Ontario
No OHIP for students
Universities: mandatory UHIP ($948 a year from Sept 1, 2026). Public colleges: the college's own plan. Private career colleges and language schools: usually nothing, so you buy your own.
Quick answer
International students in Ontario aren't covered by OHIP. Universities enrol them in UHIP ($948 a year from September 1, 2026), public colleges use their own mandatory plans, and private career colleges and language schools usually include nothing, so students there need private student insurance. In BC, MSP starts after the rest of the arrival month plus two months, so you need private cover until then.
Interactive tool
Am I Covered? Check Your Province and School
Three questions show what covers you, when it starts and whether you need private student insurance.
A guide based on provincial and school rules published in 2026. Your school's international office has the final word on its plan. Provincial plans and UHIP don't cover most prescriptions, dental or vision, so many students also need extended health cover.
Province by province
Health Coverage for International Students in 2026
The provinces where we're licensed. Rules differ a lot, so check yours before you arrive.
British Columbia
MSP after a wait
Students in BC for 6+ months must join MSP. It starts after the rest of the arrival month plus 2 months, then costs $75 a month.
Alberta
AHCIP if 12+ months
A study permit of 12 months or more lets you apply for Alberta Health. Shorter permits need a school letter or private insurance.
Saskatchewan
Covered with a permit
Full-time students with a valid study permit can apply for Saskatchewan health coverage.
Manitoba
School plan
Manitoba Health doesn't cover international students. Schools enrol them in a mandatory plan.
Nova Scotia
MSI after 12 months
MSI starts on the first day of the 13th month of full-time residence. You need other cover for the first year.
New Brunswick
May qualify
Eligible full-time students can get NB Medicare. Stay insured until your card is active.
Ontario students
OHIP, UHIP or Private Student Insurance?
- OHIP: not available to international students based on student status.
- UHIP: mandatory at 22 Ontario universities, including Toronto, York, McMaster, Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan. $948 a year for an individual from September 1, 2026 (it was $792), up to $1 million of basic care a year.
- Public colleges such as Sheridan and Humber enrol international students in their own plan.
- Private career colleges and language schools usually don't. Students there need to buy a plan for the whole program.
- Extended health (prescriptions, dental, vision) is separate from UHIP and usually comes from the student union plan.
Studying in Mississauga or Brampton?
We help students at private career colleges across Peel and the GTA every term. Send us your school and dates and we'll compare plans.
WhatsApp usParents visiting for your graduation?
They aren't covered by any provincial plan. Visitor insurance covers emergency care for their trip.
Visitor insuranceBuy directly
Student Plans We Work With
Compare in the live quote, then buy directly from the insurer with our agent code.
- Secure Travel StudentStandard, Enhanced and Premium levels.
- 2 Visit Canada StudentStandard, Enhanced and Premium levels.
- MSH StudentSilver and Gold plans.
- Manulife StudentA Canadian insurer's student plan.
- Destination, Allianz and JF StudentAsk which fits your school, or buy directly.
What you get
What Does International Student Insurance Cover?
Typical benefits. Limits and exclusions vary, so read the policy wording before you buy.
Usually covered
- Emergency hospital stays and surgery
- Doctor visits and walk-in clinics
- Tests, X-rays and lab work
- Prescriptions after an emergency
- Ambulance
- Repatriation in a medical emergency
- Some plans: counselling, accidental dental, tuition refund
Often limited or excluded
- Pre-existing conditions that aren't stable
- Routine check-ups and eye exams
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Regular dental care
- Injuries from high-risk sports
- Care outside Canada beyond short trips
Planning your budget
Study Permit Proof of Funds 2026
For study permit applications from September 1, 2026, outside Quebec. This is on top of first-year tuition and travel.
Living costs to show IRCC$23,448
How it works
Get Covered in Four Steps
Check your gap
Use the checker to see what your school or province already covers.
Send your details
Date of birth, school, province and dates. We compare plans for you.
Buy before you fly
Pay online and get the policy by email, ready for your school.
We stay with you
Claims, refunds if you leave early, extensions and cover after graduation.
Common questions
International Student Insurance: FAQs
Do international students in Canada need health insurance?
Yes. Most international students aren't covered by provincial health care when they arrive, and one hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars a day. Depending on your province and school, you'll be covered by a mandatory school plan such as UHIP, a provincial plan after a wait, or private student insurance you buy yourself.
Are international students covered by OHIP in Ontario?
No. Ontario universities enrol international students in UHIP, public colleges use their own mandatory plans, and students at private career colleges or language schools usually need to buy private student insurance.
How much does UHIP cost in 2026?
From September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027, UHIP costs $948 a year for an individual (up from $792) and $2,844 for a family of three. It covers up to $1 million a year of basic medical care and is charged to your student account each term.
I study at a private college or language school. What insurance do I need?
Most private career colleges and language schools in Ontario don't include health insurance. Buy an international student plan that covers you from the day you arrive until your program ends.
Do I need insurance during the BC MSP waiting period?
Yes. MSP starts after the rest of the month you arrive plus two more months. The Government of BC says students should carry private insurance until MSP begins.
Can I buy student insurance after I arrive in Canada?
Yes, as soon as possible. Plans bought after arrival may have a short waiting period before illness is covered. Injuries are usually covered right away.
What happens to my insurance after I graduate?
School plans and UHIP usually end when you stop being a student. On a post-graduation work permit you may not get provincial coverage straight away, so you'll need private insurance to fill the gap. Ask us before your school plan ends.
How much money do I need to show for a study permit in 2026?
For applications from September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), IRCC asks for $23,448 for a single student for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel. A family of 2 needs $29,192 and a family of 3 needs $35,888.
Written and reviewed by
Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS
Pankaj is a licensed insurance advisor and a member of Advocis. He helps international students and their families in Ontario and six other provinces choose student, visitor and newcomer cover.
Editorial note: Provincial and school rules change. Confirm with your school's international office. Insure In Canada is a licensed insurance brokerage, not an immigration consultant.
Google reviews
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★“Mr. Pankaj Bhatia is very professional, knowledgeable and responsive. He helped me get the best Super Visa insurance, and his after-purchase service is amazing.”
★★★★★“Pankaj not only answered every single question that I had, he also educated me about potential risks and mistakes that people often make.”
★★★★★“Pankaj is never in a rush to sell the product and gives you time to think and ask relevant questions.”
Read our Google reviewsLeave a review
Insurance companies we compare
Get covered before your first class
Send your school and dates and we'll compare international student plans for you today.