Student Health Insurance in Canada: The Complete Guide for International Students 2026

Student Health Insurance in Canada: What You Need to Know

Health insurance for international students in Canada depends on the province. Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick cover eligible international students without a premium; British Columbia’s MSP charges an International Student Health Fee of CAD 75 per month (CAD 900 per year, since 2020); Ontario universities enrol international students in UHIP at CAD 948 per year for the policy year from 1 September 2026; and Québec’s RAMQ covers only students from 11 countries with a social security agreement. Knowing which province covers what is essential before you accept an offer and apply for your study permit. This guide breaks down every province’s rules, compares costs, and helps you choose the right coverage for your Canadian study destination.

Canada leaves health care to its 13 provinces and territories — not to the federal government. Your insurance options and costs depend entirely on where you study. A student at the University of Alberta who meets the study-permit conditions pays no premium for basic health coverage. A student at the University of Toronto pays CAD 948 per year for UHIP. This guide breaks down every province so you can compare your options before arriving. All figures are as of October 2026.

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How Canada’s Healthcare System Works

Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, known as Medicare, covers citizens and permanent residents — but “universal healthcare” does not mean “free for international students.” Here is how it works:

The Basics of Canadian Medicare

• Provincially administered: Each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories runs its own health insurance plan with its own rules, eligibility criteria, and coverage details.
• Funded by taxes: Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive medically necessary services at no direct cost, funded through provincial and federal taxes.
• What Medicare covers: Medically necessary physician services, hospital care (ward accommodation, nursing, diagnostic tests), and medically required surgery.
• What Medicare does NOT cover: Prescription drugs (outside hospitals), dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, most ambulance fees, cosmetic procedures, and private hospital rooms.

What This Means for International Students

As an international student, you are not automatically covered by provincial Medicare. Each province sets its own rules about whether — and under what conditions — international students can enrol. Some provinces include international students in their public system without a premium. Others charge a fee, make you wait, or exclude international students entirely and require a university or private plan.

This provincial patchwork is the single most important factor in choosing your health insurance in Canada.

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Province-by-Province Comparison

This is the most critical section of this guide. Your insurance costs and options depend entirely on your study province. Here is a breakdown of each province’s approach to international student health insurance as of October 2026:

Provinces With Public Coverage and No Premium

Alberta — AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan)

• Cost: No premium
• Eligibility: A 12-month study permit for an Alberta school and you will live in Alberta for 12 months or more — or a study permit of 6–12 months plus a school letter confirming your enrolment and your intent to live in Alberta for at least 12 months
• Waiting period: None — coverage runs from the date you establish residence
• Coverage: Medically necessary physician and hospital services
• How to enrol: Register for AHCIP after you arrive (see alberta.ca/ahcip-students)
• Key note: Add a supplementary plan for prescriptions, dental and vision

Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan health coverage

• Cost: No premium
• Eligibility: International students with a valid study permit who meet Saskatchewan’s conditions
• When coverage starts: On or before the first day of the third month after you arrive
• Coverage: Physician services, hospital care, diagnostic services
• How to enrol: Apply for a Saskatchewan health card through eHealth Saskatchewan
• Key note: You need private insurance until your coverage starts

New Brunswick — Medicare

• Cost: No premium
• Eligibility: Full-time international students only — exchange students are not eligible
• Coverage: Basic physician and hospital services
• How to enrol: Apply for a New Brunswick Medicare card after you arrive
• Key note: Coverage is basic — supplementary insurance recommended

Prince Edward Island

• Cost: No premium
• Eligibility: Prince Edward Island issues temporary health cards to some study-permit holders
• Key note: Check with Health PEI before you arrive whether you qualify

Newfoundland and Labrador — MCP (Medical Care Plan)

• Cost: No premium
• Eligibility: A study permit valid for at least 12 months for full-time study in a degree program at Memorial University, a diploma program of at least 365 days at College of the North Atlantic, or a program of at least 365 days at a registered private training institution
• Coverage: Basic medically necessary services; dependants (spouse, children) may also be eligible

British Columbia — Public Coverage With a Fee

British Columbia — MSP (Medical Services Plan)

• Cost: International Student Health Fee of CAD 75/month (CAD 900/year, since 2020)
• Eligibility: Study permit of 6 months or more — enrolment is mandatory by law
• Waiting period: The rest of your arrival month plus two months — private insurance is needed during this gap
• Coverage: Medically necessary physician visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests
• How to enrol: Apply online as soon as you arrive in BC
• Key note: UBC covers most new international students through iMED, a temporary plan managed by GuardMe, during the wait period; other BC schools have similar plans. Details in our MSP waiting period guide.

