Does Your Student Health Plan Cover PrEP?
Starting college or university comes with a lot to manage and keep track of. Between tuition, classes, textbooks, finding your favourite study spot on campus and meeting new people, it’s easy to forget about your health and the student benefits available to you.
Starting school can also be the beginning of a new chapter. You may be exploring new relationships, learning more about yourself, or simply becoming more independent when it comes to your healthcare. Sexual health is an important part of that journey.
Many Ontario colleges and universities include a supplementary health and dental plan in their student fees. If you’re enrolled, you may already have access to coverage for prescription medications, dental care, glasses, therapy and even PrEP.
“Students need gender inclusive and safe spaces, peer support resources, confidentiality at every stage, and a clear explanation of what the appointment process looks like.”
Understanding what your student benefits cover can help you make the most of the healthcare available to you and remove some of the barriers to getting the care you need.
Navigating the Experience Comfortably
At The PrEP Clinic, the process may include booking an appointment, having a consultation or examination, completing testing, receiving your results and arranging follow up care if needed. Knowing what to expect can make taking that first step easier.
Feeling safe and respected
You should feel welcome and respected, regardless of your gender, sexuality or background.
Privacy and confidentiality
Your questions, appointments and health information should be kept confidential.
Inclusive language
Your preferred name and pronouns should be respected, and it should be clear that people of all genders are welcome.
Understanding OHIP, OHIP+, UHIP, and student health plans
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers essential medical services for eligible Ontario residents with a health card, including medical visits, hospital care and certain laboratory tests. It does not generally cover expenses such as prescription medications, routine dental care, glasses or therapy. Your supplemental school health plan works alongside OHIP and may help cover these additional costs. This plan is often included in your student fees.
If you are 24 or younger, have OHIP, and do not have private prescription drug insurance, you may qualify for OHIP+. This coverage would cover expenses such as prescription medications. However, a student health plan with drug coverage may be considered private insurance, which could affect your eligibility. Learn more on the Government of Ontario’s OHIP+ website.
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a health plan specifically for international students at an Ontario university that covers many of the medical services covered by OHIP. International students may also have access to a supplemental student health plan alongside UHIP.
Could my student health plan cover PrEP?
Yes, some Ontario student health plans may cover some or all of the cost of PrEP.
PrEP is medication that helps prevent HIV. It is available in different forms, including oral and long-acting injectable options.
In other cases, your student plan and other available coverage may work together to cover the full cost. This could mean paying $0 out of pocket.
Your coverage may depend on:
- Your college or university
- Your insurance provider
- The type of PrEP prescribed
- Your plan’s drug coverage percentage
- Deductibles and annual limits
- Whether additional financial support is available
The PrEP Clinic can check your student health plan and help you understand what you may need to pay before you get started.
Not sure
What your plan covers?
The PrEP Clinic can check your student health plan and help you understand what you may need to pay before you get started.
FAQs
What other benefits do I have?
Student health plans are generally managed by one of your school’s student unions. Aside from prescription coverage, you may also be eligible for dental visits, glasses, therapy, and more.
The coverage may depend on your school enrollment status as full-time, part-time, undergraduate, or graduate students. The coverage is annual and runs for one academic year (September 1 to August 31).
Always check with your college or university to confirm which plans you have and what each one covers.
What if I am an international student?
International students may have different health coverage.
International students attending participating Ontario universities are generally enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP provides coverage similar to OHIP for eligible medical services.
However, UHIP and student health plans are not the same. Prescription drugs, dental care and vision care may be covered through a separate supplementary student health plan.
Always check with your college or university to confirm which plans you have and what each one covers. You can also learn more through the official UHIP website.
What if I already have insurance?
You may already have health insurance through a parent, partner or employer.
Some Ontario schools allow students to opt out of their student health plan if they have comparable coverage. You will usually need to submit proof of insurance before the school’s opt-out deadline.
Before opting out, compare both plans carefully. Your student plan may include benefits that your other insurance does not.
You may also be able to coordinate two insurance plans. One plan pays first, and the second may cover some or all of the remaining eligible amount.
