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Health Insurance for International Students in Canada 2024-25
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Jun 29, 2024 08:55 AM IST
One of the crucial requirements is health insurance in Canada for international students to study in the country. Canada has been one of the most prominent and popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students for more than three decades. An important factor to keep in mind while planning to apply for admissions is to understand the provincial-based health insurance for international students in Canada. Generally, health insurance for foreigners in Canada covers medical services such as Doctor's visits, Hospitalisation, Surgery, Emergencies, Consultations, and more such unforeseen situations. However, the exact terms and services vary depending upon the health care plan in Canada and the provider.
This Story also Contains
- Introduction to Health Insurance for International Students in Canada
- Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Provisional Health Coverage
- Why is it Important to get Health Insurance for International Students?
- Best Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Various Options
- Benefits of Having Health Insurance in Canada
- Tips for Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan
Top universities in Canada, wide-scale job opportunities, and a peaceful environment the nation is also known for its mandatory health insurance for foreigners in Canada. The country provides free health care and medical facilities to PR holders or Canadian citizens; however, international students are required to obtain health insurance in Canada.
Many institutions do offer provincial health insurance for international students in Canada however, the unavailability of such services one can also opt for private or government-based health insurance plans. The average health insurance cost for international students in Canada ranges between CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year. Students can budget accordingly for health insurance cost in Canada for international students. Read the article to learn more about health insurance in Canada for international students, coverage, requirements, and much more.
Also Read: Things to know before studying in Canada
Introduction to Health Insurance for International Students in Canada
Getting proper health insurance in Canada for international students is one of the crucial aspects. Moreover, the majority of provinces in the country have imposed a legal implication where it is mandated for university students to have health insurance in Canada. This ensures that international students have access to medical services during their intended stay in Canada without any financial restrain. There is public health insurance in Canada for international students offered by provinces; if not, students must purchase private health insurance.
Generally, these healthcare plans in Canada cover doctor's visits, hospital stays, and emergency services for international students. Some of the key points about health insurance for international students in Canada include the following:
Mandatory for students: All international students enrolled in a Canadian university must have health insurance in Canada
Provincial healthcare plans: Some of the Canadian provinces offer public health insurance which is either completely free or at a small premium.
Health plan coverage: Health insurance in Canada for international students generally covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency services. On the other hand, some of the plans also offer other medical services like dental, vision, and mental health support.
Cost: The health insurance cost for international students in Canada is generally free/at small premium which are offered by provinces. Other private healthcare plans offered by private providers vary depending on the services, coverage, features, and providers.
Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Provisional Health Coverage
As per the regulatory practices, health insurance for international students in Canada is based on two aspects, either you are granted the insurance plan by the province you’re living in or you are required to fill out for private health insurance plan by your region.
For the convenience of Indian students looking for information on the best health insurance in Canada, we have created a table below enlisting the province-associated requirements for acquiring a health plan that suits your needs.
Health Insurance for International Students in Canada 2024
Province | Availability of Coverage | Requirements |
Alberta | Yes | Have a minimum of 12-month study permit. |
British Columbia | Yes | Have a minimum of 6-month study permit. There might be a 3 months of waiting period. |
Manitoba | No | Have a minimum of 12-month study permit with full-time enrollment into a Canadian university. |
New Brunswick | Yes | Have a minimum of 12-month study permit with full-time enrollment into a Canadian university. |
Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Have a minimum of 12-month study permit with proof of enrollment into a Canadian university |
Nova Scotia | Yes | Have a minimum of 12-month study permit. There might be a one-year waiting period. |
Ontario | No | Health insurance plans are granted by the universities students are studying in and are added to the tuition fees. |
Quebec | Conditional | Only residents of selective countries are eligible for the provincial health plans is Quebec. India is not included in that list. |
Saskatchewan | Yes | Proof of enrollment into a Canadian university and a valid study permit for international students. |
Also Check out: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
Why is it Important to get Health Insurance for International Students?
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada as a part of their study abroad journey. The majority of provinces in Canada offer some of the cheapest health plans to Indian students who have study permits of at least a year and are enrolled on a full-time degree course. Health insurance for international students in Canada is considered as a ensure of medical services even with financial restrain.
