Canada has no single health plan for international students. Whether you are covered by the public plan, how much you pay and whether you face a waiting period all depend on the province where you study, and sometimes on your school. This guide compares every major province for 2026 so you can budget correctly and avoid a gap in coverage.
Quick Answer
- No premium (if eligible): Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick (full-time students), Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island after a waiting period.
- Paid public plan: British Columbia charges an international student health fee of CAD $75 a month.
- Mandatory student plans: Ontario (UHIP at most universities), Manitoba (MISHP) and Nova Scotia (school plans).
- Quebec: public coverage only for students from countries with a social security agreement; everyone else buys private or school insurance.
Coverage and Cost by Province
| Province | Public plan for students? | Approximate cost | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No, UHIP at participating universities | About CAD $948 a year (2026–27) | Colleges often use private plans instead |
| British Columbia | Yes, MSP with a fee | CAD $75 a month | Possible waiting period after arrival; check MSP rules |
| Alberta | Yes, if eligible | No premium | Eligibility conditions apply |
| Saskatchewan | Yes, if eligible | No premium | Coverage may start on the first day of the third month |
| Manitoba | No, MISHP required | About CAD $1,200 to $1,320 a year | Rate set by the plan each year |
| Quebec | Only with a social security agreement | CAD $0 or private cover | Check the RAMQ list of agreement countries |
| Nova Scotia | No, school plan required | About CAD $650 to $1,283 a year | Plan depends on the school |
| New Brunswick | Yes, full-time students | No premium | Must be full-time |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | No premium | 3-month waiting period |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes (MCP) | No premium | Eligibility conditions apply |
Figures are approximate and change each year. Confirm with your school's international office and the provincial health ministry.
Covering the Gaps
Even where the public plan covers you, two gaps are common:
- Waiting periods: in provinces where coverage starts weeks or months after arrival, buy private insurance for that time. Private student plans are often around CAD $58 a month.
- What public plans do not cover: prescription drugs, dental, vision and ambulance costs are usually not covered. Many schools add a supplementary plan, often a few hundred dollars a year.
How to Budget
- Studying in Alberta or New Brunswick: budget for supplementary cover only.
- Studying in British Columbia: budget CAD $900 a year plus private cover for any waiting period.
- Studying in Ontario or Manitoba: budget roughly CAD $950 to $1,320 a year for the mandatory plan.
Health insurance is a separate cost from the living-cost amount you must show for your study permit. Use our Canada Proof of Funds Calculator to plan the rest of your first-year budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of UHIP in Ontario?
Usually not. Most participating universities enrol international students automatically.
Does my health insurance count toward proof of funds?
No. Proof of funds covers tuition, living costs and travel. Insurance is an extra expense.
What if I get sick before my coverage starts?
Without private insurance you pay the full cost. Buy a plan that starts on your arrival date.
The Bottom Line
Your health insurance cost in Canada ranges from nothing to more than CAD $1,300 a year depending on the province. Check your province's rules, cover any waiting period with private insurance and add supplementary cover for drugs and dental care.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not insurance or immigration advice. Provincial rules and prices change; confirm with your school and the provincial health ministry.
Sources: Student-Insurance.com: Canada guide 2026; CanadaSmarts: Health insurance costs by province.