International Students are required to purchase health insurance for the entire duration of their program in Canada.  The health insurance policies vary from province to province so one needs to know the requirements for the province where you will be studying.  Some provinces offer free insurance coverage while others charge a premium from the students.  Where health insurance is not available from the province, the student would need to purchase private insurance.  This can also be arranged through the institute which may have a mandatory plan or an optional plan.

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Province-wise guidelines for Student Health Insurance:

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Alberta

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Alberta offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum one-year study permit to be eligible.  Students must apply within 90 days of arrival in Alberta.

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British Columbia

 

British Columbia offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum six-month study permit to be eligible.  Students must apply as soon as they reach the province as the coverage starts after three months.

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Manitoba

 

Manitoba offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum six-month study permit to be eligible.  

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New Brunswick

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New Brunswick offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum three-month study permit to be eligible.  Students are required to provide proof of enrollment in a full-time program at a New Brunswick post-secondary institution, valid study permit and date of arrival in New Brunswick.

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New Foundland and Labrador

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New Foundland and Labrador offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum twelve-month study permit to be eligible. 

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Northwest Territories

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Northwest Territories offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum twelve month study permit to be eligible. 

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Nova Scotia

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Nova Scotia offers provincial coverage for international students.  The students must have a minimum one-year study permit to be eligible.  Students can apply for the coverage on the first day of the thirteenth month from the date of arrival in Nova Scotia.  The student cannot be outside the province for more than 31 days during this period.  Each year, the student needs to submit a copy of the study permit to ensure continuous coverage.

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Ontario

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Ontario does not offer provincial coverage for international students. Most Universities in Ontario participate in the University Health Insurance Plan.  International students are encouraged to enroll in this plan unless they are exempt.

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Prince Edward Island

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Prince Edward Island does not offer provincial coverage for international students. Students are required to obtain private insurance.  Institutions may have their own coverage plans which may be optional or mandatory.

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Quebec

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Quebec does not offer provincial coverage for international students but some students from European countries may be eligible for coverage due to bilateral arrangements with Quebec.  Some student scholarships include healthcare coverage.  International students are required to obtain private insurance. Institutions may have their own coverage plans which may be optional or mandatory.

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Saskatchewan

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Saskatchewan offers provincial coverage for international students.  Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment are required.

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Yukon

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Yukon does not offer provincial coverage for international students.

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