EGE Insurance Canada · Licensed Insurance Brokerage · Toronto

International Student
Insurance in Canada

International student insurance in Canada is essential for anyone studying on a study permit. Your coverage depends on your province, school, and program, and Canada has no single national plan that covers all students. As a result, EGE Insurance compares 15+ Canadian insurers to find the right plan, with up to $5M coverage, $0 deductible options, and family add-ons available.

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5,000+ families protected · Est. 2015
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Why students trust EGE Insurance

Up to $5M Coverage
Comprehensive plans covering both emergency and non-emergency care.
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Family Add-On Available
Add your spouse, partner, or children to most plans.
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Why It Matters

Everything You Need to Know About International Student Insurance

We compare international student insurance plans from top Canadian insurers and explain coverage clearly so you can select the right policy for your study period in Canada.

Why Student Insurance Matters

Health rules differ by province, and not every school provides coverage to international students. As a result, a private plan is essential to protect you from unexpected medical bills while you study in Canada.

  • Reduces out-of-pocket medical costs
  • Covers you during your full study period
  • Peace of mind for students and families

How EGE Insurance Helps

As a licensed brokerage, we explain what your province and school require. In addition, we help you choose the right coverage limits and walk you through the process, including adding family members if needed.

  • Clear guidance, no confusion
  • Help choosing deductible and coverage amounts
  • Option to include spouse/partner and children

What Plans May Include

Coverage depends on the insurer and policy selected. However, many student insurance plans include both emergency and non-emergency medical support for international students, so you are protected in most situations.

  • Emergency & non-emergency medical care
  • Doctor services & follow-up visits
  • Emergency evacuation & repatriation

Coverage Details

What Student Insurance May Cover

Depending on the plan you choose, international student insurance in Canada can help with eligible medical expenses and services throughout your studies.

Emergency medical treatmentNon-emergency careDoctor servicesUp to 5 follow-up visitsEmergency evacuationAccidental death & dismembermentTuition reimbursementUp to $5M coverage

Who Typically Needs Student Insurance

  • International students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program
  • Students whose province or school doesn't provide coverage
  • Students adjusting coverage between semesters
  • Students wanting to add a spouse/partner or children
  • Students up to age 44 with a valid study permit
  • Anyone needing IRCC-compliant medical coverage while studying

Coverage is subject to policy terms, exclusions, eligibility, and insurer approval.

Province by Province

Does Your Province Cover International Students?

Canada has no single national health plan for international students. Consequently, coverage is decided province by province, which is therefore the single biggest factor in whether you need private international student insurance and for how long. You can review IRCC's study permit requirements for more on what is expected of students entering Canada.

ProvincePublic Coverage?Waiting PeriodWhat to Budget
OntarioUHIP requiredNone - coverage starts at enrollment~$792/year, billed with tuition. See UHIP details
British ColumbiaMSP (public)~3 months from arrival~$237 bridging plan during the wait. See BC MSP info
AlbertaAHCIP (public)~3 months from arrivalPrivate interim cover, then free AHCIP after wait. See AHCIP info
ManitobaMandatory student planVaries by institutionManitoba International Student Health Plan premium
QuebecReciprocity-dependentDepends on home countryPrivate plan required unless your country has a reciprocity agreement
Nova ScotiaNo public coverageNot applicable~$650/year private coverage
New BrunswickConditionalFull academic year enrollment requiredBasic Medicare only extended private coverage recommended
PEIAfter 3 months residency3 months minimum stay requiredPrivate coverage required at the start of your stay

Provincial rules and waiting periods change. EGE Insurance confirms the exact requirement for your specific province and school before you buy.

Pricing

How Much Does Student Insurance Cost in Canada?

Without insurance, a single uninsured emergency room visit in Canada can cost $1,000 to $5,000. Moreover, a hospital stay can add $3,000 or more per day. As a result, private international student plans represent a fraction of that financial risk.

University-mandated plans like UHIP typically run $600 to $1,200 per year. In addition, private plans purchased independently are usually priced monthly based on the level of coverage selected.

Plan TierApprox. Monthly CostBest For
Basic$40 – $70Emergency medical only, minimal extras
Standard$70 – $120Emergency + non-emergency care, follow-ups
Premium$120 – $250Dental, vision, mental health, family add-ons

Rates vary by age, province, insurer, and deductible selected. EGE Insurance compares 15+ Canadian insurers to find your most accurate rate.

