Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Canada? Yes, it is required to ensure that students have access to medical care and can avoid high medical costs.
Canada is known for its free health care, but the free health care is only for Canadian people and people who live in Canada forever. If you are an International student coming to study in Canada then you need to get Health Insurance for your whole study program.
Different Health Care in Different Provinces
Canada’s health care system is different in each province. If you are coming to study in Canada from another country, you need to learn about the health care system in the province where you will be studying. Some provinces give health insurance to international students, but others do not. Each province also covers different medical expenses and has different rules about existing health problems. Most provinces make international students get private health insurance.
Health Insurance from Schools
In provinces where international students need health insurance, many schools offer health insurance packages. Sometimes, schools make students use their health insurance packages, but other times, students can choose their own insurance if they show proof that they have it.
No matter what, all schools know what international students need for health insurance. They can help you understand if you are covered by the provincial health plan.
Health Insurance from Universities
If you go to a university or college in Canada, it might have its own health insurance plan that you can join. You may have to join the plan if it’s required, or you may be able to choose whether or not to join. The insurance usually pays for visits to the doctor, being in the hospital, tests to find out what is wrong with you, ambulance trips and care you need quickly because of a sudden illness or accident. Some plans pay for visits to the dentist and eye doctor too.
Contact your school or visit their website to see if they sponsor an insurance plan especially for international students like you.
You Might Also Like: How Smoking Affects Your Life Insurance Rates In Canada?
If you are a student in Manitoba, health insurance is necessary and provided by the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP). Doctor visits, X-rays, and hospital expenses are paid for under this plan.
If you are going to study in Ontario, you must get health insurance through the University Health Insurance Program (UHIP). UHIP will help pay for visits to the doctor and the hospital while you are in Canada.
Free Health Care for International Students
You might get free health care, or health care at a lower price depending on where you study in Canada. But in places like Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec (with some exceptions), and the Yukon,, you will probably need to buy private health insurance or get coverage through your school.
Cost of Medical Care in Canada
Without health insurance, medical care in Canada can be very expensive. Here are some examples:
- A doctor’s appointment can cost $120 or more.
- An emergency room visit can cost $1,000 or more.
- A hospital stay can cost $3,700 or more.
On the other hand, health insurance for international students usually costs between $600 and $900 per year.
Other Things to Think About for Health Coverage
Whether you get coverage from your province, your school, or a private insurance company, there are some other things to keep in mind:
Travel health insurance
You can buy travel insurance for international students in Canada before you leave home for your trip overseas. If you are travelling within provinces and have a valid health card, you generally will be covered. However, make sure to obtain healthcare coverage for any out-of-country trip as it is costly if you require medical help and don′t have insurance.
You Might Also Like: Does Home Insurance Cover Wildfire Damage In Canada?
Medical and immunization records
Visit your doctor or travel clinic in your home country and make sure you have:
- Medical history
- Prescription for medicines you are on.
- Immunization records This is something you should already have anyways, but I thought I’d mention it just in case. You will need these for some co-op programs, and possibly for some school immunizations.
Non-urgent Health Support
Are you looking for non-urgent health support that may not require a visit to the doctor? Dial 811 from any province and speak with a registered nurse in Canada who can provide you with toll-free health advice, or next steps and what you can do.
Study And Health Insurance
Studying in Canada can be a great experience and we have health insurance to help protect you while you’re here if anything does happen. It is important that you understand the health care system in the province where you will study and speak to your school regarding what health insurance is available to you. With health insurance, when something does happen, you’ll be able to concentrate on getting better rather than how much it’s going to cost.