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Health Insurance for International Students in Canada 2024-25
Edited By Sareena Kaur Sethi | Updated on Jun 29, 2024 08:55 AM IST
Canada has been one of the most prominent and popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students for more than three decades. Even after a lot of changes and regulations in the Canada students' visa and education policies, Canada remains to be a preferred and personal favourite country for international students to pursue their higher education. However, 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.
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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. Although the country is famous for providing free health care and medical facilities the help is restricted only to PR holders or Canadian citizens. Therefore it becomes almost necessary to get an insight into the provincial plan and expenses related to health insurance for international students in Canada.
Many institutions do offer provincial health insurance to international students however, the unavailability of such services one can also opt for private or government-based health insurance plans. A common question that arises among Indian students planning to study there is “How much does health insurance cost in Canada for international students?”, the cost for the same varies depending upon various factors. However, the average range of health insurance cost for international students in Canada lies between CAD 600 to CAD 900 and provides coverage of approximately 12 months. 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
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.
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
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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Hello Aspirant
Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.
The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.
Hope this helps.
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The eligibility criteria for MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) can be based on domicile rather than place of birth.
MHCET often considers domicile, not necessarily the place of birth, for exam eligibility. Since your son has completed his entire school education in Maharashtra, this might strengthen his case for domicile in the state.
Overall, while being born in Canada might not be a direct disqualifier, having completed his schooling in Maharashtra strengthens his case for domicile in the state. By gathering documents to prove his residence and referring to the official MHCET website or helpline, your son can get a clearer picture of his eligibility for the exam.
https://www.careers360.com/exams/mht-cet
I hope it helps!
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Hello aspirant,
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Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 08 March,2024
Dear aspirant !!
Hope you are doing good !!
Indian students must have an MBBS and clear USMLE tests to gain admission to post graduation after MBBS abroad in USA . It is important to understand that an MD/Doctor of Medicine (USA equivalent of MBBS in India) degree alone is not enough to practise medicine. A Medical PG in any specialisation is necessary..
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Shivanshu 26 February,2024
Correct Answer: 1,2,4
Solution :
A country's domestic territory includes the following:
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Territories located inside a nation's geopolitical borders, including its airspace and exclusive economic zones.
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Aircraft and ships used by citizens of the nation (in this case, Indians) to travel to other parts of the world, including fishing vessels.
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A resident country operating in international waters with oil, natural gas, and floating platforms.
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A nation's overseas diplomatic missions, including its embassies, consulates, and military installations.
Hence, Option B is correct.
Team Careers360 26 January,2024
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