When Mira first arrived in Toronto for her studies, the excitement of a new chapter quickly faded. A few weeks in, the stress of her workload, homesickness, and sleepless nights began to take a toll. She knew she needed help but wasn’t sure where to turn. Thankfully, Mira had UHIP, the University Health Insurance Plan, which allowed her to seek mental health care in Ontario. However, she soon learned that not all services were covered, making the search for support more complex than expected.
What is UHIP?
UHIP is a health insurance plan designed for international students studying at universities in Ontario. It provides essential medical coverage similar to what Ontario residents get with OHIP. However, when it comes to mental health care, UHIP’s coverage has specific limitations.
Does UHIP Cover Mental Health Services?
The short answer is yes – but with some limitations. UHIP covers psychiatric consultations because psychiatrists are medical doctors. This means that if you need medication or are dealing with severe mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or panic disorders, UHIP will cover the cost of seeing a psychiatrist.
However, psychiatrists mainly focus on diagnosing and prescribing medications rather than providing ongoing therapy. This is where things get complicated for students seeking talk therapy or counselling services.
Private counselling or therapy sessions with psychologists, psychotherapists, or social workers aren’t fully covered by UHIP. While UHIP covers up to 80% of the costs of these services, students still need to pay the remaining 20% out of pocket. The good news is that many universities and public health programs offer free or reduced-cost counselling, which might be a better option for ongoing therapy.
Where Can Students Access Mental Health Help Under UHIP?
At SanoMed Medical Clinic, international students can access mental health support without worrying about the paperwork. SanoMed offers a wide range of mental health services that directly bill UHIP, taking the stress of insurance claims off your shoulders. Here’s how SanoMed can help:
- On-site and Virtual Mental Health Services
SanoMed provides appointment-based and walk-in consultations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by school, anxious about exams, or simply need to talk, our healthcare professionals are ready to help. Because SanoMed bills UHIP directly, you only need to cover any portion not covered by UHIP, which can be as low as 20% for some services. - Psychiatric Consultations
If your situation requires medical intervention, SanoMed’s doctors can refer you to a specialist for a consultation, fully covered by UHIP. This ensures you get comprehensive care, including evaluations and necessary medications, without any additional out-of-pocket costs for the consultation. - Counselling and Therapy Options
While UHIP doesn’t cover 100% of private counselling, SanoMed can utilise other public mental health programs or university counselling services that can make your therapy essentially free. We’ll also guide you through the resources available so you can get the care you need without the financial burden.
How to Get Started
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or mentally exhausted, don’t wait – reach out to SanoMed Medical Clinic today. The clinic’s team is dedicated to helping you find the right care and handling all the UHIP billing, so you can focus on getting better. Whether you choose an in-person or virtual appointment, SanoMed’s team will guide you through your options and make sure you’re accessing the mental health support that’s covered by UHIP.
