Student Health Insurance in Canada 2026

Health insurance in Canada works differently from most other countries. Canada has a public healthcare system (Medicare), but coverage for international students varies dramatically from province to province. In some provinces, you are eligible for the public plan. In others, you are completely excluded and must buy private insurance. Getting this wrong can cost you thousands of dollars for a single hospital visit. This guide explains exactly what coverage you get in each province, what university health plans cost, and how to avoid gaps.

Canada does not have a single national health insurance card. Each province and territory runs its own health plan with its own eligibility rules. An international student studying in British Columbia has different coverage than one in Ontario, even though both hold valid study permits. Your university will almost certainly require you to have health insurance — either through provincial enrollment, a university-administered plan, or private coverage. Understanding your options before you arrive saves money and prevents emergencies from becoming financial disasters.

For a broader overview of student life in Canada, see our Canada study guide. For accommodation costs and budgeting, check our accommodation guide.

Provincial Health Coverage: Province by Province

Here is a summary of how each major province treats international students under its public health insurance plan in 2026:

Ontario — OHIP (Not Covered)

Ontario's public plan (OHIP — Ontario Health Insurance Program) does not cover international students. This is the most important fact for students heading to Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, or any Ontario university. You must purchase a university-administered health plan called UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) or an equivalent plan mandated by your school.

UHIP is administered by a private insurer (currently Sun Life or Morcare) and coordinated through Ontario universities. All full-time international students at Ontario universities and colleges are automatically enrolled in UHIP. The cost for 2026:

• Single student: CAD$684–$756 per year (approximately CAD$57–$63 per month)
• Student + spouse: CAD$1,620–$1,800 per year
• Student + family: CAD$2,160–$2,400 per year

UHIP covers medically necessary services including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations. It does not cover dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, ambulance fees, or mental health counselling beyond what a physician provides. For these, you need supplementary coverage (see the university health plan section below).

British Columbia — MSP (Covered After Wait Period)

British Columbia's Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers international students who hold a valid study permit for a program of six months or longer. Coverage begins after a three-month waiting period from the date you establish residency in BC. During those first three months, you need private health insurance.

MSP costs for international students in 2026: free. BC eliminated MSP premiums in 2020. Once enrolled, MSP covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and medically necessary diagnostics. It does not cover dental, vision, prescription drugs, or ambulance fees (ambulance costs CAD$80 for BC residents; CAD$530 for out-of-province emergencies).

Enroll for MSP through Health Insurance BC online or by mail. You need your study permit, passport, proof of address in BC, and your institution's enrollment letter. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

Quebec — RAMQ (Covered for Some)

Quebec's public plan (RAMQ — Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec) covers international students from countries that have a social security agreement with Quebec. As of 2026, these countries include France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden. Students from these countries can register for RAMQ at no cost.

Students from all other countries (including India, China, Nigeria, and most of the world) are not eligible for RAMQ. They must purchase insurance through their university or a private insurer. McGill, Concordia, Universite de Montreal, and Universite Laval all offer institutional health plans for international students. Costs range from CAD$800 to $1,100 per year.

Alberta — AHCIP (Covered)

Alberta's Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers international students who hold a valid study permit for a program of at least 12 months. Coverage is free. There is no waiting period — coverage starts from the date you register. Register through an Alberta registry agent office (these are located throughout the province). Bring your study permit, passport, and proof of Alberta address.

AHCIP covers physician services, hospital stays, and diagnostic tests. It does not cover dental, vision, prescription drugs, or ambulance services.

Saskatchewan — Covered

Saskatchewan Health covers international students with a valid study permit for programs longer than six months. Free. No waiting period. Register through eHealth Saskatchewan. Coverage: physician visits, hospital, emergency, diagnostics. No dental, vision, or prescriptions.

Manitoba — Not Covered (First 6 Months)

Manitoba Health covers international students, but there is a six-month waiting period. During the first six months, you need private or university-provided health insurance. After six months, coverage is free. Register through Manitoba Health.

Nova Scotia — Not Covered

Nova Scotia's MSI does not cover international students. Students at Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's, and other Nova Scotia institutions must purchase their university's health plan. Costs: approximately CAD$900–$1,100 per year.

New Brunswick — Covered

New Brunswick Medicare covers international students with a valid study permit for 12+ months. Free. Register at a Service New Brunswick office. No waiting period.

Newfoundland and Labrador — Covered

MCP (Medical Care Plan) covers international students with a valid study permit. Free. Register through MCP. No waiting period for most students.

