Assurance sante etudiante au 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. 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 runs its own health plan. Your university will require you to have health insurance — either provincial, university-administered, or private. Understanding your options before arrival 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, check our accommodation guide.

Provincial Health Coverage: Province by Province

Ontario — OHIP (Not Covered)

OHIP does not cover international students. You must purchase UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan). Cost 2026:

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

UHIP covers doctor visits, hospital, emergency, diagnostics. Does not cover dental, vision, prescriptions, ambulance, or mental health counselling.

British Columbia — MSP (Covered After 3-Month Wait)

MSP covers students with study permits for 6+ month programs. 3-month waiting period. After that: free. Need private insurance during the wait. Covers doctor visits, hospital, emergency. No dental, vision, prescriptions, ambulance.

Quebec — RAMQ (Some Countries Only)

RAMQ covers students from countries with social security agreements (France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, etc.). Others must buy university insurance: CAD$800–$1,100/year.

Alberta — AHCIP (Covered, Free)

Covers students with 12+ month study permits. Free. No waiting period. Register at an Alberta registry agent.

Saskatchewan — Covered, Free

Students with 6+ month programs. Free. No waiting period.

Manitoba — 6-Month Wait

Covered after 6-month waiting period. Private insurance needed during wait.

Nova Scotia — Not Covered

Must purchase university health plan: ~CAD$900–$1,100/year.

New Brunswick — Covered, Free

Study permit 12+ months. Free. No wait.

Summary Table

Province	Covered?	Wait	Cost
Ontario	No	—	UHIP: CAD$684–$756/yr
British Columbia	Yes	3 months	Free
Quebec	Some	None	Free / CAD$800–$1,100
Alberta	Yes	None	Free
Saskatchewan	Yes	None	Free
Manitoba	Yes	6 months	Free
Nova Scotia	No	—	CAD$900–$1,100/yr
New Brunswick	Yes	None	Free

University Supplementary Health Plans

Most universities offer a supplementary plan covering what provincial plans do not:

• Prescription drugs: 80–100% coverage
• Dental: 70–80% for basic care, up to CAD$500–$750/year
• Vision: CAD$100–$200/year
• Mental health: CAD$500–$1,000/year
• Paramedical: Physio, chiro, massage. CAD$300–$500/year
• Ambulance: Transport fees covered
• Travel insurance: Emergency care outside Canada

Cost: CAD$200–$500/year. Auto-enrolled via tuition. Opt-out possible with proof of equivalent coverage.

How to Use Your Insurance

Seeing a Doctor

Walk-in clinics accept patients without appointments. Show your health card. No payment at point of service. Campus health centres also accept provincial cards and UHIP.

Emergency Room

For genuine emergencies. Covered by all plans. Wait times: 2–6 hours for non-critical issues.

Prescriptions

Filled at pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Walmart). Show your supplementary insurance card. Typical co-pay: 20%.

Filing Claims

For dental, vision, paramedical: pay upfront, submit receipt online. Reimbursement: 5–10 business days.

Coverage During Travel

Provincial plans cover emergencies in other provinces but not fully. Outside Canada: check if your supplementary plan includes travel insurance. If not, buy separate travel insurance.

Mental Health Resources

• Campus counselling: Free, 6–12 sessions/year.
• Crisis lines: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 (24/7, free).
• Telehealth: Virtual therapy through Inkblot, Dialogue, BetterHelp.
• Peer support: Student volunteer programs at most universities.

Dental Care Tips

Dental care is expensive. Cleaning: CAD$200–$350. Filling: CAD$150–$400. Root canal: CAD$800–$1,500.

• Get a cleaning early while your annual coverage is full.
• Use university dental clinics (discounted care by supervised students).
• Complete major work before arriving in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do international students get free healthcare?

Depends on the province. Free in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland. Not free in Ontario, Nova Scotia. Free after wait in BC (3 months) and Manitoba (6 months).

What is UHIP?

Mandatory health plan for Ontario international students. Covers doctor, hospital, emergency. CAD$684–$756/year.

Does UHIP cover dental?

No. You need the university supplementary plan for dental, vision, and prescriptions.

Can I opt out of the university health plan?

Usually yes, with proof of equivalent coverage. Opt-out window: first 2–4 weeks of semester.

What about BC's 3-month wait?

Buy private insurance for the first 3 months. Many BC universities arrange temporary coverage.

How do I find a doctor?

Walk-in clinics or campus health centre. For a family doctor: use your province's doctor search tool.

Is ambulance covered?

Most provinces charge ambulance fees (CAD$45–$530). University supplementary plans usually cover this.

What if I need emergency care while travelling?

Provincial plans cover emergencies in other provinces (partially). Supplementary plan covers the rest. Keep receipts.