Health Insurance for International Students in Canada

A comprehensive guide to health insurance for international students, types of coverage and provincial variations. 

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement in Canada, and for good reason. The Canadian healthcare system, often hailed as one of the best in the world, relies on a combination of public funding and private insurance to provide comprehensive care for its citizens. This hybrid model ensures that all Canadians have access to necessary medical services without facing financial hardship.

The requirement for health insurance in Canada serves several essential purposes. Firstly, it helps to ensure that the healthcare system remains sustainable. By spreading the financial burden of healthcare across the entire population, insurance premiums help to fund the high-quality care that Canadians have come to expect. Without this funding, the system would struggle to meet the growing demand for medical services, resulting in longer wait times and diminished quality of care.

Furthermore, having health insurance is essential for safeguarding individuals and families against the potentially exorbitant costs of medical treatment.

• While the public healthcare system covers many essential services, such as doctor’s visits and hospital services, it does not cover all medical expenses.
• Prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and certain treatments and procedures are among the services that may require a private plan. Without this coverage, individuals could find themselves facing significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of illness or injury.

Additionally, health insurance is crucial for protecting individuals from the financial repercussions of unforeseen health events. Serious illnesses or injuries can result in substantial medical bills and loss of income, which can be financially devastating for those without insurance. Having coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that one’s health and financial well-being are protected.

Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students in Canada

Health insurance is a vital aspect of living in a new country, especially for international students. In Canada, having the right health insurance is crucial to ensure that students have the support they need to stay healthy and focused on their studies. There are several benefits of having health insurance for international students in Canada.

Quality healthcare

One of the major benefits of health insurance for international students in Canada is access to quality healthcare. With the right insurance plan, students can visit doctors, specialists, and hospitals without worrying about the high costs of medical treatment. This ensures that students can seek medical attention whenever they need it, without any financial barriers.

 Peace of Mind

Moving to a new country can bring a lot of stress, and having health insurance can alleviate some of the worries about potential medical emergencies. International students can rest assured knowing that they are covered in case of illness or injury, allowing them to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in Canada without unnecessary concerns.

 Not just emergencies

Health insurance for international students in Canada often includes coverage for prescription medications, dental care, and vision care. This means that students can maintain their overall health and well-being, not just in emergencies but also in their day-to-day lives. This comprehensive coverage can help students stay healthy and thriving during their time in Canada.

Health insurance also provides international students with access to preventive care and wellness programs. Many insurance plans offer coverage for vaccinations, regular check-ups, and health screenings, which can help students maintain good health and catch any potential health issues early. This proactive approach to healthcare can contribute to a student’s overall well-being and academic success.

  Mandatory requirement

Lastly, having health insurance in Canada is often a requirement for international students. Many Canadian universities and colleges mandate that students have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. Having the right insurance plan not only ensures that students are compliant with the regulations of their educational institutions but also protects them in the event of any unexpected medical expenses.

Types of Health Insurance Plans in Canada

Canada offers a variety of health insurance plans to ensure its citizens have access to the healthcare they need.

 Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance is a system in which the government provides coverage for medical expenses to eligible individuals and families. It is designed to ensure that all citizens have access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay.

 Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is a type of health coverage that is provided by a private insurer, rather than a government-funded program. This type of insurance can be purchased by individuals or offered as a benefit through an employer. Such plans cover services including ambulance, prescription medication and hospital stays.

There are many reasons why individuals may choose to purchase private health insurance. One of the primary reasons is to have more control over their healthcare options. With private insurance, individuals can choose their own doctors and hospitals and have more flexibility in the types of treatments and services they can receive.

Private health insurance also often provides more comprehensive coverage than government-funded programs. This can include coverage for services such as vision and dental care, alternative therapies, and experimental treatments. In addition, private insurance may offer more options for prescription drug coverage, allowing individuals to access a wider range of medications.

Much like in most advanced countries, the insurance premium is correlated to your age and health. Existing medical conditions are taken into account and other habits including smoking and drinking are also included while calculating the estimated yearly cost.

 Travel coverage

International students opt for travel insurance before making the trip to Canada. This is a recommended practice as it protects the individual from vagaries such as flight disruptions, loss of luggage or flight cancellations.

Where will I find my insurance?

The OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance (OLHI) is the place to go to find different types of medical insurance.

Health Coverage for Students by province

Health coverage for students varies by province in Canada. Foreign students cannot qualify for free universal health care across all territories. In some provinces, students are covered under their parents’ health insurance until a certain age, while in others, they are required to obtain their own coverage. Each of these territorial health insurance plans have their own eligibility criteria:

 Alberta

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Eligibility: Under their provincial plan, foreign students need to spend a minimum of six months to be eligible for provincial health insurance coverage through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
• Coverage: Basic health expenses barring dental care or prescription medication.
• Official website for AHCIP coverage.

  British Colombia

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Six months: Much like in Alberta, the foreign student is eligible for insurance if the person plans to study in British Columbia for at least six months. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) needs to be applied soon after arriving in British Columbia.
• Process: It may take around three months for MSP to process the applications.
• iMED offers basic health insurance during the three-month waiting period before qualifying for the BC Medical Services Plan.

