ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Canadian health care is well known for its free services; most of them are only available to Canadians and permanent residents. International students studying in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø must obtain health insurance during their stay. The health care system in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø varies from province to province, with some provinces covering international students under provincial health insurance plans, while the majority require students to purchase private health insurance. 

It is common for educational institutions to offer international students health insurance packages in provinces that require international students to obtain private health insurance. In any case, all educational institutions will be familiar with the health insurance requirements for international students.

Do International Students Need Health Insurance in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?

International students who plan to study in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø must purchase health insurance during their stay there. Some provinces provide provincial health coverage for international students, either for free or for a fee. 

There are a few provinces and territories that provide emergency medical services without a health card, but the amount of services is usually limited. 

In general, medical services are expensive, and without health insurance, students must pay the costs upfront. Although no one plans to fall sick, one should always be prepared in case of an emergency.

Health Insurance System in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Medically necessary hospital services are available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents without charge. Despite federal mandates for universal healthcare, provinces and territories operate healthcare programs, so the coverage details vary by province and territory.

Public Health Insurance

The Canadian healthcare system is mainly funded by taxes, so most services are either free or available at a fraction of the cost; it is administered at the provincial level. Accordingly, each province issues its residents a health insurance card since each operates differently. 

In most cases, residents are not required to pay for medical services as long as they have a provincial health insurance card.

Private Health Insurance

Depending on the province or territory, international students’ medical care may not be covered in other provinces and territories. For this reason, students may require private health insurance if they plan to travel. 

Private health insurance is also available for services that may not be covered under students’ province or territory health insurance plans. These services generally include dental costs, prescription drugs, private hospital rooms, prescription glasses, and ambulance services. 

IVF treatment, for example, is excluded from some provinces’ plans as well.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?

According to historical sales over the last 18 months, medical insurance costs $3,162 per person in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø per year for foreigners. Several factors determine the price of Canadian health insurance. The biggest influence is your age, followed by the benefits included, the plan design, and the deductible you choose.

Are International Students Eligible for Public Health Care?

As an international student with a valid study visa, you should be eligible for a provincial health care card which entitles you to basic and preventive medical care, as well as emergency care. 

Here’s a list of provinces in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and whether or not they offer public health insurance for international students:

Alberta

In Alberta, international students who study for at least six months qualify for provincial health insurance coverage through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Unless an international student is eligible for AHCIP coverage, they must purchase a private health insurance plan through an insurance company or agent. 

Alberta Health Care only covers basic health care expenses. Prescription drugs and dental care are not covered.

British Columbia

Applicants for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) must apply as soon as they arrive in the province if they intend to study in British Columbia for at least six months. MSP takes about 3 months to process their application. 

In the three-month waiting period before you qualify for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), iMED provides you with basic health insurance. In addition to MSP’s basic coverage, international students may purchase extended health coverage. Many schools offer extended health insurance packages to their students, and some require them to purchase them. For the duration of their stay, students without MSP coverage must purchase private health coverage.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Medicare is available to international students who meet the eligibility criteria; students must be enrolled full-time at an educational institution in New Brunswick for at least one academic year. 

The New Brunswick Medicare program only covers basic medical care, so international students should consider obtaining extended health coverage through their educational institution or a private insurance company.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Foreign Health Insurance is automatically enrolled for all international students. As long as they are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months, international students are eligible for free basic health coverage through the province’s Medical Care Plan (MCP). 

For the duration of their stay in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, international students who are not eligible for this program need to purchase private health coverage; MCP provides only basic health coverage, so students should learn about extended health insurance plans.

Northwest Territories

Students studying in Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC) for more than 12 months are eligible for health insurance. 

In the Northwest Territories, the NWTHC provides free basic health care to residents; as this coverage is only basic, international students are encouraged to explore private options for extended health care coverage.

Prince Edward Island

Students living in Prince Edward Island (PEI) for at least six months are eligible for public health insurance, but they can only apply for a PEI Health Card after three months of residence. 

To ensure that they are covered during their study period, international students must purchase health insurance through their institution or private health insurance. An international student may be able to opt out of their purchased health insurance if they are eligible for a PEI Health Card.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Health Cards are available free of charge to international students studying in the province for a minimum of six months. Private health insurance plans will be automatically enrolled by some Saskatchewan educational institutions for international students. 

It may be possible for students to opt out of such an insurance plan if they have health coverage from another source, such as the Saskatchewan Health Card or private insurance.

Is My Health Insurance Plan Valid Across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?

A provincial health insurance plan, whether provided by the government or purchased privately, may only cover healthcare-related expenses that occur within that province. Students who wish to travel outside their province of study, either within ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø or abroad, should consult their health insurance provider to determine if they will be covered. To cover medical expenses incurred while traveling, international students may purchase private health insurance if their health insurance does not cover travel.

Why is Health Insurance Important for International Students in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?

Healthcare services in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø are excellent for both residents and non-residents. 

Here are a few reasons why health insurance is important for international students in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:

• Avoiding the financial challenges of unexpected medical expenses.
• Ensuring that students have access to immediate and proper medical care wherever they travel.
• Any international student studying in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is required to have health insurance.
• Even though all provinces and territories provide emergency medical services to patients without health insurance, these services are generally limited.