Health Insurance for International Students in Canada 2024-25

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.

Latest: Canada Country Guide

This Story also Contains

1. Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Provisional Health Coverage
2. Why is it Important to get Health Insurance for International Students?
3. Best Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Various Options

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

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

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