  Manitoba

• Public Health Insurance Available: No
• The Manitoba International Student Health Plan covers emergency medical services like hospital stays, doctor visits and X-ray tests.
• Official link for the Manitoba International Student Health Plan.

 New Brunswick

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in full-time studies at a New Brunswick educational institution period for at least one full academic year are eligible for basic medical coverage.
• Official link for New Brunswick Medicare coverage.

 Newfoundland and Labrador

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Auto-enrollment: All foreign students who spend twelve months at school are eligible for the Foreign Health Insurance plan which covers basic health through the Medical Care Plan
• Official link for how to apply for MCP in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 Northwest Territories

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Eligibility: Foreign students who spend at least 12 months in the program can apply for health insurance through Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC).
• Official link to apply for Northwest Territories Health Care.

 Nova Scotia

• Public Health Insurance Available: No
• Eligibility: Unlike some provinces where students are automatically enrolled in the insurance scheme, international students in Nova Scotia must purchase health coverage. Often, students may need to “opt-in” to enjoy some of the healthcare plans.
• The cost of this plan is approximately $650 for 12 months of coverage.
• After 12 months, the Nova Scotia Health Card grants access to free basic health coverage through Medical Services Insurance (MSI).
• Official link to apply for MSI in Nova Scotia.

  Nunavut

• Public Health Insurance Available: Not Applicable
• Since this territory does not host any designated learning institutions (DLIs), international student health insurance does not apply.

  Ontario

• Public Health Insurance Available: No
• Since students are not eligible for the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), public universities offer health insurance. This is done through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). The cost for this is usually subsumed in the student’s university fees.

Prince Edward Island

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Eligibility: All foreign students are eligible for public health insurance after completing six months in the territory. However, one can apply for the health card only after staying in the province for at least three months.
• Official link to apply for a PEI Health Card in Prince Edward Island.

Quebec

• Public Health Insurance Available: Sometimes
• Default coverage: Quebec’s Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) offers free basic health insurance to those who hail from ten countries with which Quebec has reciprocity agreements.
• Countries without reciprocal agreements: For such cases, students will automatically be eligible and enrolled to buy the group health insurance plan offered by the educational institution.
• Official link for applying for health insurance through RAMQ.

 Saskatchewan

• Public Health Insurance Available: Yes
• Eligibility: A few educational institutes can automatically enrol foreign students to buy private health insurance plans. However, those who study for at least six months are eligible to register for free basic health coverage by obtaining a Saskatchewan Health Card. Some Saskatchewan educational institutions will automatically enrol international students to purchase private health insurance plans.
• Official link for applying for a Saskatchewan Health Card.

Yukon

• Public Health Insurance Available: No
• Eligibility: Since Yukon has only one designated learning institution (DLI), it automatically enrols all international students to purchase a mandatory group health insurance plan.

Whereas universal healthcare may be a federal requirement, each Canadian province has its own healthcare programs which international students need to be aware of.

How much does healthcare cost in Canada for International Students?

On average, international students can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,000 CAD annually for comprehensive health insurance coverage.

In addition to private health insurance, international students may also need to budget for out-of-pocket expenses when accessing medical services. While doctor’s visits and hospital stays are covered by provincial and territorial health plans, international students may still need to pay for prescription medications, medical supplies, and dental or vision care.

Overall, while the cost of healthcare in Canada for international students may require some financial planning, the access to high-quality medical services and the comprehensive health coverage offered by provincial and territorial governments makes studying in Canada a safe and secure choice for international students.

Recommended health insurance plans

Health insurance is a critical aspect of maintaining your overall health and well-being. With the rising costs of healthcare, having a comprehensive and affordable health insurance plan is essential for individuals and families.

When looking for health insurance, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re selecting the right plan for your needs.

 Regular checkups: First and foremost, it’s important to choose a plan that covers the services and treatments you require. This includes regular check-ups, specialist visits, prescription medications, and emergency care.

  Cost: Another important factor to consider is the cost of the plan. Many health insurance plans come with monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, so it’s essential to choose a plan that fits within your budget.

 Doctor network: Additionally, it’s also important to consider the network of doctors and healthcare providers that are included in the plan. You’ll want to ensure that your preferred healthcare providers are in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.

For individuals and families looking for recommended health insurance plans, there are several options to consider. One popular choice is a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) paired with a health savings account (HSA). This type of plan typically has lower monthly premiums and allows individuals to save money tax-free for medical expenses. However, it’s important to be aware of the higher deductible and potential out-of-pocket costs associated with this type of plan.

Another option to consider is a preferred provider organization (PPO) or a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. These types of plans typically offer a wide network of insurance providers and comprehensive coverage for a range of healthcare services. While they may have higher monthly premiums, they often come with lower out-of-pocket costs and a more straightforward billing process.

Ultimately, the recommended health insurance plan will depend on your individual needs, budget, and preferences.

Optional Add-on Insurance Packs

Optional add-on insurance packs are additional coverage options that can be added to a basic insurance policy for an extra cost. These packs typically provide coverage for specific risks that are not included in the standard policy.