International student insurance

Health coverage for international students in Canada.

Q: Am I covered by the provincial health plan as a student?

Provincial health coverage for international students varies by province and study permit length, with some provinces providing coverage, others not, and several applying waiting periods after arrival.

Q: My school has a plan — do I still need this?

School-provided student health plans vary in coverage level, start date, and whether they cover breaks or travel, so they should be compared against private coverage before deciding.

Q: What does student health insurance cover?

International student health insurance typically covers physician visits, hospital care, diagnostics, prescriptions, and emergency treatment, with limits and exclusions set by the individual policy.

Q: Can my family visiting me be covered too?

Family members visiting an international student require visitor to Canada insurance or super visa insurance rather than a student plan, depending on the length of stay.

Q: How soon should I buy it?

International student coverage should ideally be purchased before arrival so it is in force from the arrival date, particularly in provinces with waiting periods and where schools require proof at registration.

Medical insurance for students studying in Canada — covering the care provincial plans don’t, from day one on campus.

The basics

Why do international students need their own coverage?

Because provincial health coverage for international students is limited, delayed, or unavailable depending on the province — and without it, a single illness or injury can cost thousands.

Some provinces cover international students; others don’t, and several impose a waiting period after arrival. Many schools require proof of medical insurance to register. Student plans fill exactly that gap — emergency and routine care while your studies are the priority.

From day one

Coverage that starts on arrival, including provinces with waiting periods before any public coverage.

Meets school requirements

Documentation many Canadian institutions ask for at registration.

Built for students

Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and emergencies — at student-friendly pricing.

Get covered

Quote student coverage in minutes.

Answer a few questions and see pricing right away. If you’re not sure whether your province or school already covers you — call first, and we’ll check before you buy anything you don’t need.

Instant quote

International student health insurance

Get a quote on our insurance partner’s secure form — coverage designed for students studying in Canada.

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Quote student coverage → or talk to Harpreet first

The quote and application are provided by our insurance partner and completed on their secure form above. Coverage, eligibility, pricing, and terms are set by the insurer and subject to the policy; information you enter goes to the insurer, not to us. Questions before you buy? Book a free call — there’s no extra cost for going through a licensed advisor.

Common questions

Questions people ask

Am I covered by the provincial health plan as a student?

It depends on the province and your permit length. Some provinces cover international students, some don’t, and several apply a waiting period after arrival. Check your province’s rules — private coverage fills the gap either way.

My school has a plan — do I still need this?

Sometimes the school plan is enough; sometimes it’s thin or starts late. Compare what it covers, when it starts, and whether it covers you during breaks or travel within Canada before deciding.

What does student health insurance cover?

Typically doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostics, prescriptions, and emergency treatment, with specifics and limits set by the policy. Review the exclusions — especially anything related to a pre-existing condition.

Can my family visiting me be covered too?

Yes — but under a different product: visitors to Canada or super visa insurance, depending on how long they’re staying. Different coverage, different rules.

How soon should I buy it?

Before you arrive, ideally. Coverage should be in force from your arrival date, especially in provinces with a waiting period, and many schools ask for proof at registration.

Let’s talk

Studying in Canada, properly covered.

Quote it yourself in minutes — or book a free call and we’ll check what your province and school already provide before you spend a dollar.

Book a free call → See all the protections

Harpreet Singh · Licensed advisor (LLQP, Ontario) · Proudly Canadian. This page is general information only — not insurance, medical, or immigration advice. Coverage is subject to eligibility, the application, and the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the individual policy, which vary by insurer; provincial health coverage rules for international students vary by province and can change. Quotes and applications are completed on the insurer partner’s platform. Speak with a licensed advisor about what is appropriate for your situation.