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Compare International Student Insurance in Canada and Buy Online

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. Compare JF and Manulife prices side by side and buy online. A licensed advisor can help whenever you want.

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  • Covers the gaps before UHIP or a school plan starts
  • Spouse and children can be covered
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WHY EGE INSURANCE

What you get with EGE Insurance

  • Instant quotes, $0 feeCreate your account to see every plan and price, each insurer named, cheapest first.
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  • More choiceWe compare 15+ Canadian insurers side by side, not just one company.
  • Advice in your languageLicensed advisors in 8 languages help you choose and answer every question before you buy.
  • Help after you buyYour policy in your EGE Insurance account, and one team to call for changes, renewals and claims.
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WHAT YOU'LL SEE

Your Instant Student Insurance Quote

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  • Every plan and price, cheapest first, once you create your account with your mobile number.
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Sample prices

International student, age 22 · Ontario · 12 months

  1. 1JFStandard International Student$584.00for 12 months
  2. 2JFElite Plus International Student$657.00for 12 months

Real prices from EGE Insurance Quoter, run Oct 10, 2026. Yours depend on age, dates and health.

Why students trust EGE Insurance

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Comprehensive plans covering both emergency and non-emergency care.

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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. 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 treatment Non-emergency care Doctor services Up to 5 follow-up visits Emergency evacuation Accidental death & dismemberment Tuition reimbursement Up 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 medical coverage that meets IRCC's rules 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$948/year for 2026–27, 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)From the date you establish residency, if eligible (apply within 3 months)Private coverage until AHCIP is confirmed. 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 ScotiaMSI (public), after 12 monthsFrom the first day of the 13th month (study permit of 12+ months)See exact prices
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.

School Plans

School-Provided Insurance Plans

Many Canadian universities and colleges automatically enroll international students in a mandatory health insurance plan. The most widely known example is UHIP in Ontario, but equivalent programs exist at schools across the country.

UHIP in Ontario

UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) is mandatory for international students at Ontario universities. Rates below are the ones UHIP publishes on uhip.ca. Key facts about UHIP in 2026:

  • Cost: $948 for the 2026–27 year, September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027 ($79 per month) for a single student. Family coverage is available at additional cost.
  • Enrollment: Automatic upon enrollment at a participating Ontario university. No application required.
  • Waiting period: None. Coverage starts on your arrival date or the 10th of the month before your studies begin, whichever is later.
  • Coverage: Up to $1,000,000 per policy year. Covers physician visits, hospital stays, diagnostics, and some paramedical services.
  • Gaps: UHIP does not cover dental care, vision care, prescription drugs outside hospital, or most mental health services beyond a limited number of sessions.
  • Not available at: Ontario colleges and some smaller universities. Students at non-UHIP institutions must purchase private insurance.

Other School Plans Across Canada

Outside Ontario, many universities and colleges partner with private insurers to offer student health plans. Common providers include Guard.me, Manulife. These plans vary significantly in coverage amount, what they include, and whether enrollment is mandatory or optional. Always confirm what your specific school offers before arriving in Canada.

School plans often have gaps. Even when a school plan is provided, it may not cover the period between arrival in Canada and the start of classes, or it may have low coverage limits and exclusions. Private insurance from EGE Insurance is often used to supplement school coverage or cover the pre-enrollment period.

Private Coverage

When Do International Students Need Private Insurance?

Private insurance is essential for international students in several specific scenarios. Understanding when you need it prevents the financial disaster of an uninsured medical event.

  • During a provincial waiting period. Some provinces make new students wait before public coverage starts, for example about 3 months in British Columbia and 12 months in Nova Scotia. Private insurance can cover this gap.
  • In Ontario and Quebec. Most international students in these provinces are not eligible for provincial health coverage at all. UHIP covers Ontario university students but not all college students. Quebec students without a reciprocal agreement need private coverage throughout their studies.
  • Before classes begin. There is often a gap between arrival in Canada and the start date of the school plan or provincial coverage. A short-term private policy covers this gap.
  • To supplement school plans. School plans often have low coverage limits or exclude dental, vision, and mental health services. Private insurance fills these gaps.
  • For students at schools without mandatory plans. Not every school in Canada provides a mandatory health plan. Students at these institutions are entirely responsible for their own coverage.
  • For dependants accompanying the student. School plans typically only cover the enrolled student. Spouses and children may need their own coverage: at Ontario schools with UHIP, eligible dependants must be enrolled in UHIP, and visitors insurance can cover dependants who are not eligible or a gap.