Provinces Requiring University or Private Plans

Ontario — UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)

• Cost: CAD 948/year (CAD 79/month) for a single student, for the policy year from 1 September 2026, 8% tax included
• Eligibility: International students at participating Ontario universities — enrolment is mandatory and automatic
• Waiting period: None
• Coverage: Up to CAD 1,000,000; physician visits, hospital stays, diagnostics, one annual health exam, physiotherapy with pre-approval
• Administered by: Cowan Insurance Group, with coverage provided by Manulife
• How it works: UHIP is billed to your student account
• Key note: International students in Ontario are not eligible for OHIP (the provincial plan). Ontario colleges are not part of UHIP and use their own plans.

Manitoba — MISHP (Manitoba International Student Health Plan)

• Cost: CAD 1,320/year at the University of Manitoba (2026–27: CAD 440 for the fall term, CAD 880 for January–August); other Manitoba schools set their own fees
• Eligibility: International students — enrolment is mandatory
• Coverage: Physician visits, hospital, emergency services
• Key note: Manitoba ended provincial coverage for international students in 2018. At the University of Manitoba, MISHP is run by Alumo with Manitoba Blue Cross.

Quebec — RAMQ (Restricted)

• Cost: No premium for eligible students; everyone else pays for a university or private plan — McGill’s International Student Health Insurance, for example, costs CAD 1,212 for a single student for 2026–27
• Eligibility for RAMQ: Only students from the 11 countries with a social security agreement: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden
• Everyone else: Is enrolled in their university’s mandatory plan or buys private insurance
• Key note: Students from agreement countries are covered from the day they register — no waiting period — if they bring a certificate of coverage from their home country’s social security body. Details in our RAMQ guide.

Nova Scotia

• Cost: University or private plan for your first year
• Eligibility: International students with a study permit valid for 12 months or more can get a Nova Scotia health card — but coverage starts only on the first day of the 13th month after you arrive (or after your study permit date, whichever is later)
• How it works: You need university or private insurance until then; you can apply up to 90 days before your eligibility date
• Key note: Teaching and research assistants employed by a Nova Scotia university have no waiting period

Quick Reference Table

Province	Public Coverage?	Cost (Annual)	Waiting Period	Notes
Alberta	Yes	No premium	None	12-month study permit (or 6–12 months with proof)
Saskatchewan	Yes	No premium	Up to the 1st day of the 3rd month	Valid study permit
New Brunswick	Yes	No premium	Ask NB Medicare	Full-time students only, no exchange students
PEI	For some study-permit holders	No premium	Ask Health PEI	Temporary health card
Newfoundland	Yes	No premium	Ask MCP	Study permit 12+ months, full-time
British Columbia	Yes (MSP)	CAD 900 (CAD 75/month, since 2020)	Rest of arrival month + 2 months	MSP + interim coverage during wait
Ontario	No (UHIP)	CAD 948	None	Mandatory, automatic at universities
Manitoba	No (MISHP)	CAD 1,320 (University of Manitoba)	Ask your school	Through your institution
Quebec	Partial (RAMQ)	No premium if eligible; CAD 1,212 at McGill otherwise	None for agreement students	Only 11 countries eligible
Nova Scotia	From the 13th month	University or private plan in year one	Until the 1st day of the 13th month	Study permit 12+ months

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University Health Insurance Plans (UHIP)

UHIP is the mandatory health plan for international students at participating Ontario universities. It was created by Ontario’s universities in 1994 and gives benefits similar to OHIP. Here is what you need to know:

What UHIP Covers

UHIP provides medical coverage comparable to Ontario’s provincial plan:

