You are planning to move to Canada for further studies? But Covid-19 has made you worry about your health? Look no further. Today we will discuss the International Students’ Health Insurance scene in Canada. Read this carefully to cover all the bases before you fly.
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance takes care of your expenses incurred due to sickness or injury. A policy can also be made to pay the caregiver directly.
A Brief Overview of Health Coverage in Canada
Canada’s health care system is universal and publicly funded via taxes. As such, they are mostly free or cost very little. The system is managed at the provincial level, with each province having different regulations. A provincial health insurance card makes you eligible for free medical services. The health care plan consists of services such as family physicians, tests like X-Ray and admission into a standard hospital ward. Apart from these, different provinces provide different facilities like seven annual chiropractic visits in Manitoba.
Why Should International Students get Health Insurance?
Being a student in a foreign country, having health coverage is a must. Your visas may not require one but your institutions will need one. Many universities and colleges require you to provide them with an overseas health insurance card before giving admission. There are also several other reasons for getting ourselves insured:
1. Lack of Government-sponsored Healthcare
Many Canadian provinces provide health care insurance to international students but not all do. In case you are ineligible and do not have insurance, you will have to bear your medical expenses. A walk-in clinic might cost you only CAD $120 while an emergency room visit might be $1000 CAD. It will be more for acute care in a standard ward.
2. Lowered Expenditure
Despite being insured, you will need to pay a certain sum of money. This amount is made up of taxes and deductibles. But this will be a lot less in case you have medical insurance. For instance, an MRI scan might cost anywhere between CAD $900 to CAD $2400 if you are not insured.
3. Discount
Doctors have tie-ups with insurance companies. If you are insured, you will not have to pay a huge amount for consulting a doctor. So, a doctor’s discount is a valid reason to get health insurance as an international student in Canada.
Down below are given some of the regular features of international health insurance schemes:
1. Dedicated perks
The internal students’ insurance plans cover pre-existing injuries, mental health, maternity plans, etc.
2. No Family Coverage
These are specifically for students. In case you have a family member travelling with you, the plans would be of higher cost. The other option would be to avail me of a travel medical plan.
3. Renewal of Insurance
Insurance agencies usually have plans that would cover the duration of the study. This single-time purchase is extremely beneficial.
4. Lower Premiums
Insurances are influenced by your age and overall health. The young and healthy you are, the lesser premium you will need to pay. They can also be broken down and paid in instalments throughout your course.
Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in Canada
It is mandatory that international students in Canada possess health insurance. You already know that it varies according to the provinces. On top of that, different agencies have different schemes. According to Canada Insurance Plan, the average annual premium for health insurance lies between $600 to $900 CAD. There are several insurance agencies that you can choose from. Some are Greenshield, Allianz Global, Sun Life, etc. There are some common advantages these companies give you such as hospital accommodation and expenses, trauma counselling, paramedical and diagnostic services, etc. The limits, however, vary according to your plans.
Types of International Students’ Health Insurance Plans
1. International Student Health Insurance – This is for those who are studying in a foreign country. This provides benefits like emergency medical evacuation mental health etc.
2. International Travel Medical Insurance – This is for people who are travelling to a foreign country. It is valid for two years and is mostly a supplement to an existing insurance plan.
3. International Major Medical Insurance – This is a long-term scheme. It is mainly for individuals who are living in a foreign country for a minimum of one year.
How to Apply?
It’s better if you are admitted into a University in a province that allows international students the advantages of insurance. You just need to follow the due procedure and apply from the province’s website. If the province does not have a policy like the above, you will need to contact a private firm before you arrive in Canada.
ConclusionThis article tells you what you need to know about International Students’ Health Insurance in Canada. But you still might have questions. Our team of experts at VCANXL will be more than happy to help. Besides IELTS, Spoken English, and Personality Development, we offer detailed help about studying in Canada. We know how bad things are due to the pandemic. Our strict policy of confidentiality ensures that your privacy is not hampered and your dreams are never derailed!