Know the Difference

Student Insurance vs. Visitors Insurance

Understanding which coverage applies to your situation ensures you get the right protection for your time in Canada.

Recommended for Students

Student Insurance

Designed specifically for international students studying in Canada. Furthermore, it is tied to your study-permit duration and province or school requirements, so it is always IRCC-compliant.

  • Covers both emergency & non-emergency care
  • Coverage up to $5,000,000
  • $0 deductible options available
  • Can add spouse/partner and children

Visitors Insurance

For tourists, relatives, and short-term visitors. However, it is emergency-focused only and is not tied to study permits or school requirements, so it does not fulfill student coverage needs.

  • Emergency medical only
  • Suitable for tourists and general visitors
  • Various plan durations available
  • Does not fulfill student coverage needs

Not sure which applies? EGE Insurance can help confirm the correct option for your situation.

View Visitors Insurance

Got Questions?

International Student Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Province & Coverage Questions

What if my province or school doesn't provide coverage?
In that case, you will typically need to buy private health coverage from a Canadian insurance company. For example, provinces like Nova Scotia don't offer public coverage to new international students at all. Similarly, provinces like BC and Alberta have a roughly 3-month waiting period before public coverage begins. As a result, EGE Insurance will help you choose an option that fits your province and study period.
Do international students get free healthcare in Canada?
Not automatically. Coverage depends entirely on your province of study. For instance, some provinces like Alberta extend free provincial coverage (AHCIP) to international students after a waiting period. Others, like Ontario, require a mandatory paid plan such as UHIP. Furthermore, a few provinces like Nova Scotia offer no public coverage to new international students at all, meaning private insurance is therefore required for the full duration of your stay.
What is UHIP and do I need it in Ontario?
UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is the mandatory health plan for international students at most Ontario universities, including the University of Toronto, Western, McMaster, and Queen's. It typically costs around $792 per year and is billed automatically with tuition. Additionally, it starts from your enrollment date with no waiting period. However, UHIP covers emergency and medically necessary care only, which is why many students consequently add a supplemental private plan for dental and prescription drugs.
Can I include my spouse or children on my plan?
Yes, many student insurance plans allow you to add a spouse, partner, and children during the application process, depending on the insurer and plan type. However, keep in mind that university-mandated plans like UHIP typically require each dependent to be enrolled and billed separately.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Some international student insurance plans can offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, depending on the insurer's rules, how long the condition has been stable, and the plan selected. Therefore, EGE Insurance will confirm what applies to your specific situation before you buy.

Cost, Policy & Eligibility Questions

How much does student insurance cost in Canada?
University-mandated plans like UHIP typically cost $600 to $1,200 per year. In contrast, privately purchased plans are usually priced monthly: basic emergency-only coverage runs roughly $40 to $70 per month, while standard plans with non-emergency care run $70 to $120 per month. Moreover, premium plans with dental, vision, and mental health coverage run $120 to $250 per month. As a result, EGE Insurance will provide a quote based on your exact province, age, and coverage needs.
What is a deductible and how does it work?
A deductible is the amount you pay toward eligible medical expenses before the insurer pays. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and incur $2,000 in eligible costs, the insurer covers $1,500. However, some student insurance plans offer a zero deductible option. Consequently, EGE Insurance can help you decide what makes sense for your budget.
Can I adjust coverage between semesters?
Yes, some student insurance plans allow you to adjust or pause coverage between semesters, such as during summer breaks. However, the options available depend on your specific insurer and plan. Therefore, EGE Insurance will help you understand what is available for your situation before you commit.
What happens to my coverage after I graduate?
Your student insurance generally ends when your study permit expires or your program ends. If you then switch to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you can apply for provincial health coverage. However, most provinces apply a roughly 3-month waiting period before that coverage begins. As a result, private interim insurance is strongly recommended to avoid any coverage gap during this transition.
Does student insurance cover an uninsured emergency room visit?
A single emergency room visit in Canada without insurance can cost $1,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, a hospital stay can add $3,000 or more per day. A properly selected student insurance plan is designed to cover these emergency costs. Consequently, coverage should be in place before your arrival date in Canada, not after.

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As a licensed brokerage, EGE Insurance compares international student insurance plans from top Canadian insurers so you can find coverage that fits your program, province, and budget.

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