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Canada has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded and paid for through taxes. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some temporary residents, most health-care services are free.
Every province/territory offers different health insurance plans. If the province/territory you are living in does not have coverage for international students, you may be eligible for the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) or consider other private healthcare options.
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
UHIP is a health insurance plan for international students enrolled at a participating university for an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate program. It covers up to $1,000,000 CAD per year for eligible necessary health services and medical treatments such as, family doctor, hospital services in Ontario, oral/dental, emergency services outside Ontario, but in Canada and much more. Go here for more details.
The following provinces/territories offer healthcare coverage for international students:
- Reside in or intend to reside in Alberta for minimum of 12 months
- Students under 18 years of age must apply under a custodian
- Have a valid 12-month study permit
British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Have a valid study permit for 6 months or longer
- Must apply upon arrival in British Columbia
Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP)
- Must be a registered student at University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, or Brandon University
New Brunswick Medicare
- If you enroll in the New Brunswick Medicare, you can opt out of the university international student health insurance.
- Valid 12-month study permit
- Proof of residency in New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP)
- Valid 12-month study permit
- Letter of enrollment from the educational institution required
Northwest Territories (NWT)
- Valid study permit
- Proof of residency (must provide 2 documents)
- Full-time student under the age of 65
- Valid study permit
- Proof of full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution
- Valid study permit
The following provinces do not offer healthcare coverage for international students:
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec (some exceptions)
Yukon
If you are in a province that does not offer healthcare coverage for international students, you will need to look for other options such as UHIP or private insurance plans.
