The importance of insurance to the average Canadian’s finances can’t be overstated. For students in Canada, this stance is critical. If you get hurt or unwell, your student health insurance provider will foot the bill for the majority of your medical costs.
Different health insurance plans for students in Canada have varying operations. For example, the average college student in Canada can access insurance plans with varying prices, eligibility, and coverage limits.
This blog is your comprehensive answer to how to get health insurance in Canada. Here, we’ll highlight different insurance plans and the best one for students looking to access quality healthcare via their insurance plans.
Why Should You Get Student Health Insurance?
While in college as a resident or international student, it’s prudent to make sure that all of your essential expenditures are covered. One of these essentials is the availability of health insurance.
Your financial institution will likely propose it even when you have zero student health insurance considerations. In fact, colleges and universities frequently require a student’s evidence of health insurance before considering your admission application.
Other reasons why student health insurance is a good idea:
Insufficient Health Care Coverage Provided by the Government
Sometimes, resident and international students are usually not eligible for government-sponsored health care. Or the care provided may not be enough.
Reduced Costs of Medical Care
There’s a portion of your medical expenses that you’ll be responsible for, even if you have health insurance. Now imagine you don’t have it at all. Student health insurance can significantly lower your medical bills even when it doesn’t cover everything.
Discounted by a Medical Professional
If you don’t have health insurance, you may be forced to pay a hefty cost for a doctor’s visit. However, all major insurance companies have deals with doctors that allow you to get generous discounts.
Related Article: Is Health Insurance Included in College Tuition in Canada?
Types of Insurance Plans for Students in Canada
In Canada, the provinces each have their health insurance system. Students of a specific province’s health insurance plan receive a member card that’s exclusively valid in that area.
If you’re an international student, you may need to wait up to three months before you’re eligible for student health insurance in Canada. But, it’s advisable to apply for it in advance.
The following are the types of health insurance you’ll find in Canada:
Public
Public health insurance covers the usual range of medical services, including access to primary care physicians and hospitals. However, provinces with a more comprehensive health care package will include dental coverage, physiotherapy, and prescription drugs.
However, please note that health insurance companies aren’t required to offer services that aren’t mentioned in the Canada Health Act, except there are policy changes.
The following are services/items that have no coverage under public student health insurance plans:
- Prescription drugs
- Optometrists
- Eye and dental care
Private
While public health insurance is very popular, you can also get private student health insurance separately. Although it’s more expensive, it often comes with a broader range of benefits like dental and vision treatment at some of Ontario’s top healthcare providers.
Unlike in public hospitals, where waiting lists are prevalent for complex health services like surgery, private healthcare insurance saves you all the hassle. Also, private student health insurance plans come with increased coverage — up to 80% of any medical bills.
International Students’ Health Insurance in Canada
You need health insurance if you’re an international student in Canada. And the University you select to attend will usually help you navigate the processes.
How to Get Health Insurance in Canada
Students have a wide range of alternatives. If you’re a resident student in Canada, you qualify for public healthcare insurance services in Ontario.
International students are not eligible for public healthcare insurance programs in Ontario. But international students can qualify for public health insurance in Alberta.
The following examples show how students can get health insurance coverage in different Canadian provinces.
Alberta
Resident college students in Alberta are eligible for government-subsidized health insurance. Also, international students can apply too.
To apply, students must:
- Submit a valid identity or study permit from IRCC for at least 12 months.
- Confirm that they live in Alberta to be eligible for the programme.
- Apply for coverage within three months of establishing residency in Alberta.
British Columbia
The BC Medical Services Plan is available to all students. But international students need to be enrolled in a programme of at least six months in British Columbia.
To apply, students must:
- Submit application. International students may need to attach a SIN (Social Insurance Number), as well as study permission.
- Students can visit Health Insurance in British Columbia for additional information.
Manitoba
Health insurance is only available to resident students here. In other words, international students in Manitoba have no access to public health insurance.
However, international students can opt for private health insurance providers. Also, resident students who want more comprehensive coverage can check in with some of the best health insurance providers.
To apply, students must:
- Fill out the Manitoba Health Registration Form.
- Provide the number of your former province/health territory’s card.
- Provide a copy of a Canadian passport, a Canadian birth certificate, a Canadian citizenship card.
Ontario
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan covers only resident students. It doesn’t protect international students in Ontario. As a result, all of Ontario’s higher education institutions provide international students access to health insurance policies.
UHIP is one of the most common health insurance plans offered by public universities. But private schools and other institutions may provide a variety of alternatives from different insurance companies.
To be eligible for Ontario Health Insurance Plan coverage, you must submit an application in person at a ServiceOntario center.
There are a few things that you need to bring along:
- Finished work on Ontario’s Health Insurance Benefits Registration Form
- one original document demonstrating your Canadian citizenship or OHIP eligibility
- proof of your identification in the form of an authentic document
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Students in Canada?
Costs for student health insurance may vary from area to area. They may also differ from one insurance company to the next. However, the average annual cost of health insurance coverage is typically between $700 and $1000.
Related Article: Is UHIP a Government Health Plan?
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canada necessitates a student health insurance plan. Health insurance is not only an extra layer of security for you. But, it also cuts any spending you must do during health emergencies.
Here at BCML, we accept insurance payments and deliver top-quality healthcare treatments in return. Contact 416-929-1900 to book an appointment and discuss insurance payment plans.