Health and travel insurance provides international students and their families with peace of mind. Before purchasing any policy, it鈥檚 important to understand what it includes. This is not always clear, which is why this blog will explore the options available to students across each Canadian province and territory. Before we dive in, let鈥檚 explore the differences between travel and health insurance.
Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance
As an international student in Canada, purchasing is mandatory. On the other hand, travel insurance is optional, but can help if your luggage is lost or your flight is delayed. Check with your airline to see what travel insurance options they provide and select one that fits your needs. Some credit cards offer travel insurance, so check your card benefits too!
Health insurance coverage varies across Canada, so it鈥檚 important to note the differences, which we鈥檝e outlined below.
Health Insurance Options by Province and Territory
Alberta
If you have a 12-month study permit for an academic institution in Alberta and plan to live there for 12 months or more, you鈥檙e eligible and encouraged to apply for the .
Students with a study permit that is valid for more than three months but under 12 months may be eligible for AHCIP if they write a letter confirming their intention of living in Alberta for at least 12 months. You must include this letter with your AHCIP application.
British Columbia
International students who reside in British Columbia (BC) for at least six months are eligible for BC鈥檚 . You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. MSP takes around three months to process applications, but supplies international students with basic health insurance during this interim period.聽
Those who aren鈥檛 eligible for must purchase private health care coverage after iMED expires. If you aren’t eligible, many academic institutions offer extended health insurance options.聽
Manitoba
International students studying in Manitoba on a valid study permit must purchase private health insurance through their educational institution or a private insurance company. However, if an international student or their spouse holds a Canadian work permit, such as a co-op or work permit or post-graduation work permit, they may be eligible for provincial health care in Manitoba.
New Brunswick
To receive , international students must have a study permit valid for at least 12 months and proof of full-time registration at a university or college. However, New Brunswick Medicare provides basic medical coverage, so obtaining extended health coverage with a private provider or your academic institution is advised.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Once registered, all international students are automatically admitted to the . International students enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months may access free basic health coverage through Newfoundland鈥檚 . If you鈥檙e not eligible for the MCP, you must purchase private health coverage. As MCP provides only basic coverage, all international students are urged to consider extended health insurance plans.
Northwest Territories
International students planning to study in the Northwest Territories for over 12 months may apply for health insurance through . NWTHC offers limited free health care, so international students are encouraged to assess private providers’ extended health coverage.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia (NS), you must purchase health coverage, as international students aren鈥檛 immediately eligible for the provincial health care program. Your institution may offer health care plans, and even require that you opt in. Public health insurance becomes available to international students after living in Nova Scotia for 12 months.聽
After the first year, you might be eligible to apply for a , which supplies free basic coverage through . Once you’re eligible for an NS Health Card, your academic institution may allow you to opt out of their plan.
Nunavut
Nunavut isn鈥檛 home to any and聽international students cannot study here.
If you鈥檙e exploring multiple study abroad destinations, learn how international students can get health and travel insurance in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Ontario
International students aren鈥檛 eligible for the . As a result, every academic institution in Ontario provides health insurance for students to purchase. Public universities usually provide health insurance through the . Colleges and private institutions in Ontario offer plans from various providers.聽
Please note that health insurance plans offered to international students through academic institutions aren鈥檛 free, and are often added to tuition fees.
Prince Edward Island
If you鈥檙e planning to study in Prince Edward Island (PEI) for at least six months, you鈥檙e eligible for PEI鈥檚 public health insurance. But you can only apply for a if you鈥檙e an international student legally able to work off-campus. Upon arrival, international students must buy health coverage from a private insurance provider or their academic institution. When you become eligible for a PEI Health Card, some insurance providers will let you opt out of their plan.
Quebec
Quebec has a reciprocal agreement that allows citizens from to access free basic health insurance through Quebec鈥檚 . If you鈥檙e not from one of these 10 countries, don鈥檛 worry! Most educational institutions in Quebec automatically enroll international students in their group health insurance plan, and add the cost to tuition.
If you鈥檙e not eligible under your institution鈥檚 group plan or RAMQ, you may purchase private health insurance.
Saskatchewan
International students who can prove full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in Saskatchewan may be able to register for a , which provides free basic health coverage.聽
Some of Saskatchewan’s academic institutions will enroll international students in private health insurance plans, and pass the cost on through tuition fees. You may opt out of a private health insurance plan if you can prove you鈥檝e obtained health coverage elsewhere, whether through the or private insurance.聽
Yukon
International students must purchase a group health insurance plan to cover health expenses during their studies.
Now that you know more about Canadian health and travel insurance, check out study abroad programs in Canada on the 天美麻豆 Platform.
