Is healthcare in Canada free for International students?
Getting medical support is an important part of your international student life. While Canada’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, there are some restrictions for international student coverage depending on the province you study in.
Here is all the information you need to see if you are eligible for free healthcare as an international student in Canada.
What is the Healthcare System in Canada Like?
Canada’s universal healthcare is funded through Medicare, a system that must comply with the five pillars of the Canada Health Act:
- Universality – Can be accessed by all Canadian residents.
- Publicly Administered – This is a nonprofit service.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers medically necessary services (determined province to province).
- Portability Across Provinces – Extended coverage between provinces and, to a degree, outside the country.
- Accessibility – Access to health services should be reasonable, uniform, and without financial or other barriers.
Canada’s healthcare will cover any visits to the hospital and doctor, but, in general, will not cover any prescriptions, vision services, or dental care for international students.
Does Canada Have Free Healthcare for International Students?
As mentioned, depending on which province you are studying in, you may have access to free health coverage or healthcare at a premium. However, if you’re studying in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec (with some exceptions), and the Yukon, you may have to purchase private health insurance or receive coverage through your school.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for International Students in Canada?
If you study in a province that doesn’t offer healthcare coverage, it is important that you have health insurance. For many provinces, it’s a requirement. That way, if you’re injured or become sick while you’re studying in Canada, you won’t have to pay for your treatment and medication (which can sometimes be quite high) from your own pocket.
How Much Does Medical Care Cost in Canada for International Students?
Without health insurance or provincial health coverage, you can face significant fees depending upon the health condition that requires attention. Fees may vary:
- Doctor’s appointment – $120 or more
- Emergency room visit – $1,000 or more
- Hospital visit – $3,700 or more
In comparison, international student health insurance costs typically range from $600 to $900 per year.
Healthcare in Canada for International Students by Province
Here’s an overview of which provinces offer free healthcare for international students as well as the eligibility criteria for each one:
Alberta
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
If you are 18 years or younger, you will have to be added to a legal guardian or caretaker’s Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) account.
To receive AHCIP, international students must have the following:
• A minimum 12-month study permit to a valid Alberta institution
• Must plan to live in Alberta for at least 12 months
If you have a less than 12-month study permit, you may still be eligible for AHCIP if you have a letter from your school that confirms your enrollment, and that you will be living in the province for at least 12 months.
Learn more about how to apply for AHCIP here.
British Columbia
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
If you are studying in British Columbia, here are the requirements for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP):
- Mandatory by law for all provincial residents who are staying for 6 months or longer
- Accompanied by a monthly coverage fee, if you have an international study permit.
MSP for international students is mandatory as soon as you arrive. You must apply while you are in the province. It is also recommended that you get private health insurance while you wait for full coverage, which usually takes 3 months.
Learn more about how to apply for MSP here.
Manitoba
Free healthcare for international students? No
Eligibility Criteria:
Manitoba requires mandatory coverage for international students under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP). To be eligible you must:
- Be enrolled in courses in a valid program associated with the coverage period (depending on your university)
- Have a valid study permit
Once you are registered for your first term as a student at your school, you will receive your MISHP card via email.
For more information about MISHP, visit the MISHP website or contact your international student centre.
New Brunswick
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
New Brunswick offers New Brunswick Medicare for international students. To be eligible you must:
- Be enrolled in full-time studies at a designated post-secondary institution. For more information, consult this list from the Government of Canada.
- Have a valid Canadian Immigration Document
For more information, see the International Student section of the Government of New Brunswick’s Medicare Coverage page.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
To be covered by Newfoundland’s Medical Care Plan (MCP), international students must have:
• A study permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada that is valid for at least 12 months
• Confirmation letter of full-time enrolment in a valid Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution
For more information, consult the International Student Section of the Newfoundland MCP page.
Northwest Territories
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
Applying for health insurance for students covered by Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC) requires:
- A valid study permit
- Confirmation of enrolment in a post-secondary school in the Northwest Territories for at least 12 months
For more information, please see the Northwest Territories’ NWTHC page.