• Physician visits: Family doctors, walk-in clinics and specialists, plus one annual health exam
• Hospital stays: Standard ward accommodation, operating and delivery rooms, drugs given during a hospital stay; semi-private or private rooms only if medically necessary and pre-approved
• Diagnostic services: Lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic services
• Ambulance: Ground or air ambulance within Ontario to the nearest hospital, if essential — minus a CAD 45 fee
• Paramedical services: Physiotherapy with pre-approval (limits apply)
• Emergencies outside Ontario: Covered within Canada at OHIP rates (excluding ambulance); outside Canada only with low daily limits
• Maximum coverage: Up to CAD 1,000,000

What UHIP Does NOT Cover

• Dental care
• Prescription drugs (except those given during a hospital stay)
• Eyeglasses and routine eye exams for ages 20–64 (exams are covered for ages 19 and under and 65 and over)
• Cosmetic surgery
• Supplemental services such as acupuncture or dental cleanings
• Treatment if you travelled to Canada specifically to receive it

UHIP Costs (2026–2027 Policy Year, from 1 September 2026)

Coverage Type	Annual Cost	Monthly Cost
Single	CAD 948	CAD 79
Couple	CAD 1,896	CAD 158
Family	CAD 2,844	CAD 237

Prices include 8% tax. If your coverage starts in January 2027, the single rate is CAD 632; if it starts in May 2027, CAD 316.

Can You Opt Out of UHIP?

In most cases, no. UHIP is mandatory for eligible international students at participating Ontario universities. UHIP lists a small number of exemptions on uhip.ca — check them with your university’s international office before you count on one.

Your home country’s travel insurance or global health plan is not a substitute for UHIP.

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Private Student Insurance Options

Several private insurers serve the Canadian student market. Colleges and language schools often choose one provider, and in some provinces a university or private plan is your only option.

GuardMe Canada

• Used by: 300+ Canadian colleges, universities and schools (GuardMe figure)
• Cost: Set by each school — for example CAD 1.93/day, about CAD 58/month or CAD 704 for 12 months, at Northeastern University’s Canadian campuses (2026)
• Covers: Up to CAD 2,000,000 per 365-day period — hospital, physician fees, lab tests, ambulance, prescriptions (30-day supply), accidental dental injury up to CAD 4,000, psychiatric hospitalization up to CAD 50,000 (lifetime)
• Deductible: CAD 0
• Common in: Colleges and language schools across Canada, and as wait-period cover in BC

Student-Union Supplementary Plans

• Used by: Student unions at most universities, often administered by specialised companies such as Studentcare
• Cost: Set by each student union — check your union’s plan page for this year’s fee
• Covers: Prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical services, mental health counselling
• Strengths: Designed as supplementary coverage on top of provincial or UHIP plans
• Key note: Often charged automatically through your student fees, with a short opt-out window if you have comparable coverage

Manulife CoverMe Student Travel Insurance

• Cost: Price shown in the online quote (charged per day of coverage)
• Covers: Up to CAD 2,000,000 in emergency and non-emergency medical benefits, tuition reimbursement up to CAD 5,000, annual medical and eye exam
• Eligibility: Full-time students under 45
• Best for: Students who need private cover and whose school accepts it

Ingle TuGo International Student Insurance

• Cost: Price shown in the online quote
• Covers: Up to CAD 2,000,000, dental injury up to CAD 6,000, maternity benefit up to CAD 25,000
• Eligibility: Students aged 69 or younger
• Best for: Older graduate students and student families

Cost Comparison: Private Providers

Provider	Annual Cost	Hospital	Physician	Prescriptions	Dental	Mental Health
GuardMe Canada	CAD 704 (example; set by your school)	Yes	Yes	Yes (30-day supply)	Accident up to CAD 4,000	Yes, with limits
Manulife CoverMe	Online quote	Yes	Yes	Yes (30-day supply)	Accident up to CAD 2,500	Psychiatric hospital stay up to 30 days
Ingle TuGo	Online quote	Yes	Yes	Yes (30-day supply)	Accident up to CAD 6,000	Outpatient up to CAD 2,000 per incident

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What’s Covered and What’s Not

Understanding what student health insurance actually covers is crucial for avoiding unexpected bills. Here is a breakdown:

Covered by Most Plans (Provincial, UHIP, or Private)

• General practitioner visits: Walk-in clinics and family doctor appointments
• Specialist consultations: Referrals to specialists (cardiologist, dermatologist, etc.) when medically necessary
• Hospital stays: Ward accommodation, nursing care, operating room fees, anaesthesia
• Emergency room visits: Genuine emergencies
• Diagnostic tests: Blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI/CT (when ordered by a physician)
• Surgery: Medically necessary surgical procedures
• Maternity care: Prenatal, delivery and postnatal care under provincial plans and UHIP — many private plans exclude pregnancy, so check yours
• Mental health: Psychiatrist visits (as a medical specialist) are covered. Psychologist visits vary by plan.

