In
2018, more than 572,000 students from 168 countries were enrolled in Canadian
schools ranging from secondary to postgraduate levels—16 per cent more than the
previous year and 154 per cent more than in 2010. And there are more to come.
The
reason for such phenomenal increases: Canada’s highly regarded, quality
educational system; its reputation as a tolerant and non-discriminatory society;
and the lure of Canada as a permanent home after graduation.
In
fact, 60 per cent of international students surveyed by the Canadian Bureau of
International Education (CBIE) plan to pursue permanent residency in Canada
upon graduation. And there is every reason to welcome them, as in 2018 Canada’s GDP benefited by an
estimated $21.6 billion from international student tuitions and fees, living
costs, family visits, entertainment, and so on. (Aside from survey
data collected by CBIE, all other figures cited are from official Canadian
government sources).
But if you’re one of those aspiring students, you need to realize that Canada is a huge and diverse country. It does not have a universal or monolithic educational system as schools are largely subsidized by their provincial governments, and the rules, admission requirements, and fees differ from one province to another.
The one constant factor is that regardless which province you choose for your education, you will first need a study permit and a student visa from the federal government to make any application to any school. I recommend, as a first step, you check out the basic ground rules at on the Canadian government’s website.
In
addition, there are non-academic concerns that need to be addressed early on in
your financial planning and school selection process, chief among them being
the need for appropriate health insurance that fits your specific needs in the
particular province you have chosen to pursue your studies. This can be
confusing if you try to navigate it on your own. Best to connect with
Canadian-based insurers who specialize in private health insurance tailored for
students’ needs and who know the territory.
Health
insurance is mandatory—but not simple
Health
care in Canada is very expensive, and though all Canadian residents have access
to high-quality, comprehensive, government-administered insurance, foreign
students are not always eligible for these health benefits. And except for a
few narrowly defined situations, you may have to endure a mandatory three-month
waiting period before any benefits are active—during which private insurance is
necessary. That’s where connecting to Canadian-based insurers is so important.
First,
understand that Canada does not have a single unified health system that covers
all of its residents universally. Instead, health insurance is a provincial
responsibility and the rules of coverage, fees, and residency requirements
differ from province to province—although the coverage provided in all plans is
quite comprehensive and covers virtually all medically necessary services, preventive
as well as emergent.
How
do international students fit into Canada’s health insurance matrix?
Most
provinces will allow international students to join their public plans, but the
conditions vary. In British Columbia, the province with the second-largest
cohort of international students, the monthly fee for enrollment in BCMS as of
January 2020 will be $75, but only after a three-month residency waiting period.
In
Saskatchewan, international students are eligible to apply for a health
insurance card (free) so long as they have the appropriate study permit and visa.
But there may still be a waiting period of up to six weeks or more for
processing—during which private insurance will be required.
In Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, similar access to public provincial plans is available, in some cases for a monthly buy-in fee, in others no fee. But here too, a three-month waiting period or an application processing delay will require private insurance.
In Ontario, the province that hosts almost half of Canada’s international students, the public Ontario Health Insurance Plan is unavailable to them. Public universities require their international students to enroll in a UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) while private universities and colleges provide private insurance for their students. The UHIPs require an annual fee and provide coverage that is somewhat similar to the public OHIP. But many conditions apply, so it’s wise to work with brokers who know the student’s territory.
Quebec,
which is home to the world-renowned McGill University, has fashioned bilateral social
services agreements with several European countries allowing their students to
enjoy the benefits of the public Quebec insurance (Régie de l’assurance maladie du
Québec). For those outside of these treaty arrangements, private
insurance is available.
And
in Prince Edward Island, international students are not eligible for the public
insurance plan but private insurance is available to them, as it’s ultimately
available to any student, traveller, or short- or long-term visitor.
The Canadian education landscape is a great mosaic, as young people from virtually every country in the world are realizing. But like everything great, it’s not always simple. Get help when and where you can.
Are you an international student? Let us help you feel at home while you study abroad. We cover all your health insurance needs, give you easily accessible resources for navigating the healthcare systems, provide physical and mental wellness support through the Stay Healthy at School program, 24/7 claim services should you need assistance, and much more. For individual student travellers, get a quote here
https://www.studyinsured.com/studyinsured/en/category/international-students/compare . For more information or for a group quote, call us at 1-855-649-4182 or email us at studentteam@studyinsured.com.
