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Healthcare in Canada for international students

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Aug 27,2024 05:12 PM IST

  • While studying in Canada, international students can choose from three types of health insurance plans from universities, the Canadian government, and private health insurance providers.
  • Having health insurance saves a lot of money for international students, which could otherwise affect their finances.
  • Out-of-province medical coverage covers international students' medical expenses while travelling to other provinces. 

Healthcare in canada for international students.webp


While studying in Canada, international students have to figure out several things, one of which is healthcare services. Due to academic pressure and cultural adjustment, it's possible that they may face health issues. That is why the country’s medical care system ensures that necessary healthcare services are provided to them.
 
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada, and Universities, governments, and private providers offer different plans. Some plans offer basic medical coverage, while others cover doctor visits, medicines, treatment, and other expenses. Read this blog to learn all about healthcare in Canada for international students (including all the health insurance plans and other essential details). 

Healthcare System in Canada

Canada’s healthcare system is known as Medicare. The system comprises 13 provincial and territorial healthcare insurance plans. It’s a system that must comply with the five pillars of the Canada Health Act:

Healthcare system in Canada.webp

Types of Health Insurance Plans in Canada

Healthcare insurance plans for international students in Canada are of three types: private, university-provided, and Canadian government healthcare insurance plans. As it's mandatory for students to have some kind of insurance plan, it's best to choose the one which suits them based on their location and medical needs. Let’s know more about these plans:

Private Healthcare Insurance Plan

The first type of healthcare plan for international students in Canada is the Private Healthcare Insurance Plan. As the name suggests, it’s a plan offered by non-government firms. It provides various medical services to choose from, such as prescription drugs, dental costs, private hospital rooms, ambulance services, and prescription glasses. As they are private, they might cost a bit more than public plans while providing more services than public plans with faster access and broader coverage.  

University-Provided Healthcare Insurance Plan

The second type of healthcare plan for international students in Canada is the University-provided Healthcare Insurance Plan. Universities often provide health insurance plans to their students as they have tie-ups with healthcare insurance plan providers. Under this type, students might not get options to choose from different healthcare plans as the university will be more likely to provide a standard plan to all students. 

Canadian Government Healthcare Insurance Plans

The third and last type of healthcare plan for international students in Canada is the Canadian Government Healthcare Insurance Plan. The plan is administered by the Canadian government and provides necessary medical services. It is to be noted that this plan is only available for permanent residents and Canadian citizens because it runs on a provincial level. 

Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students

A health insurance plan for international students in Canada benefits them by providing financial protection and access to necessary healthcare services. Here are some of the benefits of health insurance for international students in Canada:

  • Medical Expenses Coverage: A health insurance plan for international students in Canada covers a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalisation, prescription medication and diagnostic tests.
  • Emergency Medical Care: Another benefit of a health insurance plan is that it covers emergency medical care. This is essential in case of sudden illness, which requires immediate attention, and ensures that students receive medical treatment on time. 
  • Mental Health Support: Some health insurance plans also provide mental health services such as therapy and counselling. These services are essential for addressing mental health concerns that international students may face because of cultural shock.
  • Access to Preventive Care: Some health insurance plans cover preventive care services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and annual check-ups. These services help international students maintain their well-being by identifying potential health issues early. 

Health Insurance Plans for International Students in Canada (Provincial)

Every province has different health insurance plans for international students in Canada. These plans are known as Provincial Health Insurance Plans. Let’s see what healthcare plans are offered in every province: 

