The process of moving to Canada as an international student is a major undertaking. Once you add a spouse or dependents, the complexity does not simply double; it changes completely. A significant piece of this puzzle, and one of the most confusing for many families, is obtaining health insurance.
Canada has a system of provincial management of healthcare. Therefore, there is no “national” health insurance plan that covers every individual. Students can rely on a combination of public provincial coverage, mandatory health insurance programs from universities, and supplemental private insurance plans. If you will be arriving in Canada in 2026, the landscape has changed to provide much better online access to healthcare services and has provided improved family-specific additions to existing supplemental insurance riders. The purpose of this guide is to explain everything you need to know about how to protect your family with health insurance without overpaying for it.
The Foundation: Provincial Public Plans
Some Canadian provinces will enable an international student to enroll in their provincial public health insurance plan(s). In many cases, this is the most economical “base” layer of insurance coverage. The problem is, these provincial public health insurance plans usually do not cover everything. For example, prescription medication, dental care, and eye exams are almost never included.
1. MSI (Nova Scotia)
Medical Services Insurance (MSI), as provided by the Province of Nova Scotia, has one major catch. you cannot be enrolled until you have been living in the Province of Nova Scotia for 12 months.
- The Family Factor:If you have a valid study permit for at least 12 months, your spouse and dependents will also be eligible for MSI when the waiting period has ended.
- Actionable Tip:Because of the 12-month waiting period, you MUST purchase private insurance prior to arriving in Canada, as a single emergency room visit in Halifax could cost more than 1 full year’s worth of private premium payments.
2. MSP (British Columbia)
All international students attending school in British Columbia MUST enroll in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). A significant difference between MSP and the Medical Services Insurance (MSI) available to international students in Nova Scotia is that MSP is NOT free to international students. There is a mandatory health fee for international students, which is approximately $75 per month.
- The Family Factor: You can enroll your spouse and/or children with your MSP account. The fee is charged on a per-person basis, therefore your monthly budget must include the recurring costs associated with each family member you enroll with your MSP account.
- Actionable Tip: There is a 3-month waiting period for MSP. Therefore, ensure that your “bridge” private insurance policy includes coverage for at least 90 consecutive days starting with the day you arrive in BC.
3. UHIP (Ontario)
As a student at a university in Ontario you will likely be required to purchase the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP has been created to provide similar health insurance coverage as that of all Ontarians through the public OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) plan.
- The Family Factor: You have 30 days from when your dependent arrives in Canada to enroll them into the UHIP program. If you fail to do so, you will incur a $500 penalty in addition to paying the full premium backdated to when they arrived in Canada.
- Typical Cost: Budget approximately $800-$1200 for yourself. Additional budget for each family member would be an additional $600-$900.
The Mid-Tier: University and Institutional Plans
Several post-secondary institutions have contracted with third party service providers to administer their compulsory student health insurance plans. Since most of these third party service providers provide extended benefits such as dental cleaning, or massage therapy etc., they usually exceed what provincial plans can cover.
4. Guard.me International
Guard.me is one of the largest third party service providers in the Canadian education sector, providing services to over 100 educational institutions; it is specifically designed for the lifestyle of an international student.
- Value to Families: The maximum coverage amount offered is $5 Million, which is extremely high. Guard.me also offers maternity coverage up to $25,000, making it an attractive option for families who may be expanding during their stay in Canada.
- Family Coverage: Eligible family members are spouses and dependents under age 65.
- Estimate Cost: ~$250–$800 base premium cost and additional costs for family premiums.
5. Blue Cross Student Plan
Blue Cross is a common provider of student plans in Quebec and Atlantic Canada; their student plans are strong and primarily focused on emergency medical travel and dental care.
- Value to Families: Their network of healthcare providers is extensive. In Quebec especially, having a Blue Cross plan generally allows direct billing at clinics, eliminating the need for students to pay out of pocket when visiting a doctor.
The Top Private and Global Options for 2026
When either a provincial or a university plan doesn’t work out for you – or when you live in one of those provinces (Ontario or Quebec) where universal coverage isn’t immediately accessible to everyone – then the main protection will come from private insurance.
6. Manulife Cover Me
Manulife is a behemoth in Canada’s insurance sector. The “Cover Me” option for students is very well-regarded as it offers a tuition refund feature.
- Why it’s here: If a medical emergency requires you to leave school and go back home, Manulife will pay for up to $5,000 in lost tuition. This is huge for families that have limited funds and that the biggest investment is the education.
- Estimated Annual Family Cost: $1,000-$2,500
7. Allianz Care
Allianz is a premium option for anyone who wants a world-wide safety net. Allianz has high limits ($5 million), and they are good at dealing with complicated cases.
