Students Studying in Canada Health Insurance

Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for all international students studying in Canada. Travel insurance is not comprehensive, as it often only covers accidents. You may be asked for proof of your health insurance on arriving to Canada by the Border Agents. Students are also required to submit a copy of the insurance plan when completing the annual enrollment agreement at our Canadian campuses.

Students are advised to enroll guard.me insurance to cover their stay in Canada. Please make sure your family members who will accompany you are also enrolled.

Insurance options in Canada varies across provinces.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan is not available for international students studying in the province.

Students are required to purchase a health insurance plan that is comprehensive and provides for the cost of health services, medical treatments, doctor’s visits, and prescriptions.  Northeastern University has partnered with guard.me insurance to provide students with comprehensive, affordable health insurance.

The NU guard.me insurance policy provides students with 24-hours a day, seven days per week support and a wide range of benefits for emergencies, new and emergent conditions, and medically necessary treatments. Your NU policy has also been designed to cover prescription medication for new and emergent conditions. You can also purchase insurance for your accompanying family members, as they will need to have insurance also.

You will need to purchase a minimum of 12 months prior to arrival, by clicking on this link. You will be required to show proof of insurance to attend the Toronto Campus as an international student. You will need to extend your policy before it expires as you are required to have coverage for the entire duration of your studies.

International students in BC are in most cases eligible for the provincial health coverage.

Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC.

Please note: there is a three-month wait period for this plan, and during this period students need to enroll a private insurance.  Some students choose to continue private insurance even after the MSP plan starts, to provide additional coverage.

Wait Period Coverage

Students are required to purchase a health insurance plan that is comprehensive and provides for the cost of health services, medical treatments, doctor’s visits, and prescriptions. Northeastern University has partnered with Guard Me insurance to provide students with comprehensive, affordable health insurance.

The NU guard.me insurance policy provides students with 24-hours a day, seven days per week support and a wide range of benefits for emergencies, new and emergent conditions, and medically necessary treatments. Your NU policy has also been designed to cover prescription medication for new and emergent conditions. You can also purchase insurance for your accompanying family members, as they will need to have insurance also.

You will need to purchase this insurance prior to arrival, by clicking on this link. You will be required to show proof of insurance to attend the Vancouver Campus as an international student.

Medical Service Plan (MSP) is mandatory for all BC residents pursuant to Medicare Protection Act. International students studying on a valid study permit for at least six months of the year in BC are eligible to enroll MSP.

1. Eligibility- Certain other individuals, such as some holders of Study and/or Work Permits, or Work Permits on Working Holiday Programs — which are issued under the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and are valid for a period of six or more months — may be deemed residents. Tourists or visitors to B.C. do not qualify.
2. Coverage Wait Period (3 months) -New (and returning) residents are required to complete a wait period consisting of the balance of the month in which residence in British Columbia is established, plus two months before benefits can begin. New or returning residents arriving from outside Canada should contact a private insurance company for coverage during this period.
3. Cost for international students -From Jan. 1, 2020, with the elimination of MSP premiums, the health-care coverage fee for all international students is $75 per month.

For more information and frequently asked questions, please refer to the BC government website.