Health Insurance for International Students in Canada

Peace of Mind While You Study: Health Insurance in Canada

Canada is known for its universal health care system that provides all Canadians access to medically necessary services. The Canadian health care system is publicly funded and administered by each province and territory, with some federal funding and coordination.

Student health insurance is an essential aspect of student life in Canada. It provides financial support for medical and health-related expenses, ensuring that students have access to the medical care they need while studying. In Canada, each province has its own unique student health insurance plan, designed to provide coverage to eligible students studying in the province.

1. British Columbia: In British Columbia, students who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution can opt for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP provides basic medical coverage, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and hospital care. International students are also eligible for MSP coverage but are required to pay a monthly fee.
2. Alberta: The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides coverage for basic medical expenses, including physician visits and hospital care. International students residing in Alberta for 12 months or longer and holding a 12-month study permit from an Alberta educational institution are eligible for AHCIP coverage and should submit an application.
   
   If the study program is less than 12 months and the application is supported by a letter from the school attesting to their attendance and their intention to stay in Alberta for at least 12 months, students with study permits that are valid for less than 12 months may also be eligible for AHCIP coverage.
3. Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Health Plan covers all residents of the province. As an international student, you can be qualified for Saskatchewan health insurance if you’re an international student temporarily staying in Saskatchewan to continue your study. Your application must be submitted with documentation demonstrating your full-time enrollment at an approved educational institution and a current Study Permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
4. Manitoba: The Manitoba Health Insurance Plan provides coverage for basic medical expenses, including physician visits and hospital care, to all residents of the province. However, International students in Manitoba must purchase the Manitoba International Student Health Plan.
5. Ontario: The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides coverage for basic medical expenses, including physician visits and hospital care, to all residents of Ontario. Full-time students studying in Ontario are eligible for OHIP coverage. However, international students are not covered by this health plan and are required to purchase private insurance. Most universities suggest the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
6. Quebec: The Quebec Health Insurance Plan (Régie de l’assurance maladie) is the general health coverage plan for residents of Quebec. Depending on a few criteria, international students may be covered by this health plan. You must have a scholarship from the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec or be a citizen of a nation with which Canada has a social security agreement in order to be eligible for the Quebec Health Insurance Plan as an international student or trainee. If you do not fall into the above criteria, you will have to purchase private health coverage which may be arranged by your institution.
7. New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Medicare Plan provides coverage for basic medical expenses, including physician visits and hospital care, to all residents of the province. International Students studying in New Brunswick who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible for coverage under this plan.
8. Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance Plan provides coverage for basic medical expenses to residents of Nova Scotia. Yet, International students are not covered by this plan and must make other arrangements. However, international students may be eligible to apply for the Medicare coverage after completing 12 months of residency in the province.
9. Prince Edward Island: The Prince Edward Island Health Services Payment Plan is the general health coverage of Prince Edward Island. Providing that they reside in Prince Edward Island (PEI) for at least six months, international students may be eligible for public health insurance. However, one cannot obtain a PEI Health Card unless they have been a resident of the province for at least three months. International students are thus required to acquire health insurance from their school or a private health insurance company before starting their study time.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador: International students are automatically enrolled in the Foreign Health Insurance plan. They are eligible for free basic health coverage through the Medical Care Plan (MCP) if they are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months. Students who are not eligible must purchase private health coverage for the duration of their stay in Canada. MCP provides only basic health coverage, so students should familiarize themselves with the benefits of extended health insurance plans.
11. Yukon: Yukon University is the only Designated Learning Institute in the Yukon province. International students on a study permit cannot apply for the Yukon Health Insurance Plan. Students at Yukon University are required to obtain mandatory health coverage which is arranged by the university.
12. Northwest Territories: If an international student is enrolled in a program for more than a year, they are eligible to apply for health insurance via Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC). As NWTHC is a basic healthcare coverage, International students are recommended to look into additional healthcare coverage offered by commercial companies.
13. Nunavut: As there is no designated learning institution in Nunavut health coverage for international students is not applicable.