Wellness is the Cornerstone to Student Success
We firmly believe that your wellness is a top priority. We understand that your academic success goes hand in hand with your overall well-being. That's why we have dedicated International Student Health resources and support systems in place to ensure you have access to the tools and information you need to thrive both on and off campus.
Health Insurance Coverage
Before exploring the resources available to all UofT Students, you must first determine your type of health insurance and how to access coverage.
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Registered international students (including exchange students) are automatically enrolled in UHIP for a 12-month period, starting September 1st and expiring August 31st (adjusted for exchange students). The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is mandatory health care coverage for registered international and exchange students while they study in Canada.
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If you are a registered as a Domestic Student at UofT, you will not be automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan. Even if you have never lived in Canada, only registered International Students are automatically enrolled in UHIP. To access Health Insurance, you will need to apply for the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
To learn about OHIP coverage, eligibility, and requirements, please visit the Ontario Health Insurance website. Please note, that the government of Ontario has made changes to the requirements for OHIP eligibility:
There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP
You can apply for coverage as soon as you enter Ontario
You do not need to wait to be physically present for 153 days before applying
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You may also have additional coverage provided by the University of Toronto Student Union. This supplemental insurance provides coverage for healthcare beyond what is already covered by OHIP/UHIP
Use the Links below to To learn more about Each insurance plan
including important dates, required documents, and coverage details
HealthCare Providers
Once you have a grasp on your health insurance coverage, the next step is to learn about the different Healthcare providers and how to access their services.
Before outlining the On-Campus, Off-Campus, and Virtual Health Providers, it is important to know
In the case of an emergency
📞Call 911
For immediate concerns related to your own or someone else’s personal health or safety, call 911 to speak with a dispatch agent.
Remain calm and provide answers to the dispatcher’s questions.
If needed Emergency Responders will be sent to your location.
For all other Non-Emergency Health Concerns, you can access a variety of On-Campus, Off-Campus, and Virtual Healthcare providers
On-Campus
UofT Health and Wellness provides a range of services for your physical and mental health on campus, including immunization, sexual and reproductive health consultations, mental health support, nutrition, as well as pharmacy services.
Visit the Health and Wellness webpage to learn about the services offered, how to book an appointment, and New Patient registration.
Off-Campus
Toronto has an excellent network of Healthcare providers. If you are looking for an off-campus resource, be sure to look into one of the UHIP preferred providers. Additionally, you can utilize the iamsick.ca web portal to narrow down and filter your search. For immediate non-emergency support, visit one of the nearby emergency rooms.
Virtual Care
While you can find Mental Health providers both on and off campus, you also have access to virtual mental health resources that provide convenient and flexible support.
You can use the UofT Navi wayfinder to identify the appropriate virtual support. One popular resource is My.SSP which provides students with 24-hour support for school, health, or general life concerns. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are.
Anytime you are accessing a Healthcare Service, be sure to bring with you a form of Identification along with proof of your health insurance coverage, such as your UHIP card of Health Card (OHIP)
If you are experiencing trouble accessing Health Insurance or a Healthcare provider, please contact vic.dean@utoronto.ca and a member of our student life staff will connect with you to address your concerns.
Click through each item on the checklist for an explanation, important details, and links to resources
Travelling to Campus
Learn how to navigate Toronto’s Lester B Pearson Airport (YYZ) and how to travel to Vic’s downtown Campus
Phone Plan
Learn about the widely used Cell Phone carriers and pick the provider that works best for you
Housing
Learn more about Vic Residence Life, International student move-in, & UofT housing resources for off-campus students
Attend ISO
Join us on-campus from Aug 22-25 for Vic’s International Student Orientation. Learn about supports, connect with peers, and explore campus and the city
Health Care
Your wellness is a top priority. Learn about the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and how to access wellness resources
Transportation
Learn about the types of public transportation and how to access each form
Personal Identification
Learn how to set-up the most common forms of Identification, such as your T-Card, SIN, or Ontario Photo card
Safety
While Toronto is ranked as one of the World’s safest cities, knowing how to stay safe and use available safety resources is important
Bank Account
Setting up a Bank account should be a priority for international students. Learn about banking options & common requirements
Neighbourhood Necessities
The Vic Campus has a prime location downtown. It is only a short walk to the closest grocery store, pharmacy, cafe, and more