Nova Scotia
Free healthcare for international students? Yes, with some restrictions
Eligibility Criteria:
Nova Scotia only offers public healthcare to anyone living in the province for at least 12 months. Otherwise, it is not available to international students until after your first 12-month period studying at your school. However, many schools will provide coverage for your first year.
For more information see the Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) page.
Nunavut
Free healthcare for international students? Yes, with some restrictions
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Nunavut Healthcare Plan, international students must:
- Have a valid student visa for one year or more
- Must be enrolled in a Nunavut post-secondary institution
- Must have a Nunavut address
For more information see the Nunavut Healthcare Plan page.
Ontario
Free healthcare for international students? No
Eligibility Criteria:
While Ontario does not offer public healthcare for international students, a majority of Ontario universities offer coverage through the University Health Insurance Plan. These costs are lumped into student tuition fees. See your university’s international student centre for more information.
For more information see the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) page.
Prince Edward Island
Free healthcare for international students? Yes, with some restrictions
Eligibility Criteria:
To receive healthcare coverage in PEI, international students must:
- Be physically present in PEI when applying for the PEI health card
- Reside in PEI as their primary residence for at least six months and one day every year
- Have a passport
- Have a study permit that shows eligibility to work off-campus
- Proof of enrollment at a PEI post-secondary institution for the year
For more information, see the Prince Edward Island Health Card page.
Quebec
Free healthcare for international students? No; some exceptions.
Eligibility Criteria:
If you are studying in Quebec, the province offers free healthcare coverage through Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for international students who are from 10 of their partner countries.
International students from countries who do not fall under this list are typically given healthcare coverage through their post-secondary school.
If you don’t receive coverage through your school or RAMQ, you are required to purchase private health insurance.
For more information, see the Province of Quebec’s RAMQ page.
Saskatchewan
Free healthcare for international students? Yes
Eligibility Criteria:
To receive healthcare coverage from the province of Saskatchewan, international students need:
• Proof of full-time enrolment for at least 6 months at a valid Saskatchewan post-secondary institution
• A valid study permit
For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s Health Card page.
Yukon
Free healthcare for international students? No
Eligibility Criteria:
International students do not receive coverage from Yukon’s healthcare plan. However, if you study at Yukon College, you will be automatically enrolled in their mandatory group health insurance for the duration of your studies.
For more information, see your international student centre.
Other Considerations for Healthcare Coverage:
Whether you receive coverage through your provincial healthcare plan, your school, or a private insurance company, here are some other considerations to keep in mind:
Travel health insurance
Travel insurance for international students in Canada can be purchased before you decide to travel abroad. For inter-province travel, if you have a valid health card, you will generally be covered. It is important that you get healthcare coverage for any trip outside of the country so you can avoid unnecessary costs in case you need medical support.
Transferring medical and immunization records
Speak to your doctor or health clinic in your home country and make sure you have a copy of:
- Your medical records
- Necessary prescriptions for ongoing medication
- Immunization records
It is important that you have these records on hand, as they may be necessary for certain co-op programs, or for certain school immunization requirements.
Non-urgent Health Support
If you are looking for non-urgent health support that may not require a doctor’s visit, dial 811 from any province to get toll-free health information and advice from registered nurses in Canada on the next steps and what you can do.
Mental Health Support for International Students
Taking care of your mental health is important. There are many resources for getting support at any point during your studies. Whether you are adjusting to life in Canada, experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or need support in general, there are resources available at your school’s student centre.
There are also many online options available including:
- 7 Cups – A free online mental health and therapy platform. Payment is only required for regular therapy sessions.
- Wellness Together Canada – A 24/7 free and confidential mental health resource.
- Talkspace – A low-cost, online therapy platform.
Studying Safely with Healthcare Coverage
It’s worthwhile looking into what kind of health insurance you have access to as an international student in Canada. Ultimately, making sure you have the right coverage allows you to focus on your studies and your future career without unnecessary stress.
Looking for more guidance on picking courses, your IELTS test, or your studies? Check out Northfield & Associates’s Student Services that cover:
Keep up to date on the latest tips for international students in Canada and follow Northfield & Associates Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers should seek tailored legal advice in relation to their personal circumstances.
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