Canada's healthcare system is provincial — your health insurance options depend entirely on which province you study in.
Last updated: February 2026
Best for: International students at Ontario universities
Mandatory for all international students in Ontario. Covers hospital, doctor visits, diagnostics, and some paramedical services. Administered by Sun Life.
Learn moreBest for: Students studying in BC (UBC, SFU, etc.)
Provincial public plan. 3-month waiting period — private insurance needed for gap. Covers medically necessary services.
Learn moreBest for: Students from countries with bilateral agreements (e.g., France, Belgium, Sweden)
Only students from 11 specific countries qualify. All others must purchase private insurance through their university.
Learn moreBest for: Colleges and language schools across Canada
Popular with colleges. Covers hospital, physician, prescription drugs, mental health. Used by 200+ institutions.
Learn moreBest for: Supplementary coverage and provinces without public plans
Emergency medical, prescription drugs, dental accident, vision. Good as top-up to provincial plans.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| UHIP (Ontario, Single) | CAD 792/year (~CAD 66/month) | Mandatory for all Ontario university students. Billed through tuition. |
| MSP (British Columbia) | CAD 900/year (CAD 75/month) | Provincial plan with 3-month waiting period. Private insurance needed for gap coverage. |
| Alberta Health (AHCIP) | Free | International students eligible after meeting residency requirements. No premium. |
| Private Plans (Guard.me, etc.) | CAD 600–960/year | Varies by provider, coverage level, and province. Often arranged through your institution. |
| Supplementary/Top-up | CAD 200–500/year | Dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health beyond basic coverage. |
UHIP (Ontario, Single)
CAD 792/year (~CAD 66/month)
Mandatory for all Ontario university students. Billed through tuition.
MSP (British Columbia)
CAD 900/year (CAD 75/month)
Provincial plan with 3-month waiting period. Private insurance needed for gap coverage.
Alberta Health (AHCIP)
Free
International students eligible after meeting residency requirements. No premium.
Private Plans (Guard.me, etc.)
CAD 600–960/year
Varies by provider, coverage level, and province. Often arranged through your institution.
Supplementary/Top-up
CAD 200–500/year
Dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health beyond basic coverage.
Before arriving, research whether your study province offers public coverage (Alberta, Saskatchewan) or requires private/university plans (Ontario, Manitoba).
Most universities automatically enroll you in their insurance plan (UHIP in Ontario, Guard.me at many colleges). The cost is typically added to your tuition.
In BC, there's a 3-month MSP waiting period. Buy private interim insurance. Alberta also has a waiting period before AHCIP kicks in.
Include proof of health insurance in your study permit application. Immigration officers may verify your coverage.
Register with the provincial health plan if eligible, find a family doctor, and get your health card. Keep insurance documents accessible.
Canada welcomes over 800,000 international students annually, making it the world’s third-largest study destination. While Canada is renowned for its universal healthcare system, international students face a patchwork of provincial regulations that determine their coverage options.
Unlike countries with a single national health insurance system, Canada’s healthcare is administered provincially. This means your insurance options — and costs — depend entirely on which province you study in:
Free Public Coverage: Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, PEI, and the Northwest Territories extend their provincial health plans to international students at no cost (subject to residency requirements).
Mandatory Paid Plans: Ontario requires UHIP (~CAD 66/month), Manitoba requires MISHP, and BC charges CAD 75/month for MSP with a 3-month waiting period.
Restricted Access: Quebec’s RAMQ is only available to students from 11 countries with bilateral healthcare agreements (including France, Belgium, and Sweden). All other students must purchase private insurance.
For most international students, insurance is arranged through their university or college. UHIP in Ontario is the most common plan, covering over 200,000 international students at Ontario universities. Colleges across Canada frequently use Guard.me, which partners with 200+ institutions.
It depends on the province. Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and PEI offer free public coverage. Ontario, Manitoba, and BC require paid plans ranging from CAD 66–75/month. Quebec restricts public coverage to students from 11 countries.
UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is mandatory health insurance for international students in Ontario. It costs approximately CAD 66/month and covers hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostics, and some paramedical services. It's administered by Sun Life.
Generally no. Most provinces require enrollment in their specific plan. Even if your home insurance provides global coverage, your university and immigration may still require the provincial or university-mandated plan.
BC has a 3-month waiting period for MSP. Alberta requires you to be present for a period before AHCIP coverage begins. During waiting periods, you need private interim insurance.
Basic provincial and UHIP plans do not cover dental or vision. Most universities offer supplementary plans for CAD 200–500/year that include dental, vision, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
Compare provincial and private insurance options for your Canadian study destination. Find the right plan before your study permit application.
Compare Insurance Plans