Summary Table: Provincial Coverage

Province	Covered?	Wait Period	Cost
Ontario	No	N/A	UHIP: CAD$684–$756/year
British Columbia	Yes	3 months	Free (after wait period)
Quebec	Some countries only	None	Free (eligible) / CAD$800–$1,100 (others)
Alberta	Yes	None	Free
Saskatchewan	Yes	None	Free
Manitoba	Yes	6 months	Free (after wait period)
Nova Scotia	No	N/A	Uni plan: CAD$900–$1,100/year
New Brunswick	Yes	None	Free
Newfoundland	Yes	None	Free

University Health Plans

Regardless of provincial coverage, most Canadian universities offer (or require) a supplementary health plan for students. This plan typically covers what provincial plans do not:

• Prescription drugs: 80–100% coverage for prescription medications (after a small deductible or co-pay).
• Dental care: Basic dental (cleanings, fillings, extractions). Coverage typically 70–80% up to CAD$500–$750 per year.
• Vision care: Eye exams and eyeglasses/contacts. Typically CAD$100–$200 per year.
• Mental health: Psychologist or counsellor visits. Typically CAD$500–$1,000 per year.
• Paramedical services: Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy. Typically CAD$300–$500 per practitioner per year.
• Ambulance: Coverage for ambulance transport fees.
• Travel health insurance: Emergency medical coverage when travelling outside Canada during school breaks.

University health plan costs range from CAD$200 to $500 per year on top of any provincial plan or UHIP. These plans are usually managed by the student union or graduate student association and administered by insurers like Green Shield Canada, Sun Life, or Desjardins. Most plans automatically enroll all students and charge the fee on your tuition statement. If you have equivalent coverage from another source (such as a parent's plan or a spouse's employer plan), you can usually opt out during a designated window at the start of each academic year.

What Canadian Health Insurance Covers

Whether you are on a provincial plan, UHIP, or a university health plan, here is a summary of typical coverage:

Service	Provincial Plan	UHIP (Ontario)	University Supplementary
Family doctor visit	Covered	Covered	N/A (already covered)
Hospital stay	Covered	Covered	N/A
Emergency room	Covered	Covered	N/A
Specialist referral	Covered	Covered	N/A
Prescription drugs	Not covered	Not covered	80–100%
Dental	Not covered	Not covered	70–80% (basic)
Vision	Not covered	Not covered	CAD$100–$200/year
Mental health	Limited	Limited	CAD$500–$1,000/year
Ambulance	Varies	Not covered	Covered
Physiotherapy	Not covered	Not covered	CAD$300–$500/year

How to Use Your Health Insurance

Seeing a Doctor

Canada uses a referral system. Your first point of contact is a family doctor (general practitioner / GP) or a walk-in clinic. Walk-in clinics accept patients without appointments and are the fastest option for non-emergency issues. Show your provincial health card (or UHIP card) at the desk. You pay nothing at the point of service — the province or UHIP is billed directly.

Finding a family doctor in Canada is difficult — there is a nationwide shortage. Many international students rely on walk-in clinics and campus health centres throughout their studies. Campus health centres at most universities accept your provincial card or UHIP and offer same-day or next-day appointments for common issues.

Emergency Room

For genuine emergencies (severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, serious injury), go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Bring your health card. Emergency care is covered by all provincial plans and UHIP. Wait times can be long (2–6 hours for non-life-threatening conditions). For urgent but non-emergency issues, many cities now have urgent care centres with shorter waits.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are filled at pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Walmart Pharmacy, Costco Pharmacy, London Drugs). If you have a university supplementary plan, present your insurance card or policy number at the pharmacy. Most pharmacies can bill your insurer directly. Your co-pay is typically 20% of the drug cost.

Filing Claims

For services covered by your university supplementary plan (dental, vision, paramedical), you may need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. Most plans offer an online claims portal or a mobile app. Submit the receipt with the practitioner's name, date, service, and amount. Reimbursement typically takes 5–10 business days.

Coverage During Breaks and Travel

If you travel outside your province during school breaks, your provincial health plan may not cover you fully. Each province covers emergency care in other Canadian provinces, but the reimbursement rates vary. Out-of-country coverage is minimal or non-existent under provincial plans.

If you plan to travel outside Canada during breaks (visiting home or travelling), check whether your university supplementary plan includes travel health insurance. Many do. If yours does not, purchase a separate travel insurance policy. A medical emergency abroad without insurance can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Mental Health Resources

Mental health support for international students in Canada goes beyond insurance coverage:

• Campus counselling centres: Every Canadian university offers free or low-cost counselling services for enrolled students. Typically 6–12 sessions per year at no charge. Wait times vary (1–4 weeks for non-urgent). Many now offer same-day crisis counselling.
• Crisis lines: Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566), Crisis Services Canada, Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868). All free, available 24/7.
• Telehealth: Some university plans include virtual mental health platforms like Inkblot, BetterHelp, or Dialogue, offering unlimited or subsidized video therapy sessions.
• Peer support: Many universities run peer support programs where trained student volunteers offer confidential support.

Dental Care Tips

Dental care is expensive in Canada. A routine cleaning costs CAD$200–$350. A filling costs CAD$150–$400. A root canal costs CAD$800–$1,500. Your university supplementary plan covers basic dental, but the coverage has annual limits.

Strategies to manage dental costs:

• Get a cleaning and checkup within the first few months of arriving, while your annual coverage is full.
• Use your university's dental clinic if one exists — dental schools at University of Toronto, UBC, Dalhousie, and others offer discounted care provided by supervised dental students.
• Complete major dental work before arriving in Canada if possible.

