Comprehensive Health Insurance Options for Students in Canada

What does health insurance cover?

Private health insurance covers the expenses that government healthcare does not.

Extended health insurance can cover:

Health insurance for international students

If you’re an international student, you may or may not receive coverage through the province that your school is in—each province has its own rules. 

If you are not eligible for healthcare under this plan, you need to look into private health insurance options to cover your healthcare needs. Your university may offer a student group health insurance plan and you should look into purchasing an emergency travel medical plan if you haven’t done so already. 

Student group health care plan

Your university or college usually has a contract with a health insurance provider for group health insurance. The cost to participate in this program will be outlined in your student fees. If you are an international student, this program may be mandatory. 

Emergency travel medical plan 

Your student health plan may cover you during the semester, but it may have coverage restrictions if you travel outside of the province where your school is located or it may only cover you while classes are in session. To make sure you’re fully protected as an international student, you should purchase emergency travel medical insurance for students. This insurance will pay for emergency medical care as well as prescriptions while you are away from your home country.

Do students get free healthcare in Canada?

In Canada, healthcare access for students varies depending on the province and the student’s residency status. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are students generally receive provincial health coverage at no extra cost. 

However, international students often do not automatically qualify for free healthcare. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Saskatchewan, allow international students to enroll in their public healthcare plans, but they may still need to pay monthly premiums or enroll in private insurance for additional coverage. 

Other provinces, like Ontario, typically require international students to purchase private health insurance or enroll in a health plan provided through their school.

Are mental health services covered under student health insurance?

Yes, most student health insurance plans in Canada cover mental health services, though the extent of coverage varies by plan. Many include access to counseling, therapy, and mental health support programs either on-campus or through partnered providers. 

Coverage limits may apply, so students might need to pay a portion out-of-pocket or seek additional private insurance if they need extended care. Provincial health plans in some regions also cover basic mental health services for eligible students.

What can I do if I’m 25 and no longer covered under my parents?

Some health insurance plans will allow you to stay on your parent’s health plan, even as an adult. You might be allowed to stay on your parent’s plan: 

• Until age 18 or 21
• Until age 25 if you are a full-time student

If you get married, you may no longer be eligible for your parents’ plan. Once it’s official that you can no longer mooch those sweet free benefits, you’ll have to get your own plan. 

When you need to set up your own health insurance, you can go for two options. 

Option 1: Tap into your school’s health insurance plan 

Sign up for your student group health insurance plan that’s administered through your student government (most cost-effective)

Option 2: Buy your own health insurance

Apply for private extended health insurance that is personalized to your needs (most comprehensive coverage).

You may choose both options if you have complex health needs and require more coverage. In either case, premiums for the “student” age group are generally inexpensive because when you’re young, you have fewer health expenses in comparison to older age groups. 

Should I opt out of my student health plan?

It depends. The bottom line is, you should arm yourself with some kind of coverage so you’re not stressing over exams AND medical expenses. Health insurance gives you that peace of mind, knowing that if you have even a small accident (like falling off an electric scooter after one too many at the student pub), your expenses will be covered.

You might opt out of your student health plan if:

• You are fully covered under your parent’s plan
• You are fully covered under a spouse’s plan 
• You are fully covered under your own private health insurance plan

Keep in mind that some student group plans may have specified enrollment dates, usually in the fall or spring. In the case that you’re relying on your parent’s coverage and you turn 25 halfway through the school year, you might be without coverage until the following enrollment period.

You should not opt out of your student health plan if: 

• You do not have other health insurance coverage in place
• You have complex health needs that cause frequent health expenses
• You don’t want to coordinate benefits with your other plans (although coordinating benefits means you pay almost $0 out-of-pocket)

Am I covered if I go to school out of province?

If you are a Canadian and go to school outside of your home province, your provincial coverage will extend for the usual emergency services. However, you may have to pay upfront and submit the receipt later on to get your money back.

Additionally, each province has a standard of what they will reimburse for each emergency service. For example, one province may have a $75 fee for ambulatory services, whereas another charges $300. 

If you have extended medical insurance, each company has different rules about out-of-province services. Your health insurance provider may decide: 

• You are NOT covered for any out-of-province medical procedures, services, or treatment. For example, your regular teeth cleaning wouldn’t be covered.
• You are covered for but only up to the limit dictated in your home province. For example, BC has a standard dental cleaning price, whereas Alberta dentist’s prices vary. If you are from BC and get your teeth cleaned in Alberta, your dental coverage limit will be the limit set for BC, meaning you could have to pay for the difference.

It’s always best to check your extended health insurance policy documents to see exactly what it covers and where. If you are not sure how to access that information, reach out to your broker or one of our agents.

What happens if I don’t have health insurance as a student?

If you don’t have health insurance as a student in Canada, you may face high out-of-pocket costs for medical care, as basic services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care can be expensive without coverage. 

Some provinces offer limited public health coverage for international students, but if you’re ineligible, private health insurance is essential. Additionally, many schools offer affordable student health plans that provide coverage for essential services, which can be especially helpful during unexpected medical needs.

What does medical insurance policies cover?

Most travel medical insurance policies typically cover:

• Emergency medical treatment for illness or injury
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental treatment services
• Essential medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, slings, braces, etc.)
• X-rays and other diagnostic laboratory procedures (bloodwork, ultrasounds, etc.)
• Required ground, air, or sea ambulance services
• Follow-up post-medical appointments with healthcare providers
• Medical evacuation
• Ambulance travel to the nearest hospital
• Meal expenses and accommodations while waiting for medical care

Many countries, including Canada, will make sure that you have some sort of international student health insurance plan in place before entering the country and beginning your studies.

How much does health insurance for students cost?

If you are a student, chances are you are young and healthy and that means you’ll get a great rate for health insurance. Each plan will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but you can expect to pay about $50-$100 per month for a private health insurance plan.

If you have coverage through your school or student union, you should expect to pay less as group plans have cheaper rates. This is why it’s usually best to stick with your student plan if you are eligible—it’s the most cost-effective option for students.

Factors that affect the price of health insurance include: 

• Medical history 
• Age
• Province of residence/location 
• Policy plan details

Get a quote for student health insurance 

To get an accurate price, it’s best to get a personalized quote. At PolicyAdvisor.com, we have a great, instant, online tool that can help you shop the best rate for health insurance policies.

We know that as a student you’re likely on a tight budget, so let us help you save every penny you can on your policy! Book a call with one of our friendly expert insurance advisors today to chat about protecting your personal and financial health today!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Am I covered if I go to school out of province?

Your province may cover some out-of-province doctor visits and emergency medical care, but they do not usually cover things like ambulance services.

You may have to front some of the cost and you may be reimbursed by your provincial health care plan at a later date. Your private, extended, or group plan may not cover you outside of your home province. 

Am I covered if I go to school outside of Canada?

If you are traveling outside of the country, your provincial or private health insurance will not cover your medical expenses. You must purchase travel medical insurance. This might be included in extended health insurance automatically, but not always. Check your coverage details.

If it does not come included in your existing health insurance policy, we can help you shop for the best emergency travel medical insurance on the market! 

How do I file a health insurance claim?

Some health insurance plans pay the service provider (doctor, pharmacist, physiotherapist, etc.) directly, while others pay you back later. Imagine you need medicine from the pharmacy. If your insurance covers it directly, the pharmacy sends the bill to them. You pay only a part of the cost.

But if they don’t cover it directly, you pay the full price and then send the receipt to your insurance company. They give you some money back for the medicine. If you have to file a claim, contact your insurance company’s claims submission page.