Health Insurance for International Students in Canada: Is It Free?

Are you an international student planning on studying in Canada? Need to know how health insurance for students in Canada works so you can find out if you're eligible for free health care?

Well, as it turns out, the rules of healthcare in Canada differ greatly by Canadian provinces. Some provinces offer coverage and others will not, so it's important to study up on health insurance options.

In this article, we're covering everything you need to know about health insurance for students in Canada, so you can make an informed decision about insurance.

International Student Health Insurance

As mentioned above, answering "Is health insurance for students in Canada free" isn't as easy as "yes" or "no". Here are some things you need to know about health insurance, so you can determine your insurance eligibility.

Insurance Options Differ by Province

While Canada may have a public healthcare system that offers health citizens and permanent residents, this right is not always extended to temporary residents like international students. Each province has the power to decide whether or not to extend these rights to international students.

Here are some of the provinces that offer health coverage to international students, and a breakdown of their coverage options.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba and New Brunswick

Some Provinces Offer No Insurance Options

As you apply to Canadian universities, it's important to know that some provinces will not offer you any type of health care coverage. If you are applying to universities in any of these provinces, you will not be eligible for Canadian health care:

If your university is in one of these areas, don't be discouraged! International students may still be able to apply for health care coverage. Quebec, for example, has bilateral social service agreements with European countries, so students from those countries can apply to receive healthcare services.

If you are not eligible for these kinds of health care coverage, you'll most likely need to obtain private insurance. Your university may offer their own coverage plans, however, so there may be options. Consult them after you've been accepted and ask what coverage options may be available to you.

Medical Insurance Costs Differ by Province

It's important to know that the price of health care differs greatly by province. Here are some provinces and the ways in which their medical insurance costs differ:

New Brunswick

Quebec

Saskatchewan and Alberta

British Columbia

Private vs Public Health Insurance

In general, public health insurance is consistent across the board in terms of the services offered. Some provinces, however, will offer additional services like dental coverage and prescription services.

Provinces and the health insurance companies are only required to provide the services listed in the Canada Health Act, which does not include vision and dental care.

Private insurance is more expensive than public insurance, but it provides wider coverage. This insurance covers dental and vision care, which may be essential for certain international students.

The costs of the clinics involved are mostly covered by your private insurance company, which typically pays 80% of the costs.

Final Thoughts

The transition to college isn't easy, especially when you have to consider health insurance for students in Canada. That's why it's important to study up on health insurance, so you know what options are available to you, and how your insurance policy will work.

Are you in need of private insurance for your education? Not sure where to start? Get a quote now for the lowest insurance rates in Canada.