How International Students Can Get Health and Travel Insurance in Canada: A 2026 Guide

Understand international student health insurance options in Canada, where provincial eligibility often requires a 12-month study permit. While some regions offer public health cards, students in provinces like Ontario and Manitoba typically need to purchase private coverage through their institutions. Always verify specific institutional rules and consider supplemental plans for extended benefits like dental and prescription drugs.

Private vs Public Insurance in Canada

In Canada, the availability of public health insurance for international students depends on their province of study and the length of their study permit, often providing only basic medical coverage. 

Private health insurance must be purchased through an academic institution or independent provider in regions where students are ineligible for provincial plans or to cover "extended" costs like dental and vision care. 

While some provinces allow students to transition to public coverage after a waiting period, many institutions automatically enroll students in private group plans to ensure they have valid coverage for the duration of their stay.

Health Insurance in Canada

Alberta

If you have a 12‑month study permit for Alberta, you can apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). If your study permit is shorter than 12 months, you may still qualify with a university letter confirming enrollment and the intention to stay in Alberta for 12 months. Coverage applies only to Alberta institutions, and you must cancel if you move or study elsewhere.

British Columbia

In BC, international students who live there for at least six months in a calendar year can join the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Students pay a monthly International Student Health Fee, and MSP applications typically take about three months to process. If you aren’t eligible for MSP, you’ll need private coverage, and many schools offer extended health plans.

Manitoba

Manitoba generally requires private health insurance obtained through your school or a private provider. If you hold a Canadian work permit (for co‑op, work, or post‑grad work), you may become eligible for provincial health care.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Medicare requires a study permit valid for 12 months and full‑time registration at a postsecondary institution. It provides basic coverage, so students often obtain extended private coverage or school plans for more comprehensive care.

Newfoundland and Labrador

All international students are automatically covered by the Foreign Health Insurance Plan. Students studying 12 months or longer may access basic coverage through Newfoundland’s Medical Care Plan (MCP). If you aren’t eligible for MCP, private coverage is common. Since MCP provides only basic coverage, many students consider extended plans.

Northwest Territories

NT health coverage (NWTHC) is available to international students who meet study permit and enrollment requirements. NWTHC does not cover extended benefits like dental, eyeglasses, or prescription medications, so private coverage to supplement may be wise.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, most international students must purchase health insurance in their first year, as permanent public coverage, Medical Services Insurance (MSI), isn’t available yet. Some schools require enrollment in their health plan. After 12 months, you may be eligible for MSI and can apply for a Nova Scotia Health Card; you may then opt out of the private plan.

Nunavut

There are currently no designated learning institutions in Nunavut for international students, and the public health plan details aren’t outlined here.

Ontario

International students are not eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Colleges and universities in Ontario typically offer health coverage you can purchase, with programs like the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) common for universities. Costs are often added to tuition.

Prince Edward Island

If you study and live in PEI for at least six months plus a day and can work off‑campus, you may apply for public coverage and obtain a provincial health card on arrival. You’ll need to join the Provincial Patient Registry to access a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Quebec

Quebec has a reciprocal arrangement with 11 countries to access Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for free basic coverage.Those countries are:

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Serbia
• Sweden

If you’re from one of those countries, ensure you have a certificate of coverage from your country and apply to RAMQ after arrival. If you’re not from a participating country, most schools automatically enroll international students in a group health plan, with costs often added to tuition.

Saskatchewan

Full‑time students can register for a Saskatchewan Health Card, which provides free basic coverage starting on the first day of the third month after arrival. Private coverage is recommended for the first two months in Canada.

Yukon

International students cannot enroll in Yukon’s public plan and must obtain private health insurance to cover their expenses during studies.

If you’re comparing plans, consider not only basic coverage but also extended benefits like dental, prescriptions, and vision, which are commonly needed. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, consult your institution's health plan pages and the official government health sites for the province or territory where you’ll study.

Travel Insurance in Canada

While international students must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay in Canada, travel insurance remains optional. This optional coverage protects you during your transit to and from Canada, offering assistance for issues like lost luggage or flight delays. You can explore plans through home-country insurance providers, airlines, or check if your credit card includes travel insurance as a benefit.