Healthcare in Canada for international students

Healthcare System in Canada

Types of Health Insurance Plans in Canada

Private Healthcare Insurance Plan

University-Provided Healthcare Insurance Plan

Canadian Government Healthcare Insurance Plans

Benefits of Health Insurance for International Students

• Medical Expenses Coverage: A health insurance plan for international students in Canada covers a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalisation, prescription medication and diagnostic tests.
• Emergency Medical Care: Another benefit of a health insurance plan is that it covers emergency medical care. This is essential in case of sudden illness, which requires immediate attention, and ensures that students receive medical treatment on time. 
• Mental Health Support: Some health insurance plans also provide mental health services such as therapy and counselling. These services are essential for addressing mental health concerns that international students may face because of cultural shock.
• Access to Preventive Care: Some health insurance plans cover preventive care services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and annual check-ups. These services help international students maintain their well-being by identifying potential health issues early. 

Health Insurance Plans for International Students in Canada (Provincial)

• Alberta: International students studying in Alberta for at least six months are eligible for provincial health insurance coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). The plan only covers basic medical expenses, not dental care or prescription drugs. If an international student is not eligible for coverage under AHCIP, they must purchase a private plan.
• British Columbia: International students planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months will be eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Students should apply for MSP as soon as they reach BC, as it takes three months to be processed.
• Manitoba: International students studying in Manitoba are required to be covered under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan. This plan covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and X-rays.
• New Brunswick: International students studying in New Brunswick can get New Brunswick Medicare coverage upon fulfilling eligibility criteria. To be eligible for this coverage, students must be enrolled in full-time studies at a New Brunswick educational institution for at least one full academic year. The New Brunswick Medicare coverage provides basic medical coverage.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: International students who are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months are eligible for a Medical Care Plan (MCP). Under this plan, they can receive free basic health coverage. Students who do not qualify for the plan must purchase private health insurance.
• Northwest Territories: International students studying a program for more than 12 months can get health insurance through Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC). The plan provides only basic medical coverage, so students are advised to explore health insurance plans from private providers.
• Nova Scotia: To get a health insurance plan in Nova Scotia, international students must have lived there for at least 12 months. However, many schools only provide coverage for the first year. This plan costs approximately $650 for 12 months of coverage.
• Ontario: In Ontario, international students are not eligible for the provincial Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, they can opt for a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) offered by public universities. These plans are not free and are added to students’ tuition fees.
• Prince Edward Island: International students studying in PEI are eligible for public health insurance if they have lived in the province for at least six months. However, students can only apply for a PEI health card after living in the province for at least three months.
• Quebec: Quebec provides free basic health insurance through Quebec’s Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) to the residents of the ten countries. International students from any other country will be automatically provided health insurance plans from their educational institution.
• Saskatchewan: International students studying in Saskatchewan for at least six months may get a Saskatchewan Health Card. This card provides free basic health coverage. Some universities in Saskatchewan automatically enrol international students in private health insurance plans.
• Yukon: Yukon has just one designated learning institution (DLI), which automatically enrols international students to purchase a mandatory group health insurance plan. 

What is Out-of-Province Medical Insurance?

How to Apply for Health Insurance in Canada?

• Firstly, apply for health insurance on the province’s website.
• After that, fill out the application form.
• Lastly, pay the premium amount.

• Contact a health insurance firm.
• Choose a plan that caters to all their requirements.

Conclusion