In contrast to other transient visitors, the majority of provinces provide free health cards to students enrolled in Canadian Designated Learning Institutions, which enable them to access health insurance. Private insurance providers offer alternatives to pupils who are not eligible.
What is Health Insurance?
Insurance coverage that typically covers medical expenditures, doctor visits, certain prescription drugs, and occasionally dental expenses incurred by the insured is known as health insurance. Consider obtaining international student health insurance coverage for yourself if you intend to pursue a degree in Canada. It is imperative that you maintain a health insurance policy throughout the duration of your program.
Although Canada is globally recognised for its complimentary healthcare system, it does not provide health insurance coverage to all international students who are enrolled in Canadian educational institutions.
International students who intend to pursue their education in Canada should familiarise themselves with the health care options available in their intended province of study, as the health care system in the country is inconsistent across different provinces. Although only a small number of provinces provide provincial health insurance coverage for international students, the majority of other provinces mandate that students enrol in private health insurance plans.
Nevertheless, some institutions continue to require students to enrol in the school’s health insurance plan, while others make it optional. Students may even elect not to register as long as they have a health insurance plan.
Typically, the insurance plan will provide flexibility and autonomy, providing coverage for all medical requirements, emergency health needs, surgery, and other costly in-patient treatments. Many health insurance packages also include medical evacuation, rehabilitation treatment, and hospital accommodation.
Advantages of International Student Health Insurance
International student health insurance offers numerous advantages. Obtaining adequate health care coverage will prevent you from incurring exorbitant hospital expenses for an extended period. Additionally, the cost you incur is negligible in comparison to the amount you would be required to pay in the absence of health insurance coverage.
For instance, Canadian Magnetic Imagining estimates that the cost of an MRI scan may range from $900 CAD to $2,400 CAD. You will be paying significantly less if you have adequate health insurance. Pre-existing injuries, sports injuries, mental health, maternity expenses, hospitalisation, and prescriptions are frequently covered by international student health insurance.
Student premiums are generally lower than those of elderly individuals due to their youthfulness and good health. You are entitled to more affordable plans. Additionally, these premiums may be amortised over the course of your visit.
What is the cost of student health insurance in Canada?
International students who are studying in Canada are entitled to complimentary health insurance coverage in the majority of provinces. Health insurance is mandatory for students or visitors who are not covered by free healthcare plans, as mandated by Canadian post-secondary institutions. Health insurance coverage for international students in Canada is contingent upon the insurance company and varies from province to province or location to location.
The average annual premium for accessing health insurance in accordance with the Canada Insurance Plan is between $600 CAD and $900 CAD. Foreign students and visitors may contact the following insurance service providers or corporations to obtain health insurance:
- Manulife Financial
- TuGo
- Sun Life
- Ingle International
- Cowan Insurance Group
- Greenshield
- Allianz Global
Some common benefits are included in the insurance packages of these companies; however, the extent of each benefit varies from plan to plan. For example,
- Physician charges
- Private nurse
- Medical appliances
- Treatment of dental accident
- Paramedical services
- Diagnostic services
- Hospital expenses and accommodation
How to submit an application for Student Health Insurance in Canada?
The regulations and standards governing health insurance in Canada are inconsistent across provinces. Health insurance coverage is also available to foreign students in certain Canadian provinces.
Upon acceptance to a university or college located in one of these provinces, it is necessary to register for health insurance by visiting the respective province’s website, completing an application form, and purchasing the premium.
Conversely, if a province does not offer health insurance coverage for students, it may be necessary to obtain an overseas health insurance plan from a private company prior to travelling to Canada.
In this scenario, you will be required to contact an insurance company, select the plan or package that best meets your needs, complete a comprehensive application form, undergo a medical examination, and pay the premium.
Schools that offer student health insurance in Canada
# 1. McGill International Student Health Insurance
Mcgill University, a public institution situated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is well-known for its exceptional contributions to scientific research.
McGill is one of the institutions on the list of DLIs that has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. McGill University mandates that all foreign students and their dependents participate in the mandatory McGill International Health Insurance (IHI) coverage, which is organised and managed by International Student Services.
At Mcgill University, the annual IHI fee ($1128) is routinely charged to all foreign students upon registration for the fall and winter semesters.
#2. BCIT Student health insurance
Throughout the duration of their program at BCIT, all international students are required to maintain basic medical insurance coverage. Guard.me is the provider of private medical coverage that students are obligated to acquire. The school does not accept insurance from companies that are located outside of Canada.
#3. Saskatchewan university student health insurance
The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union has formed a partnership with Studentcare, a health and dental insurance provider, to provide health and dental insurance coverage to undergraduate and graduate international students. Some undergraduate students are naturally enrolled in the plan, while others must submit an application.
The tuition fees include the expense of the plan if you are automatically covered. Verify whether you are automatically covered by reviewing your tuition statements.
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