International Student Insurance in Canada

Yes. Visitors and most international students are not covered by free provincial health care when they arrive, and one hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars a day. Depending on your province and school you will be covered by a mandatory school plan (such as UHIP), a provincial plan after a waiting period, or private student insurance that you buy yourself.

No. International students in Ontario cannot get OHIP based on their student status. Ontario universities enrol them in UHIP, public colleges use their own mandatory plans, and students at private career colleges or language schools usually need to buy private student insurance.

From September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027, UHIP costs $948 a year for an individual (up from $792) and $2,844 for a family of three. It covers up to $1 million a year for basic medical care, and is charged to your student account each term.

Most private career colleges and language schools in Ontario do not include health insurance. You should buy an international student plan that covers you from the day you arrive until your program ends. We can quote plans for students across Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto and the rest of Ontario.

Yes. In BC, MSP coverage starts after the rest of the month you arrive plus two more months. The Government of BC says students should carry private insurance until MSP begins. Use the checker on this page to see the exact dates.

Plans usually cover emergency hospital care, doctors, diagnostic tests, prescriptions for an emergency, ambulance and repatriation. Many also include some mental health, dental for accidents and tuition refund if you can't finish a term because of illness. Pre-existing conditions, routine care and pregnancy are often limited. Always read the policy wording before you buy.

Yes. Buy it as soon as possible, ideally before you travel. Plans bought after arrival may have a short waiting period before illness is covered, while injuries are usually covered right away.

Yes. Family plans cover your spouse and children. In Ontario, dependants living with a UHIP student must be enrolled in UHIP separately. In BC, each family member pays the $75 monthly MSP fee.

School plans and UHIP usually end when you are no longer a student. If you stay on a post-graduation work permit you may not have provincial coverage right away, so you'll need private insurance to fill the gap. Ask us before your school plan ends.

For applications from September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), IRCC asks for $23,448 for a single student for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel. A family of 2 needs $29,192 and a family of 3 needs $35,888. Use the proof-of-funds tool on this page.

Yes. Visiting parents are not covered by any provincial plan. Visitors to Canada insurance covers emergency medical care for their trip.