Usually NOT Covered (Require Supplementary Insurance)

• Prescription drugs: Provincial plans and UHIP do not cover prescriptions you fill at a pharmacy. Student-union supplementary plans usually do, up to an annual limit.
• Dental care: Routine cleanings, fillings and root canals are NOT covered by provincial plans or UHIP. Supplementary plans pay part of these costs.
• Vision care: Eye exams for adults, glasses and contact lenses are generally NOT covered. Supplementary plans often include a small eyewear allowance.
• Physiotherapy and chiropractic: Limited or not covered under basic plans; supplementary plans offer annual allowances.
• Ambulance services: Most provinces charge a fee for ambulance transport.
• Cosmetic procedures: Never covered.
• Travel insurance outside Canada: Not included — buy it separately for breaks and holidays.

The Supplementary Insurance Question

Most international students in Canada end up with two layers of insurance:

1. Primary coverage — Provincial plan, UHIP, or a private medical plan (covers hospital and doctor visits)
2. Supplementary coverage — A student-union plan (covers prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health)

Each student union sets its own fee for supplementary coverage, and many add it to your student fees automatically. Check the price and the opt-out deadline in your first weeks.

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Study Permit Requirements

Health insurance plays an indirect role in your study permit (visa) application. Here is what you need to know:

Is Health Insurance Mandatory for a Study Permit?

Not for the permit itself. Proof of health insurance is not on IRCC’s study permit document list. But your province and your school require coverage for your whole stay — Ontario universities enrol you in UHIP automatically, BC requires MSP enrolment, and many colleges add their own plan to your fees.

What Documentation You Need

• Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) in most cases — Québec requires a CAQ instead
• Proof of funds: CAD 23,448 per year for a single student outside Québec (applications from 1 September 2026), on top of tuition and travel costs
• Medical exam results, if IRCC asks for them

Immigration Medical Exam (IME)

An immigration medical exam is needed only in some cases — for example, if you recently lived in certain countries or plan to work in health care or with children. If you need one, it is done by an IRCC-approved panel physician, and the results are sent directly to IRCC.

At the Border

When you arrive in Canada, a border officer may ask to see:

• Your letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Proof of financial support
• Your study permit approval letter

Keep your insurance documents with these papers anyway: your school will ask for proof of coverage at registration, and you need them if you see a doctor in your first days.

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Coverage During Co-op and Internship Work Terms

Many Canadian programs include co-operative education (co-op) or internship work terms. Your health insurance situation during these periods depends on several factors:

If Your Co-op Is in the Same Province

• Provincial coverage continues: If you are enrolled in a provincial plan (Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC), your coverage typically continues during work terms in the same province.
• UHIP continues: Ontario UHIP coverage continues during co-op terms as long as you remain an eligible student.

If Your Co-op Is in a Different Province

• Provincial coverage may not transfer: Provincial health plans cover temporary absences only to a limited extent. If your co-op takes you to another province, you may need extra coverage.
• Employer insurance: Some co-op employers provide health benefits. Check whether your employer’s plan covers you and whether it replaces or supplements your student plan.

Key Tips for Co-op Students

• Confirm with your university’s international student office whether your coverage continues during work terms
• If your employer provides benefits, check for coverage gaps (dental, prescriptions)
• Keep your student insurance active — do not cancel it assuming your employer covers everything
• For work terms outside Canada, buy separate travel medical insurance

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After Graduation: PGWP Insurance Options

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their program. But your student insurance ends when you graduate — which can create a coverage gap.

The Coverage Gap Problem

• UHIP ends: Coverage ends on the last day of the month for which premiums were paid, or when you are no longer eligible. UHIP can extend coverage in some cases, for example after graduation — ask Cowan before your coverage ends.
• Student union plans end: Supplementary plans end with your enrolment.
• Provincial plans vary: In some provinces you can qualify for provincial coverage on a work permit, but rules and waiting periods differ.

