If you are an international student who plans to study in Canada, there are some important things to understand about healthcare coverage. First, healthcare coverage is required when studying or working in Canada. However, there are programs available that make healthcare for international students affordable and easy to access so this should not be a deterrent.
Secondly, there is a national health insurance plan that automatically covers all citizens. This is known as Canadian Medicare and it provides basic insurance and protection when traveling within Canada. Each province also has its own health insurance plan.
As an international student, you will not be eligible for either the national or provincial plans but there are equivalent options available. Most notably, the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
Here we will look at the health insurance you can expect to have as an international student or university worker.
What Health Insurance do International Students Qualify for in Canada?
Public Universities
Health insurance is not directly included as part of your tuition, however; most public universities participate in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). The notable exception to this is the University of Windsor.
University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is the only public university to not participate in UHIP. Instead, they support Green Shield which provides similar coverage to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, the plan used by Ontario Citizens.
Private Universities
Private universities have other healthcare plan options available that are different from UHIP, typically through a third party private insurance company. Rates
Supplemental Insurance
UHIP, Green Shield, and other basic plans cover a wide range of services but they do not cover everything. Most notably, prescription drugs are not covered under these plans in most cases. The primary exception is for prescriptions administered during a hospital stay.
To offset the cost of uncovered medical fees, supplemental insurance can be purchased for such things as prescription drugs, dental care, and eye care.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Canada?
Health insurance coverage is mandatory and it is required that you are covered upon your first day of arrival. Due to this, it is critical that you consult with your intended university about enrollment dates and requirements.
Can You Opt Out of Health Insurance Coverage?
There are a few limited exceptions where you may be able to opt out of UHIP. Generally, you will be required to provide proof that you have equivalent coverage from an employer, a parent’s employer, or from your home country.
If you believe you are exempt from Canadian coverage, you will need to submit an application to have UHIP fees waived. Typically, this must be done at least 45-days prior to the start of your UHIP eligibility.
Is UHIP Free?
UHIP is not free but costs are intentionally kept low in order to work with most students’ budgets. Currently, UHIP monthly charges are $63/per person. You can also add additional family members for $63/each. Please, keep in mind that these rates can change.
Why Are There Fees for UHIP?
It is a common misconception that Canadian health care is completely free. While there are national and provincial plans that cover all citizens, these are funded by taxes. These taxes are paid largely by the citizens who benefit from this coverage.
This system allows for the expense to be spread across all citizens and ensures even persons who are unable to pay directly, will still have access to basic care. Similarly, this is why plans for international students require a monthly fee as this money goes to support those programs.
Where Should I Go for Healthcare in Canada?
As a student studying in a new country, it can be daunting to navigate the healthcare system along with everything else you must manage. In particular, you may have difficulty finding a primary care physician to prescribe your regular medications or to help you with common illnesses such as strep throat or a sinus infection.
In these cases, two of the best resources you can look to are walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities. These care options do not require an appointment and can handle most non-emergency health concerns including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, prescription refills, minor burns, sprains and more.
Emergency rooms are the next best option but should be reserved for when there is a true emergency such as a broken limb, chest pains, major accidents, and other life-threatening situations.
Find a Walk-In Clinic in Toronto
Walk-in clinics provide a wide range of non-emergency medical care. There are no appointments required, wait-times are typically short, and most services will be covered under your insurance plan.
At Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic, our walk-in clinic offers medical services including dental care, physiotherapy, vaccinations, and diagnostics. To learn more, contact us at 416-929-1900.