Health insurance policies vary significantly across Canada’s provinces. This guide provides an overview of the provincial health insurance policies available to international students.
Overview #
International students planning to study in Canada must obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay. The availability of provincial health coverage for international students varies by province. Some provinces offer health coverage to international students, either for free or for a premium, and typically require students to apply for this coverage.
In provinces where provincial health insurance is not available, students must purchase private insurance. This can often be facilitated through their educational institution. Schools in these provinces may mandate that international students subscribe to health plans, while others may offer optional coverage plans.
| Province | Provincial Health Coverage for International Students | Basic requirements | Notes |
| Alberta | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit Minimum 12 month residence in Alberta | Holders of study permits for more than three months and less than 12 months may be eligible if they can show their intention to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months. Students under 18 must be added to a parent or guardian’s insurance. Must apply within 90 days of arrival in Alberta. |
| British Columbia | Yes | Minimum six month study permit | Coverage begins after three months. International students are advised to apply immediately upon arrival; coverage begins on the first day of the third month following. For example, if a student arrives on August 25, his or her coverage would begin on November 1. International students should seek coverage for those three months. |
| Manitoba | Yes | Minimum six month study permit Minimum six month residency per calendar year | |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Minimum 3 months residence in New Brunswick. | International students are required to provide the following: proof of enrolment in full-time studies at a New Brunswick post-secondary institution; valid study permit; and date of arrival in New Brunswick. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | Student can apply for coverage the first day of the thirteenth month following the date of arrival in Nova Scotia as a student. The student must not have been outside the province for more than 31 consecutive days. A student arriving in Nova Scotia in July cannot apply until August of the following year. For continuous coverage, a copy of each study permit must be submitted to Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) and a declaration must be signed each year. |
| Ontario | No | Most Ontario universities participate in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). International students at participating institutions must enrol in this plan, unless otherwise exempted. | |
| Prince Edward Island | No | International students are required to obtain private insurance. Institutions may offer their own coverage plans, which may be optional or mandatory. Consult the institutions for further information. | |
| Quebec | No, with exceptions | Students from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal and Sweden may be eligible due to bilateral agreements between Quebec and their country. Some student scholarships in Quebec include provision of health insurance. Unless otherwise exempt, international students are required to obtain private insurance. Institutions may offer their own coverage plans, which may be optional or mandatory. Consult the institutions for further information. | |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment | |
| Yukon | No | ||
