Canada has an extensive network of health care that is
funded by the Government in all the provinces. Although the insurance network is effective in Canada,
different provinces offer different coverage to
students. This means that access to health insurance varies significantly across universities in
different provinces. Some universities offer compulsory health care packages, while some require students to
enroll in a provincial health plan.
Students who are permanent residents of Canada are generally covered under their provincial health insurance
coverage. Thus, they have the option of opting out of the insurance package offered by their college or
university. However, should students be moving to a different province, they need to ensure whether their
original health plan will be recognized. If not, students should consider enrolling in the health insurance
plan offered by their university.
For international students, the situation can be slightly more complicated, and will vary by province. For
example, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia automatically enroll international students in their
health insurance plan. Other provinces, however, require students to enroll in the coverage offered by their
college or university.
International students in provinces such as Ontario and Quebec are not eligible for health insurance benefits
under the provincial insurance plan. A typical health insurance plan in Quebec will include doctor's visits,
as well as hospitalization and specialized services. In Ontario, universities have put together a mandatory
health insurance plan for international students known as the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
According to a recent ruling in Ontario, every international student will automatically be enrolled in UHIP
as soon as they enter Canadian territory. UHIP offers the same benefits as the provincial health insurance
plan, which includes physicians' services, diagnosis, treatment, surgery and other hospital services.
However, certain services such as dental and optometry are not covered under UHIP. Any dependent accompanying
the student will also be covered under UHIP for an additional premium.
In Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, international students need to purchase
the health insurance offered by their university. However, international students can opt out of their
university plans by showing proof of coverage under any other similar health plan. As most of these health
plans offered by universities do not offer comprehensive coverage, the student unions of these schools have
set up supplementary coverage. Such supplementary coverage would include dental as well as prescription
medication fees.
It is widely believed that the insurance sector in Canada is one of the most well-developed and extensive.
Not only are all resident students of Canada covered under health insurance, international students also have
a number of options available to them.
In certain provinces like Saskatchewan they can opt out of their university health coverage by getting
enrolled in the provincial medical plan. In other provinces such as Alberta and Ontario they can either
choose their university health coverage or they can search for coverage from a private insurer.•
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