As an international student, you have likely read that health insurance is a requirement in Canada for both international students and university staff members. While this may seem daunting as a new student, there are health insurance programs across Canada which are designed to provide cost-effective care to international students and also for their spouses and dependents who travel to Canada.
You may also purchase overseas health insurance from your home country before traveling to Canada. Your university will require proof of this insurance before you are allowed to officially start classes.
Here we will look at various costs for international health insurance coverage across Canada. We will also cover some of what you can expect from your health insurance plan and how to begin your sign up process.
Cost Range for Health Insurance Cost for International Students
Exact costs and coverage will depend on the province you plan to live in and the plan type you choose. For example, the current rate for international students and university employees in Ontario is $63 per month, per person. This comes out to $756 yearly for each person covered under the plan. The Other provinces have costs closer to $50/month and up to $75/month. These rates are due to Ontario’s participation in the University Health Insurance Plan.
It is also important to note that some expenses will not be covered fully or could even require an additional supplemental insurance. For example, routine dental work is often not covered under most health insurance plans. Physical therapy, eye exams, and prescriptions are other common items that are not likely to be covered.
Types of Health Insurance Plans by Province
If you plan to study in Ontario, you will likely be covered under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This plan is specific to the province and provides similar coverage to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) which is for residents. All Ontario universities participate in this plan with the notable exception of the University of Windsor.
In other provinces you will be able to select an insurance plan from an insurance company like Greenshield or Sun Life. Insurance plan types for international students include:
International Travel Medical Insurance
International travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that is for anyone who is traveling abroad including international students. Along with medical coverage for both emergency and non-emergency services, this plan also offers advantages that are especially beneficial to travelers.
This includes things like international coverage, not just in Canada. Additionally, you may also get insurance for lost luggage and other travel assistance. You should purchase this type of insurance in your home country before leaving for Canada. Make sure to check what the plan covers and bring proof of your insurance with you as your university will require this.
International Student Health Insurance
This type of insurance is specifically designed to meet the primary needs of students who are attending school outside their home country. A variety of services are covered under this type of insurance including emergency services, medical evacuation, and treatment for sports injuries which is useful for student athletes.
These plans are often cheaper than other types because they are geared towards single, young, and healthy students. Students who fit these categories do not require extra coverage for dependents and are less likely to need medical attention than other groups.
International Major Medical
Major medical offers flexible coverage options and can help treat and manage pre-existing conditions along with new medical needs. It is a good option for long term coverage as it can be renewed every year whereas some province based plans may have limits on how long coverage can last.
Insurance for Dependents and Spouses
If you are traveling to Canada with a spouse or other dependents, you can add them to your health insurance policy. This is typically a simple process that will involve some key documentation like proof of when your spouse or dependents arrived in Canada.
What is Covered Under International Student Health Plans?
Coverage can vary greatly depending on which province you are studying in and the plan you choose. Generally, you can expect all emergency services to be covered including medically necessary hospital stays and prescriptions you use while in the hospital.
Supplemental Insurances
Prescriptions: Prescriptions are often not included in a standard health insurance plan. However, Canada strives to keep the costs of prescriptions down by negotiating with the companies making the medications so they are often still affordable without coverage.
Dental, Hearing and Vision: Non-emergency dental and vision services are not often covered in a standard health insurance plan. If you do require emergency medical treatment due to an injury or other damage such as developing an abscess in your tooth, this will typically be covered by your standard insurance but a regular checkup will not be. Supplemental insurance will cover the costs of things like eye exams and regular dental checkups.
Other Items: Other services that are likely to not be covered or limited are chiropractic services, cosmetic surgery, some elective surgeries, and physical therapy. If you are concerned about any of these areas, you may want to look into other supplemental plans.
What is Covered?
Coverage, like costs, will vary from province to province but you can generally expect that all emergency care will be covered. Other commonly covered items include diagnostic services, psychiatric treatment, paramedic services, some counseling services. It is important to remember that you may still owe a copay or will need to reach a certain level of out of pocket costs before insurance will cover the rest.
Get Help with Your International Student Health Insurance
Navigating the world of health insurance can be difficult but BCML is here to help. We provide a wide range of non-emergency medical services including routine dental work, diagnostics and testing, along with physical therapy, and x-rays.
Call our team of caring physicians at 416-929-1900 to schedule an appointment today.