Best Health Insurance for Students in Canada

As an international student in Canada, it is important that you have health insurance. Health care in Canada is expensive, and without health insurance, you could be facing a large bill if you need medical treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the best health insurance for students in Canada. We will highlight the benefits of having health coverage, and we will also discuss the cost of health insurance in Canada. We will also provide information on how to apply for coverage, and we will list the requirements for getting health insurance as a student in Canada.

What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment. If you are injured or fall ill, health insurance will help pay for the cost of your care. Health insurance can also help cover the cost of prescription drugs and dental care. For students, especially international students schooling in Canada, having good insurance is a must as medical costs in the country are quite high.

What’s student health insurance like in Canadian provinces?

The type of health insurance that you are eligible for as a student in Canada depends on the province or territory that you live in. In some provinces, such as Quebec and Nova Scotia, international students are not 100% eligible for public health insurance. In other provinces, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, international students can apply for public health insurance if they meet certain criteria.

#1. Alberta

Alberta Government offer health insurance coverage for International students. To be eligible, students must have at least 12 months valid study permit from IRCC, apply for coverage within 3 months of establishing residence in Alberta and have a proof that they live in Alberta. Learn more via Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

#2. British Columbia

International students enrolled in a program of at least 6 months in BC can apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). The application must be done within 30 days of arrival in the province. You need to have a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order to apply. For more information, please visit Health Insurance for International Students in British Columbia.

#3. Manitoba

International students in Manitoba are not eligible for public health insurance. However, some private health insurance companies do offer coverage to international students. For more information, please visit Manitoba Health insurance article here.

#4. New Brunswick

As an international student in New Brunswick, you can get health coverage through Medicare. You need to have a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order to apply. For more information, please visit Health insurance for international students in New Brunswick.

#5. Newfoundland & Labrador

International students studying in post-secondary schools in Newfoundland and Labrador are automatically eligible for Foreign Health Insurance Plan under the Newfoundland Medical Care Plan (MCP). The Labrador MCP provide only basic coverage and does not include prescription drugs or dental care.

#6. Quebec

As an international student in Quebec, you may or may not be eligible for public health insurance. However, many private health insurance companies do offer coverage to international students. For more information, please visit Quebec Health Insurance for International Students in Quebec.

#7. Saskatchewan

International students in Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for public health insurance if they meet certain criteria. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a program of at least 12 months. They must also prove that they will reside in the province for the duration of their stay. For more information, please visit Saskatchewan Health Insurance for International Students.

#8. Nova Scotia

International students in Nova Scotia are required to get health insurance since they are not eligible for the provincial healthcare program. Many of Nova Scotia’s educational institutions provide health care plans, and some foreign students must enroll.

Nova Scotia does not provide public health insurance to international students, but it is accessible to anybody who has lawfully resided in the province for at least 12 months. The cost of this plan is $650 per year for a period of 12 months.

In Nova Scotia, international students who have spent one year at a Canadian university or college are eligible to apply for a Nova Scotia Health Card after which they may use it to access free basic health services through Medical Services Insurance (MSI). International students who obtain a provincial health card might be able to opt out of any health care packages provided by their institution

#9. Ontario

Ontario does not provide health insurance to international students. As a result, all Ontario higher education institutions provide health insurance to international students.

At public institutions, health insurance is typically provided by the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), while colleges and other private institutions may provide alternatives from different providers. Health insurance plans supplied to international students through education institutions are not free. The fees are generally included in a student’s tuition.

#10. Prince Edward Island

All international students in Prince Edward Island are required to have health insurance. The cheapest and most reliable way to get it is through the Health PEI Student Health Insurance Plan.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary institution in PEI;
• Be aged 18 or older; and
• Not be covered by a comparable provincial or territorial health insurance plan.

#11-13. Student Insurance in the Northern Territories

Students studying in Nunavut, Yukon or the Northwest Territories are not automatically covered by any provincial or territorial health insurance plans. However, some Canadian territories have reciprocal billing agreements with nearby provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This means that residents of these provinces can receive insured hospital and physician services while temporarily in the territories.

International students should contact their provincial health plan to see if they are covered while in the North. If not, international students will need to purchase private health insurance from a local provider.

Not a student? See Canadian Health Insurance for Immigrants.

What are the benefits of having health insurance?

Whether your status in Canada is permanent or temporary, there are many benefits to having health insurance coverage. Some of the most important benefits include:

1. Reliable coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
2. Protection in case of an accident or illness – in or outside school.
3. Peace of mind knowing that you are covered if something happens.
4. Access to quality health care.

Cost of health insurance for students in Canada

How much does health insurance cost in Canada for international students? The cost of health insurance in Canada for international students varies depending on the province or territory that you live in.

In Quebec, the cheapest health insurance plan for international students costs about $42 per month. In British Columbia, the cheapest health insurance plan for international students costs about $51 per month.

There are other factors that affect the cost of health insurance in Canada, such as your age, the type of coverage you need, and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

On average, international students in Canada can expect to pay between $30 and $55 per month for health insurance. The national average tend to go up as you get older.

How to Apply for Health Insurance in Canada

To apply for health insurance in Canada, you will need to provide some information about yourself, including your date of birth and citizenship. You will also need to provide information about your school, including the name of your school and your program of study. We recommend our previous topic on how to apply for health coverage in Canada.

Best Insurance Plan for Students in Canada

Health insurance is a vital part of life in Canada. All Canadian provinces have different health care systems, so it’s important to research what type of coverage is available in the province you will be living in. International students are eligible for health insurance in Canada, and there are many benefits to having coverage.

Cheapest health insurance for students in Canada

The cost of health insurance for international students in Canada can vary depending on the province you are studying in. In some provinces, like Saskatchewan, health insurance is free for international students. In other provinces, like Nova Scotia, there is a monthly fee for health insurance. The cheapest way to get health insurance as an international student is to research the prices in your province and find a plan that fits your budget.

Canadian health care is considered some of the best in the world, and as an international student you will have access to all of the benefits offered by the provincial and territorial health care system.

Now that you’re aware of the different provincial health insurance options available to you as an international student in Canada, it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs. Make sure to do your research and ask around before making a decision. And remember, having health insurance is not only important for your safety and well-being while in Canada, but it’s also mandatory!