  • Alberta: International students studying in Alberta for at least six months are eligible for provincial health insurance coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). The plan only covers basic medical expenses, not dental care or prescription drugs. If an international student is not eligible for coverage under AHCIP, they must purchase a private plan.
  • British Columbia: International students planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months will be eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Students should apply for MSP as soon as they reach BC, as it takes three months to be processed.
  • Manitoba: International students studying in Manitoba are required to be covered under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan. This plan covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and X-rays.
  • New Brunswick: International students studying in New Brunswick can get New Brunswick Medicare coverage upon fulfilling eligibility criteria. To be eligible for this coverage, students must be enrolled in full-time studies at a New Brunswick educational institution for at least one full academic year. The New Brunswick Medicare coverage provides basic medical coverage.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: International students who are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months are eligible for a Medical Care Plan (MCP). Under this plan, they can receive free basic health coverage. Students who do not qualify for the plan must purchase private health insurance.
  • Northwest Territories: International students studying a program for more than 12 months can get health insurance through Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC). The plan provides only basic medical coverage, so students are advised to explore health insurance plans from private providers.
  • Nova Scotia: To get a health insurance plan in Nova Scotia, international students must have lived there for at least 12 months. However, many schools only provide coverage for the first year. This plan costs approximately $650 for 12 months of coverage.
  • Ontario: In Ontario, international students are not eligible for the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, they can opt for a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) offered by public universities. These plans are not free and are added to students’ tuition fees.
  • Prince Edward Island: International students studying in PEI are eligible for public health insurance if they have lived in the province for at least six months. However, students can only apply for a PEI health card after living in the province for at least three months.
  • Quebec: Quebec provides free basic health insurance through Quebec’s Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) to the residents of the ten countries. International students from any other country will be automatically provided health insurance plans from their educational institution.
  • Saskatchewan: International students studying in Saskatchewan for at least six months may get a Saskatchewan Health Card. This card provides free basic health coverage. Some universities in Saskatchewan automatically enrol international students in private health insurance plans.
  • Yukon: Yukon has just one designated learning institution (DLI), which automatically enrols international students to purchase a mandatory group health insurance plan. 

What is Out-of-Province Medical Insurance?

Provincial health care coverage only covers the medical expenses of international students within that specific province. For example, the Saskatchewan Health Card will only cover medical expenses within Saskatchewan. Now, if students wish to travel outside the province, they should consult with their health insurance provider to determine whether they will be covered during travel. 
 
Here, out-of-province medical insurance comes into the picture. To cover their medical expenses during travel, international students must purchase out-of-province, private health insurance. It is also known as travel medical insurance, which provides coverage for medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and medical evacuation. 

How to Apply for Health Insurance in Canada?

Here comes the most important question, which is how to apply for a health insurance plan in Canada. If students are studying in a province which offers health insurance coverage, they can apply through the following process:

  • Firstly, apply for health insurance on the province’s website.
  • After that, fill out the application form.
  • Lastly, pay the premium amount.
 
On the other hand, if the province does not offer health insurance coverage, students must apply for a private health insurance plan. For this, they can:

  • Contact a health insurance firm.
  • Choose a plan that caters to all their requirements.

Conclusion


International students who want to study in Canada must get a health insurance plan. The health insurance plans vary depending on the province in which the student is studying. To select the best health insurance in Canada, international students can compare the plans according to the medical expenses it covers. Another health insurance plan they can opt for is out-of-province medical coverage, which covers their medical expenses when travelling to other provinces. To know more about health care services for international students in Canada one can contact study abroad consultants at Canam. 

FAQ

The cost of health insurance for international students in Canada can range from CAD 600 to 900 per year.
Prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and rehabilitation services are not covered under healthcare in Canada. 
Yes, international students in Canada can apply for a health card covering basic and preventive medical services and emergency care. 
Generally, health insurance policies cover only one year. On the other hand, long-term medical insurance covers students for two to three years. 
Yes, international students can have more than one health insurance policy. 
Three types of health insurance plans for international students in Canada are provided by private healthcare providers, universities and the Canadian government. 
Out-of-province medical coverage is the health insurance plan that covers the medical expenses of international students when they travel to other provinces.
Depending on the province they’re studying in, they may have access to free healthcare services. However, if they’re studying in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Yukon, they may have to purchase private health insurance or receive coverage through their university.

If students are studying in a province that doesn’t offer healthcare coverage, it’s important to have one. In many provinces, it is mandatory. Also, this way, students can save a lot of money on treatment and medication if they fall sick in Canada.

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