All international students studying in Canada are required to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay. There are provinces that offer health coverage to certain international students, either for free or a premium in which case those students are generally required to apply to the province.
There is also private insurance required for students in cases where provincial health insurance is not available. This can be obtained through their learning institution. As such, institutions in these certain provinces would require students to subscribe to mandatory health plans, while other institutions may offer optional coverage plans.
The chart below allows you to compare provincial health insurance policies:
| Province | Provincial coverage for international students | Basic requirements | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit Minimum 12 month residence in Alberta |
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| British Columbia | Yes | Minimum six month study permit | Coverage begins after three months. International students are advised to apply immediately upon arrival; coverage begins on the first day of the third month following. For example, if a student arrives on August 25, his or her coverage would begin on November 1. International students should seek coverage for those three months. |
| Manitoba | Yes |
| |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Minimum 3 months residence in New Brunswick | International students are required to provide the following:
|
| Ontario | No | Most Ontario institutes participate in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). International students at participating institutions must enroll in this plan, unless otherwise exempted | |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | Student can apply for coverage the first day of the thirteenth month following the date of arrival in Nova Scotia as a student. The student must not have been outside the province for more than 31 consecutive days. A student arriving in Nova Scotia in July cannot apply until August of the following year. For continuous coverage, a copy of each study permit must be submitted to Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) and a declaration must be signed each year. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | |
| Quebec | No, with exceptions |
| |
| Prince Edward Island | No | International students are required to obtain private insurance. Institutions may offer their own coverage plans, which may be optional or mandatory. Consult the institutions for further information. | |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment | |
| Yukon | No |