Training to fly? Some policies exclude flying. See insurance for aviation students.

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. 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.

Private plans purchased independently are usually priced monthly based on the level of coverage selected.

Prices depend on age and coverage: get your exact price.

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. It is tied to your study-permit duration and province or school requirements, so it is built around student needs; confirm the plan meets your school’s and province’s rules.

  • 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 may not meet your school’s or province’s requirements; check before relying on it.

  • 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

After Graduation

Insurance After Your Study Permit Ends

Graduation is a critical time for insurance coverage. When your study permit expires and you transition to a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or leave Canada, your school plan and any provincial student coverage end. Do not allow your coverage to lapse. You can review the official PGWP eligibility rules on the Government of Canada PGWP page.

Key Scenarios After Graduation

  • Transitioning to a PGWP: Provincial coverage after graduation depends on your province and your work. In Ontario, for example, work permit holders need full-time work for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months, and there is no OHIP waiting period once eligible. Check when your current coverage ends and insure any gap.
  • Getting a job with employer benefits: Many employers offer health benefits but they typically start after a probationary period of 3 months. Private insurance covers you during this gap as well.
  • Leaving Canada temporarily: If you leave Canada between your study permit expiry and PGWP activation, you may lose coverage on re-entry. Confirm your coverage status before any international travel.
  • Returning to your home country permanently: If you choose not to stay in Canada after graduation, ensure you have travel insurance for the return journey, particularly if you have any outstanding medical conditions.

Do not let coverage lapse. An uninsured medical incident during the PGWP waiting period can create significant financial liability and may affect your immigration status in Canada. Private interim insurance is inexpensive relative to the risk. EGE Insurance can set up same-day coverage to bridge any gap.

Step by Step

How to Get Private Student Insurance in Canada

Getting private health insurance as an international student in Canada is straightforward. EGE Insurance handles the entire process and can issue coverage the same day.

  1. Determine the exact coverage period you need. Calculate from your arrival date to the start date of your school plan, provincial coverage, or employer benefits. This prevents over-purchasing and ensures no gaps.
  2. List all pre-existing medical conditions and medications. Accurate disclosure is legally required. Omitting a condition can void the entire policy at the time of a claim.
  3. Choose a coverage amount. For a waiting period, many students choose $100,000 of emergency medical coverage. For full-year coverage without a school plan, consider $100,000 to $300,000, depending on your school’s requirements, any existing coverage and your budget.
  4. Contact EGE Insurance. Call (416) 477-1516 or visit egeinsure.ca/international-student-insurance/. Your advisor will compare plans from Manulife, TuGo, GMS, and others and issue the coverage letter the same day.
  5. Purchase before arriving in Canada. Buying before arrival usually avoids a waiting period for sickness, which some insurers apply when insurance is bought after arrival.

EGE Insurance advisors speak 8 languages including Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Pidgin. For international students who are more comfortable discussing complex insurance questions in their first language, this makes the process significantly easier. Call (416) 477-1516

Key Takeaways

Summary: International Student Insurance in Canada 2026

  • International students in Canada are not automatically covered by provincial health plans. Coverage depends on province, program length, and school.
  • Ontario and Quebec do not provide provincial health coverage to most international students. Ontario university students use UHIP ($948 for 2026–27).
  • Some provinces have a waiting period before provincial coverage begins. Private insurance can cover it.
  • School plans like UHIP cover the basics but typically have gaps in dental, vision, prescriptions, and mental health.
  • There is often a gap between arrival in Canada and the start of school coverage. Buying private insurance before arriving usually avoids a waiting period for sickness.
  • After graduation, provincial eligibility depends on your province and your work. Do not let insurance lapse.
  • Dependants accompanying the student may need their own coverage, such as UHIP family enrolment in Ontario, or visitors insurance if they are not eligible. School plans typically only cover the enrolled student.
  • EGE Insurance issues same-day coverage from 15 or more Canadian insurers. Advisors speak 8 languages including Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Pidgin.

Got Questions?

International Student Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure? Ask EGE AI any time, or call (416) 477-1516, Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

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.

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