Provincial Coverage on a PGWP

Province	PGWP Coverage?	Waiting Period	Notes
Ontario	Yes (OHIP) — if you work full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months	None	OHIP no longer has a waiting period
Quebec	Yes (RAMQ) — with an eligible work permit valid for more than 6 months	Up to 3 months	Register with RAMQ
British Columbia	Ask Health Insurance BC	Applies to new residents	Already on MSP? Update your immigration document with HIBC

Bridge Coverage Options

During any gap between student insurance ending and provincial coverage beginning:

• Private insurance: Ask insurers whether you still qualify for a student plan after graduation, or buy a visitor or newcomer health plan
• Employer benefits: If you start working immediately, your employer may provide health benefits — often only after a probation period
• Travel insurance: Some travel policies can bridge the gap, but verify they cover routine care, not just emergencies

Bottom line: Do not let your coverage lapse. The months between graduation and new coverage are the riskiest period for international graduates in Canada.

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Complete Costs Comparison

Here is a comparison of annual costs across different coverage models in Canada (2026–27):

Coverage Model	Annual Cost	Hospital	Doctor Visits	Prescriptions	Dental	Vision	Mental Health
Provincial, no premium (AB, SK, NB)	No premium	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Psychiatry only
BC MSP	CAD 900 (CAD 75/month, since 2020)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Psychiatry only
Ontario UHIP	CAD 948	Yes	Yes	In hospital only	No	Age-based exams only	Psychiatry only
Quebec (RAMQ eligible)	No premium	Yes	Yes	Ask RAMQ	No	No	Psychiatry only
Quebec (McGill IHI, single)	CAD 1,212	Yes	Yes	See plan	See plan	See plan	See plan
Manitoba (MISHP, University of Manitoba)	CAD 1,320	Yes	Yes	See plan	See plan	See plan	See plan
GuardMe Canada	CAD 704 (example)	Yes	Yes	Yes (30-day supply)	Accident only	Eye exam (6+ month policy)	Yes, with limits
Student-union supplementary plan	Set by your union	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Budget Breakdown by Province

• Alberta (if eligible): No premium for AHCIP + your student union’s supplementary plan fee
• British Columbia: CAD 900 per year for the MSP fee (CAD 75/month, since 2020) + your school’s wait-period plan for the first months + supplementary plan
• Ontario universities: CAD 948 (UHIP, 2026–27) + supplementary plan
• Manitoba (University of Manitoba): CAD 1,320 (MISHP, 2026–27) + supplementary plan
• Quebec without an agreement (McGill example): CAD 1,212 (International Student Health Insurance, 2026–27)

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11 Tips for International Students

1. Research your province’s rules before accepting an offer. The difference between no premium in Alberta and CAD 1,212 per year for McGill’s plan in Québec (2026–27) is significant. Factor insurance costs into your total budget when comparing study destinations.

2. Opt out of duplicate coverage when possible. If you already have comparable coverage, you may not need your student union’s supplementary plan. Check opt-out deadlines carefully — most student unions allow opt-outs only in a short window at the start of term.

3. Buy interim insurance for waiting periods. BC (rest of the arrival month plus two months), Saskatchewan (up to the first day of the third month) and Nova Scotia (until the first day of the 13th month) make you wait; Alberta has no waiting period for eligible students. Do not go uninsured — emergency care without insurance can be very expensive.

4. Get supplementary coverage for dental. Basic plans in Canada never cover routine dental care. A student-union dental plan is usually the cheapest way to get it.

5. Use walk-in clinics for non-emergencies. They are covered under most plans and usually much faster than emergency rooms. Many cities also offer telehealth options.

6. Look for a family doctor early. Wait lists for family doctors can be long in cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Start looking — or register with your campus clinic — as soon as you arrive.

7. Keep all insurance documents accessible. Your health card (provincial or UHIP), insurance policy number, and claims information should be on your phone and in your wallet.

8. Understand prescription drug coverage. Generic drugs are usually cheaper than brand-name equivalents. Ask your pharmacist.