It becomes essential to have a health plan because, in case of medical emergencies, one will have to pay for all the expenses out of pocket which will cause an additional expense. Medical services in this country can prove to be quite expensive if one does not have access to health insurance for international students in Canada.
It becomes a better option to opt for health plans be it provincial, government, or private as it help you cover a major proportion of your medical bills from monthly checkups to dental hygiene, to accidental costs. One can also find the average medical cost in Canada for international students if one has to pay out of their own pocket instead of medical insurance.
Average medical cost in Canada for international students 2024
Particulars | Cost |
Consultation Fees | CAD 120 or above |
Emergency Room Fees | CAD 1,000 or above |
Hospital Charges | CAD 3,700 or above |
Best Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Various Options
Apart from province-granted health insurance for international students in Canada, there are various other healthcare options that one can avail of. The following components are listed below:
Public Universities: Many public colleges and universities in Canada offer various health plans to international students at additional fees which may be added in their tuition on a yearly basis. This health insurance may cover doctor visits, appointment fees, diagnosis and tests, ambulance, and ER services, etc.
Private Health Insurance: One opts for private health insurance in case there is no access to provincial or public insurance policies for the international student. In order to avail health insurance for international workers in Canada as well as students they should properly research the insurance provider and compare the costs, coverage, and other facilities.
Read more: Study in Canada for Indian Students
Benefits of Having Health Insurance in Canada
There are several benefits of health insurance in canada for international students. Some of these include the following:
Medical Coverage: International students have access to different medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, and surgeries including dental, vision, and mental health sessions in some of the health care plans in Canada. So, having health insurance for international students in canada helps in providing medical coverage for unforeseen medical conditions.
Financial Protection: Medical services ae quite expensive in well-developed countries like Canada. Being an international student, healthcare insurance plans help them from high medical costs in case of unforeseen medical conditions. These prevent any financial strain.
Visa Requirements: The majority of Canadian provinces require international students to maintain Health insurance for international students in Canada during their intended stay. This is a necessary requirement to maintain their visa status.
Tips for Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan
It is important to select a health insurance for international students in Canada that aligns the best to thei preferences and suitability. With the right approach, students can find the best health insurance for international students in canada. Here, are some of the tips for choosing a right healthcare plan in Canada.
Identify your need
Compare the cost of healthcare insurance in Canada by different providers
Check the coverage of the plans
Understand any other hidden costs associated with the primary health insurance cost in canada for international students.
Consider any additional benefits if required during the stay
Take consultation from a health insurance advisor or broker to get personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is health insurance for international students in Canada?
Although the health insurance cost for international students in Canada varies depending upon the type of health plan one opts for in the country. However, the premium health plan on a provincial basis costs anywhere around CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year.
2. Can international students get a health card in Canada?
As per the norms, the majority of health insurance for international students in Canada are province based and covers lot of medical facilities under it. Therefore, any international student is eligible for a health card and plan in Canada if they are holders of valid study visas.
3. Is healthcare free in Canada for Indian students?
Canada is known to be the country providing free healthcare plans but the service is only limited to its citizens and permanent residents. Therefore, as an international student is becomes essential that you arrange for your health insurance plan from province or private platforms during the course of your education in the country.
4. Who is eligible for health insurance in Canada?
Eventhough international students are eligible to apply and obtain private as well as province health plans there are still restrictions on their usage of government granted health insurance which are limited to Canadian citizens and PR holders only. However, depending upon the types all international students are eligible to get a health insurance plan if they have a valid study permit.
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After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
Sujal Singh 27 April,2025
Hello,
Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology
Tanya Gupta 18 March,2025
hi ,
yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .
eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada
academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.
English proficiency test -
(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)
- IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
- PTE: 50+
mathematics requirement
Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.
hope this helps
Kenma Kozume 03 March,2025
Hi Madhvi,
With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:
-
Diploma Programs
– Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.
-
Foundation Programs
– You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.
-
Private Colleges
– Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.
- Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.
Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 16 February,2025
After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.
Ankit 30 January,2025
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