Province & Coverage Questions
Can I buy student insurance on this site?
Yes. Create your account with your mobile number to compare every plan and price, then buy online. Some plans are completed with a licensed advisor, who can also help whenever you want. Online quotes are for Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. See how buying insurance online works.
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, Nova Scotia covers eligible international students only from the 13th month, and British Columbia has a waiting period of about 3 months. 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. In Nova Scotia, eligible international students are covered only from the first day of the 13th month, so private insurance is needed for the first year.
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. For the 2026–27 year (September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027) UHIP costs $948, about $79 a month, and is billed automatically with tuition. It starts on your arrival date or the 10th of the month before your studies begin, whichever is later, with no waiting period. UHIP covers emergency and medically necessary care only, which is why many students 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?
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 may be able to apply for provincial health coverage, depending on your province and your work. Check when your current coverage ends; private interim insurance can cover any 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. 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.
Do international students need health insurance in Canada?
Yes. International students in Canada are not automatically covered by provincial health plans. Coverage depends on your province of study, program length, and whether your school provides a mandatory plan. In Ontario and Quebec, most students are not eligible for provincial coverage at all. In other provinces, rules and waiting periods vary. Private insurance is essential for any gap in coverage.
Does OHIP cover international students in Ontario?
No. International students in Ontario are not eligible for OHIP. Most Ontario universities automatically enroll international students in UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan), which costs $948 for the 2026–27 year and covers up to $1,000,000 in medical expenses with no waiting period. Students at colleges not covered by UHIP must purchase private insurance separately.
Is there a waiting period for provincial health coverage for international students?
In some provinces. British Columbia has a waiting period of about 3 months, Nova Scotia covers eligible international students from the first day of the 13th month, and Alberta can cover eligible students from the date they establish residency. Ontario and Quebec do not provide provincial coverage to most international students at all. Manitoba is one of the few provinces with minimal or no waiting period. Always verify with your provincial health authority before arriving.
Can international students use Visitors to Canada insurance?
Yes. Visitors to Canada insurance from Canadian insurers is a common and effective option for international students, particularly during waiting periods and pre-enrollment gaps. EGE Insurance provides emergency medical insurance for students from Manulife, TuGo, GMS, and other Canadian insurers. Coverage can be issued the same day and purchased before arriving in Canada.