please refer to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s website.
As a University of Toronto employee, it is compulsory that you apply for coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) during your possible wait period for OHIP.
How do I apply for OHIP?
Application for OHIP must be made in person at one of the following Service Ontario locations:
- 777 Bay Street, Toronto ON, M5G 2C8
- 3495 Lawrence Avenue E., Scarborough ON, M1H 1B3
- 1151 Dundas Street W., Unit 14, Mississauga ON, L5C 1C6
For information on the original documentation you will need to provide, please see the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s website. Apply as soon as possible upon arrival in Toronto.
When you join OHIP, you will receive an Ontario Health Card, an identification card bearing a permanent health insurance number. Every person, including children, must have their own Ontario Health Insurance Card and produce it whenever medical services are required.
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP):
What is UHIP and what services does it cover?
The University of Toronto, with other Ontario universities, has arranged an insurance plan known as the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) to provide health care protection comparable to that provided by OHIP. The cost for this coverage is paid by the participant. Your Human Resources Office can provide further details about coverage and the cost of UHIP coverage.
Who is eligible for UHIP coverage?
UHIP is provided by the University, on a compulsory basis, for all eligible participants (University of Toronto employees) and their dependents not entitled to OHIP protection; only those with an approved waiver may decline participation in the plan. Coverage under UHIP begins as of the date the participant and/or family member arrives in Canada for residency provided that they enroll within 30 days of the arrival date. Dependents who do not enroll within 30 days of arrival will be charged a late application fee. The UHIP charge will be retroactive to the date of entry.
How do I apply for UHIP?
Participants must complete their application forms in person at their Human Resources Office within days of their arrival and submit payment for the cost of this coverage. The University will verify that the employee and dependents (if applicable) are eligible and submit completed application forms to the insurance carrier.
At the time of enrolment in UHIP, a temporary proof of coverage is given to each participant. Plastic cards proving that you are covered for health care through UHIP are mailed directly to you before the temporary proof expires. Whenever medical services are required you must show your UHIP card.