Health insurance policies vary from province to province.
Students planning to study in Canada should research the availability of insurance in their intended province of study. Oftentimes, in cases where provincial health insurance is not available, students are required to purchase private insurance. This can often be done through their school in Canada.
Below is a handy chart for students to compare and contrast health insurance policies across provinces:
| Province | Are Students Eligible? | Basic Requirements | Other Important Information |
| Alberta | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit
Minimum 12 month residence in AB Must apply for coverage |
Holders of study permits for more than 3, less than 12 months may be eligible. Must show intent to reside in AB for minimum 12 months.
Students under 18 must be added to a parent or guardian’s insurance. Must apply within 90 days of arrival in AB. |
| British Columbia | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit | Coverage begins after 3 months. |
| Manitoba | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit
Minimum 6 month residency per calendar year |
|
| New Brunswick | No | ||
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | Coverage is effective as of date of enrollment in full-time post-secondary program. |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit | |
| Nova Scotia | No | ||
| Ontario | No | Most ON universities participate in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). International students at participating institutions must enrol in this plan, unless otherwise exempted. | |
| 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 bilateral agreements between QC and their country.
Some student scholarships in Quebec include provision of health insurance. |
|
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment | |
| Yukon | No |
