GuardMe Canada

Each school sets its own GuardMe fee, and most add it to the international student fees. For example, Northeastern University's Canadian campuses charge CAD 1.93 per day for one person (2026) — about CAD 58 per month or CAD 704 for 365 days; Northeastern tells September starters to expect CAD 700–750 upfront. Adding family members increases the cost. Check your school's GuardMe page for your exact fee.

GuardMe says it supports 300+ colleges, universities and schools. Many schools enrol their international students automatically and add the fee to their student fees. In British Columbia it bridges the wait before MSP starts; in Ontario, where international students cannot get OHIP, many colleges use it as the main plan. Some schools make GuardMe mandatory — at Northeastern University's Canadian campuses it is the only plan accepted.

It depends on the province. In Ontario there is no gap to bridge: international students are not eligible for OHIP at all, so GuardMe (at many colleges) or UHIP (at universities) is the main coverage for the whole stay. In British Columbia, students with a study permit valid for 6 months or more can join MSP after a wait period of the rest of the arrival month plus two months. Many BC schools, such as Simon Fraser University and Okanagan College, automatically enrol new international students in GuardMe to cover that gap. Each school sets the fee (for example CAD 281 for the first term at SFU and CAD 250 per semester at Okanagan College).

Yes. Outpatient psychiatrist or psychologist care is covered up to CAD 1,000, and inpatient psychiatrist fees after an emergency up to CAD 10,000. Up to 6 trauma counselling sessions are covered after a loss under the Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. Telemedicine via Mobile Doctor (powered by Maple) lets you talk to a Canadian doctor anytime — included with every international plan.

Most students buy through their university's customised GuardMe portal (e.g., guard.me/yourschool). If you do not have a school code, contact GuardMe customer care at +1-877-873-8447 or via guard.me/en/apply-for-insurance.html. Coverage is activated within minutes of payment.