It is not difficult for international students to purchase health insurance in Canada. But what could be challenging is to find a plan that meets your requirement and needs. If you have chosen to live outside, taking care of your health should be your utmost priority. Separating away from your family means you are the only one responsible for taking complete charge of your health. Shifting to a new country with no friends and relatives urges the need to buy health insurance which can guard you against unpredicted situations. Imagine a situation where you are the only one in your hard times, and you lose all your savings just because you were not well-prepared to face such a situation. We don't want you to regret and blame yourself just because you were ill-prepared. We have pointed out some of the areas which every student must check while choosing a great health insurance plan.
If you are planning to study in Canada, research whether provisional insurance exists in your intended area of study. Certain provinces offer provisional health coverage either free of cost or at a premium. In such a case, international students should apply for the province. If provincial healthcare insurance is not available, schools in Canada offer you the same.
Do all international students require health insurance?
Yes, all international students staying in Canada for at least one year or having a valid study permit are eligible for the Alberta Health Care plan.
Overview of the International Student Insurance:
No matter if you are covered under the Alberta Health Care plan, but you still have to purchase an additional health plan because:
Eligibility criteria for Alberta Health Care plan
You are eligible for coverage:
When should you apply for Alberta Health Care?
You must file for the application within three months of your arrival in Canada
- Alberta health care only covers only basic health care plans and does not cover dental care, treatment and prescription drugs.
- Those students who are not eligible under Alberta health care must purchase a private insurance plan from Affordable Travel Insurance.
- If an international student arrives without insurance coverage, this service is provided within five days of arrival to Canada.
- If you will live in the province for 12 months or longer and have access to a 12-month study permit at Alberta higher education.
- If you live in Alberta for one year and have a study permit for 3 to 12 months.
You have to purchase this insurance for yourself and the family member escorting you. Students under the age of 18 must be added to the AHCIP account of a custodian.
Unsure about the health care coverage due to temporary immigration documents, contact Alberta Health.
If you want more information about health care in Alberta, visit Alberta.ca.- Your coverage will start on your arrival to Canada if the application is accepted within three months.
- If the registration is not carried out within three months, Alberta Health and Wellness will decide the date when coverage becomes effective.
