Emergency medical care
Hospitalization, doctor visits, exams and ambulance for unexpected illness or injury during your studies.
Insurance for International Students in Canada
Medical coverage for the full duration of your studies
What's included in our insurance for international students in canada
Coverage and conditions vary depending on the plan chosen.
Prescription drugs after an emergency
Coverage for medications prescribed following a covered medical emergency.
Annual check-up
One routine medical exam per year, to keep an eye on your health while you study far from home.
Coverage during academic breaks
Protection maintained during school breaks when you stay in Canada.
Why choose Protecto for your insurance for international students in canada?
Advisors registered with the AMF, bilingual service, and online subscription in minutes, with Protecto.
Meets institution requirements
Our plans generally satisfy the insurance requirements of Canadian universities and colleges.
Student-friendly rates
Affordable options designed for international student budgets.
Bilingual service
Assistance in French and English to help you navigate the Canadian healthcare system.
Purchased in minutes
A quote tailored to your program of study and the length of your stay, online or with a financial security advisor.
Insurance for international students in Canada provides medical coverage for the full length of your studies, in the provinces where you have no access to the public health plans.
In several provinces, notably Ontario and Quebec, international students are not eligible for the provincial health plan. Private insurance is therefore mandatory.
Check your institution’s requirements
Before choosing a plan, confirm:
- Whether your province offers provincial coverage to international students
- Whether your institution has its own plan, and whether you can opt out of it
- The start date your coverage needs to have
What your student insurance covers
- Medical emergencies. Consultation, hospitalization, diagnostic tests and ambulance for an unexpected illness or injury.
- Medications prescribed following a covered emergency, up to the limits of the plan.
- An annual check-up, for routine follow-up during your studies.
- Academic breaks, as long as you stay in Canada during school holidays.
The exact protections vary by insurer and by the plan you choose. Non-urgent care planned in advance, routine dental care and undeclared medical conditions are generally excluded. Check your policy summary before you enroll.
What we offer
Our advisors compare the available options based on your province of study, the length of your program and your budget. The goal: find you coverage that meets your institution’s requirements, at a reasonable price.
Talk to a financial security advisor, or get your quote online in 3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need medical insurance in Canada?
Yes, in most cases. International students must have valid medical coverage while studying in Canada. Depending on the province and the school, this insurance may be provided by the school, by a provincial plan, or may need to be purchased from a private insurer.
Does provincial health insurance cover international students?
It depends on the province. Some provinces may offer public coverage to international students under certain conditions, while others require private insurance. In Quebec and Ontario, many international students are generally not eligible for the public provincial plan and must therefore arrange private medical insurance.
What does international student insurance cover?
International student insurance generally covers emergency medical expenses, such as medical consultations, hospitalization, examinations, ambulance services and certain medications prescribed following a covered medical emergency. The exact protections may vary depending on the insurer, the chosen plan and your situation.
When should I purchase international student insurance?
Ideally, insurance should be purchased before your arrival in Canada or before the date required by your school. It is important that your coverage begins as soon as you arrive or when your studies start, in order to avoid a period without medical protection.
My school already offers insurance. Should I still compare?
Yes, it is recommended. Some schools impose their own plan, while others allow you to choose an equivalent private insurance. Before subscribing, you should check your school’s requirements, whether you can opt out of the school plan, and the minimum coverage required.
Can I be covered during school breaks?
Yes, some plans can maintain coverage during academic breaks, provided you remain eligible under the terms of the contract. This is particularly useful if you stay in Canada between two sessions or during the holidays.
Does the insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
It depends on the chosen plan and the stability of the medical condition. Some insurance policies may exclude or limit coverage related to pre-existing conditions. It is important to correctly declare your medical situation and to check the terms of the contract before buying.
How do I choose the right international student insurance?
The right choice depends on your province of study, the length of your program, your school’s requirements, your budget and your health. At Protecto, an advisor can compare the available options and help you choose coverage suited to your stay in Canada.
Ready to buy your insurance for international students in canada?
Buy online in minutes, or talk to a financial security advisor.
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