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Know About Overseas Students Health Cover in Canada
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Studying abroad requires a lot of planning and there are some prerequisites like obtaining health insurance. Being far from home and family while studying abroad is difficult, and if you get sick while there, it can be a nightmare. So, taking care of one’s health is important especially since your food and environment will change when you move to another country.
And if you’re going to Canada, getting an overseas student’s health cover is a must. Since medical bills can quickly get expensive, it is important for both students and parents to ensure that the students are properly insured during their stay abroad. Thomas Cook will tell you everything there is to know about Canada’s student health coverage. We will also aid you in purchasing your health insurance with our unique forex card.
The Canadian Health Care System
In Canada, healthcare is provided through a publicly funded system, which means that most medical services are covered by the government and paid for through taxes. Healthcare is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This coverage is known as “Medicare” and is administered by the different provinces and territories. Each province and territory have their own healthcare system, but all adhere to the Canada Health Act, which sets standards to be followed for healthcare insurance across the country.
The specific services covered and the rules for accessing them can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Still, in general, basic medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and most necessary procedures are covered. For example, all residents of Canada have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services, without direct charges. However, some services, such as prescription drugs and dental care, may not be fully covered and may require additional insurance or out-of-pocket payments.
Why Should Overseas Students Get Health Cover?
There are many reasons why it’s a good choice to get a student cover. We will help you decode some of them.
- Healthcare is expensive
Healthcare can be very expensive, especially for international students who may not be covered by the publicly funded healthcare system in Canada. Without insurance, students may be responsible for paying the full cost of any medical treatment or procedures they need, which can add up quickly. Insurance can help to mitigate these costs and ensure that students have access to the care they need without incurring overwhelming expenses.
- Unfamiliarity with the Canadian healthcare system
International students may not be familiar with the healthcare system in Canada and may not know how to access the services they need. Healthcare insurance can provide guidance and support to help students navigate the system and find the right doctors and specialists.
- Language barrier
Overseas students may have limited knowledge of the local language, which can make it difficult to communicate with healthcare providers. The official languages used in Canada are French and English. So, if you’re studying in an English-speaking province, it can turn out to be difficult in a province where French is the main spoken language. To help with this problem, some insurance plans offer translation services or have customer service representatives who speak multiple languages, which can make it easier for students to communicate with healthcare professionals.
- Peace of mind
Student insurance can provide peace of mind for international students and their families. Knowing that they are covered in case of illness or injury can help students focus on their studies and enjoy their experience in Canada.
Options Available for Getting an Overseas Student’s Health Cover
There are several options available for international students in Canada to obtain health insurance coverage, including:
- University-Sponsored Insurance
Many universities in Canada offer health insurance plans for international students as part of their tuition fees. These plans are typically mandatory for international students and provide coverage for basic medical services.
- Government-Sponsored Insurance
Some provinces and territories in Canada offer health insurance for international students through their publicly funded healthcare system. However, the eligibility and coverage for these plans may vary by province or territory.
- Private Health Insurance
International students can also purchase private health insurance from insurance companies. These plans can provide more comprehensive coverage than university-sponsored or government-sponsored plans and may include options such as coverage for prescription drugs and dental care.
With Thomas Cook’s dynamic forex card, you can avail of your desired insurance quickly and easily. We offer a one-currency forex card as well as a multi-currency card that safeguards you from inflated and hefty currency conversion charges. You can get insurance coverage of up to USD 10,000 with our student travel card.
Thomas Cook also offers travel insurance for international students. It provides coverage for medical expenses while travelling outside of Canada. This can be useful for students who plan to travel during breaks or vacation time.
Provincial Health Insurance Policies Available for Overseas Students
When planning for your studies in Canada, checking if the province you’ll be studying in, is present in the list of available overseas students’ health cover is crucial. Here is the list that Thomas Cook has curated for you.
| Province | Is Health Coverage Available? | Requirements |
| Alberta | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit Minimum 12 month residence in Alberta Students under 18 must be added to parent/guardian’s insurance Application must be made within 90 days of arrival in Alberta. Eligibility for 3-12 month study permit holders with intent to reside in Alberta for 12 months. |
| British Columbia | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit Must apply immediately after arrival Coverage begins after 3 months of arrival |
| Manitoba | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit Minimum 6 month residency |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Minimum 3 months residence Proof of full-time enrolment in studies at a New Brunswick university Valid study permit Date of arrival in New Brunswick. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit Can apply on first day of the 13th month after your arrival Must not have been outside the province for more than 31 consecutive days. |
| Ontario | No | – |
| Prince Edward Island | No | – |
| Quebec | No, with exceptions | Students from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal and Sweden may be eligible due to mutual agreements of Quebec with these countries |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment |
| Yukon | No | – |
It is important to consider the coverage, price, and any other benefits when choosing a health insurance plan. Some insurance plans may have a network of providers that you need to go to and may not cover out-of-network providers. Explore all the options and details with Thomas Cook and get the insurance according to your needs. With our services of forex and travel insurance, you can learn and experience Canada to your heart’s content.