9. Check mental health coverage. Provincial plans cover psychiatrists (medical doctors) but rarely cover psychologists or counsellors. Most universities offer free counselling services — use them. For additional mental health coverage options, supplementary plans are essential.

10. Plan for post-graduation. Your student insurance ends when your enrolment ends. Research your province’s rules for work-permit holders and arrange bridge insurance if there is a gap.

11. Understand emergency vs. routine care. Emergency rooms are for life-threatening situations. Walk-in clinics handle urgent but non-emergency issues. Telehealth is ideal for consultations and prescription renewals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free for international students in Canada?

Only in some provinces. Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick cover eligible international students without a premium. British Columbia covers you through MSP but charges an International Student Health Fee of CAD 75 per month (since 2020), after a wait of the rest of your arrival month plus two months. Ontario universities use UHIP (CAD 948 per year from September 2026), and Manitoba uses the mandatory MISHP. Québec covers only students from 11 countries with a social security agreement.

What is UHIP and who needs it?

UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is the mandatory health plan for international students at participating Ontario universities. For the policy year from 1 September 2026 it costs CAD 948 per year (CAD 79 per month), 8% tax included, and covers physician visits, hospital stays and diagnostics similar to OHIP, up to CAD 1,000,000. UHIP is administered by Cowan Insurance Group, with coverage provided by Manulife, and is billed to your student account. Ontario colleges are not part of UHIP and use their own plans.

Can I use my home country’s insurance in Canada?

Usually not as a replacement. In British Columbia, MSP enrolment is mandatory by law; Ontario universities enrol you in UHIP automatically; and many colleges require their own plan unless you get an approved waiver. Your home insurance may still help with services your Canadian plan does not cover, or to bridge a waiting period — check with your school before you rely on it.

What happens during the waiting period for provincial coverage?

It depends on the province. In British Columbia, MSP starts after the rest of your arrival month plus two months; in Saskatchewan, coverage can start as late as the first day of the third month; in Nova Scotia, international students are covered only from the first day of the 13th month. Alberta has no waiting period for eligible students. During any wait you need private insurance — UBC, for example, covers most new international students through its iMED plan.

Does my student insurance cover dental care?

No. Neither provincial health plans nor UHIP cover routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, crowns). Most student unions offer supplementary dental coverage that pays part of these costs. Private plans such as GuardMe Canada cover only accidental dental injuries.

What insurance do I need during a co-op work term?

If your co-op is in the same province where you study, your existing coverage typically continues as long as you remain a registered student. For co-ops in other provinces, you may need extra coverage, since provincial plans cover temporary absences only to a limited extent. Some employers provide health benefits during work terms — check with your employer and your university’s international office.

How do I get health insurance after graduation on a PGWP?

Once your student insurance ends, check your province’s rules for work-permit holders. In Ontario, you qualify for OHIP if you work full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months, with no waiting period. In Québec, an eligible work permit valid for more than 6 months gives access to RAMQ after a waiting period of up to 3 months. In BC, tell Health Insurance BC about your new immigration document. Arrange private insurance for any gap — medical bills from an uninsured period can be very high.

Do I need health insurance for my Canadian study permit?

Not for the application itself: proof of health insurance is not on IRCC’s study permit document list. But your province and your school require coverage for your whole stay, and many schools enrol you in their plan automatically. Plan your coverage before you arrive — especially if you study in a province with a waiting period.

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Related Articles

• Top 10 Countries for International Students: Health Insurance Requirements — See how Canada compares to Germany, Australia, the UK, and more
• How to Choose the Right Health Insurance as an International Student — Step-by-step checklist for evaluating any student insurance plan
• Health Insurance for Exchange Students — Special considerations for semester-abroad and exchange programs in Canada

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Find the Right Insurance for Your Canadian Studies

Navigating Canada’s provincial patchwork of health insurance rules is one of the biggest challenges for international students. Whether you are heading to Ontario (UHIP), British Columbia (MSP, CAD 75/month since 2020) or Alberta (no premium), the key is to research your province early, budget for both primary and supplementary coverage, and never leave gaps.

Ready to compare insurance options for your study destination? Use our insurance comparison tool to find the best plan for your needs, or explore our complete Canada country guide for everything from visa requirements to cost of living.