Prescription Drug Coverage Details

Prescription costs are one of the biggest gaps in Canadian healthcare for international students. Without supplementary coverage, common medications can be surprisingly expensive:

Medication	Typical Cost Without Insurance	Your Cost With 80% Coverage
Antibiotics (10-day course)	CAD$15–$40	CAD$3–$8
Birth control (monthly)	CAD$20–$40	CAD$4–$8
Asthma inhaler (Ventolin)	CAD$10–$25	CAD$2–$5
Antidepressants (monthly)	CAD$15–$80	CAD$3–$16
EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector)	CAD$100–$300	CAD$20–$60
Prescription acne medication	CAD$30–$120	CAD$6–$24

If you take a regular medication, bring a 90-day supply from home and a letter from your doctor describing the medication (generic name, dosage, and condition). A Canadian doctor can then write a local prescription based on this letter. Some medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in Canada.

Generic drugs are significantly cheaper than brand-name versions in Canada. Ask your pharmacist for the generic version. Most insurance plans will only cover the generic cost if a generic is available.

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

If you face a medical emergency in Canada, follow this sequence:

1. Call 911. This is the emergency number across all of Canada. Available 24/7. Dispatchers speak English and French and can connect to translation services for other languages.
2. Go to the nearest emergency room. If you can travel safely, have someone drive you or take a taxi to the nearest hospital ER. Ambulance transport costs CAD$45–$530 depending on province.
3. Bring your health card. Your provincial health card, UHIP card, or supplementary insurance card. If you do not have it, you will still receive care — billing is sorted afterward.
4. For non-emergency urgent care: Many cities have urgent care centres with shorter waits than the ER. Use Telehealth Ontario (811), HealthLink BC (811), or Info-Sante (811 in Quebec) for nurse advice on whether your condition requires emergency care.

Emergency care in Canada follows a triage system. Patients with the most serious conditions are seen first. If your condition is not life-threatening, expect a wait of 2–6 hours. Bring a phone charger, water, and something to read.

Comparing Your Insurance Options

If you have multiple insurance options, here is how to evaluate them:

• Coverage scope: Does it cover hospital, doctor, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health? Provincial plans cover the first two. UHIP covers the first three. University supplementary plans cover everything.
• Annual limits: Most supplementary plans have per-category annual limits (e.g., CAD$750 for dental, CAD$500 for mental health). Higher limits are better if you expect to use those services.
• Deductible: Some plans have a deductible (amount you pay before coverage kicks in). UHIP has no deductible for physician services. Supplementary plans may have small deductibles for prescriptions.
• Provider network: Most Canadian insurance plans let you visit any licensed provider. There are no in-network/out-of-network restrictions like in the US system.
• Travel coverage: If you travel during breaks, check whether your plan covers emergency medical care outside Canada. If not, buy separate travel insurance (CAD$1–$3 per day).

Staying Healthy: Prevention Tips

• Flu shot: Free at pharmacies and clinics in most provinces from October to March. Highly recommended to avoid lost study time.
• COVID-19 boosters: Available at pharmacies. Free for all residents including international students.
• Sexual health: Campus health centres offer STI testing, contraception counselling, and free condoms. Sexual health clinics in most cities provide confidential, low-cost or free services.
• Exercise: Most Canadian universities include gym access in tuition fees. Use it. Regular exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, and combats winter blues.
• Nutrition: Campus food banks exist at most universities for students facing food insecurity. They are free, confidential, and open to international students. There is no shame in using them during tight months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do international students get free healthcare in Canada?

It depends on the province. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, international students are covered by the provincial plan at no cost. In Ontario and Nova Scotia, students must purchase UHIP or a university plan. In BC, coverage is free but starts after a 3-month wait.

What is UHIP?

University Health Insurance Plan. It is a mandatory health plan for international students at Ontario universities and colleges, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care. Cost: CAD$684–$756 per year.

Does UHIP cover dental and vision?

No. UHIP covers medically necessary physician and hospital services only. For dental, vision, prescriptions, and mental health, you need a supplementary university health plan.

Can I opt out of the university health plan?

Usually yes, if you have equivalent coverage from another source. Each university has an opt-out window (typically the first 2–4 weeks of the semester). You must provide proof of comparable coverage.

What do I do during BC's 3-month waiting period?

Purchase private health insurance for the first three months. Many BC universities arrange temporary coverage for incoming international students. Ask your university's international office.

How do I find a doctor in Canada?

Use walk-in clinics or your campus health centre. To find a family doctor accepting new patients, check your province's doctor search tool (e.g., Health Care Connect in Ontario, Find a Doctor in BC).

Is ambulance service covered?

It varies. In most provinces, ambulance fees apply even with a health card (CAD$45–$530 depending on province and circumstances). Your university supplementary plan usually covers ambulance fees.

What if I need emergency care while travelling in Canada?

Provincial plans cover emergency care in other provinces, but reimbursement rates may not cover the full cost. Your university supplementary plan typically covers the difference. Keep receipts and file a claim.