- Why it’s here: They will cover stable pre-existing conditions. If you or a family member has a managed condition (e.g., asthma or controlled hypertension) and you need to get some insurance, Allianz is probably going to be the best option for you.
- Estimated Annual Family Cost: $1,500-$4,000
8. Tu Go Student
Tu Go is liked by many because of how easy they make it to understand what you’re getting. Tu Go also has a “Companion” benefit that will pay for a family member to travel to visit you in the hospital.
- Why it’s here: Tu Go has a $6,000 limit for accidental dental injury coverage. Since kids tend to have accidents with their teeth, having this level of coverage will give you peace of mind.
- Estimated Annual Family Cost: $800-$2,000
9. IMG Student Secure
IMG is designed for the traveling nomad. IMG gives you so much flexibility with their policies so you can pick the amount of coverage you want (Elite, Select, Budget) depending on your money situation.
- Why it’s here: They provide coverage anywhere in the world (except in your home country). If your family wants to take vacations to the US or Europe in the summer, this plan will follow you.
- Note: Typically excludes pregnancy coverage.
10. Cigna Global
Cigna is designed for the family that wants an all-inclusive plan that has the feel of a private company plan.
- Why it’s here: Cigna has top-of-the-line outpatient services. Most student plans are focused on providing emergency (i.e., hospitalization) services. Cigna provides access to specialists, diagnostic testing, and mental health with less barriers than other companies.
- Estimated Annual Family Cost: $2,000-$5,000
Strategy: How to Choose for Your Family
Don’t choose a plan based on cost alone. Choose a “Total Cost of Ownership” plan. For example, a low-cost plan that comes with a $1000 deductible may actually cost you more if your child develops the flu three times during the same winter than a higher cost plan with no deductible.
Priority 1: Determine Your University’s Plan
You can’t “opt-out” of a university plan unless you have better coverage. Before you purchase a private insurance plan, contact the International Office of your school. Request the Summary of Benefits. If your school uses Guard.me or UHIP as its international student health insurance, you should find an insurance plan that provides benefits that these two plans do not, such as high limit dental and/or vision.
Priority 2: The 90 Day Pre-Existing Condition Rule
Most private insurance companies will only provide coverage for pre-existing conditions if the condition was stable for ninety (90) days prior to the start of the policy. If your spouse has a chronic illness, do not alter their prescription(s) or treatment(s) within the ninety (90) day period prior to your moving to Canada. Changing their prescription(s) or treatment(s) could result in resetting the clock on their “stability” and deny coverage for that particular medical issue.
Priority 3: Direct Billing
When in the midst of a health emergency, the last thing you would want to contend with is a hospital billing department contesting an invoice for $4000. Look for providers who have a Direct Billing Network. This allows the provider to bill the insurance company directly for services rendered. When using a non-Direct Billing Network provider, you must pay for services out of pocket and then file a claim with the insurance company and await reimbursement.
Priority 4: Maternity and Newborn Coverage
If you are planning to have a child in Canada, you need to review the Waiting Period for Maternity. Many private insurance plans require you to enroll in the plan for six (6) to twelve (12) months prior to conception for the birth to be eligible for coverage. In addition, ensure that your newborn is automatically covered from the time of birth. Some private insurance plans only allow you to add a newborn to the family plan after fifteen (15) to thirty (30) days; thus exposing the child to the highest costs associated with the first few weeks of life (i.e., the hospital stay).
Actionable Checklist for Your Arrival
- Buy a “Bridge” Policy: Purchase a 90-day private plan that starts the day you land. This covers the gap until provincial or school plans kick in.
- Print Everything: Do not rely on your phone. Keep physical copies of your insurance certificates and the “How to Claim” instructions in your carry-on luggage.
- Find Your Clinic: Use your insurance provider’s website to find a “Preferred Provider” clinic near your new home before you actually get sick.
- Budget for the “Extras”: Set aside $2,000 in a high-interest savings account specifically for medical gaps. Insurance rarely covers 100% of everything.
Pro Tips:
Healthcare in Canada is among the best globally, however there is an incredible amount of red tape for international students. While you can protect yourself by layering your coverage (beginning with the required school plan and then completing those gaps with a private family-focused plan) you should not allow this Canadian dream to turn into a financial disaster. Invest some time to receive individualized quotes. As healthcare costs continue to rise due to inflation, prices for 2026 are expected to be somewhat higher than they were in 2025; therefore, it would be wise to find a quote that falls within the average of the ranges presented below. Welcome to Canada–remain healthy.
References:
- Canadim. (2024, April 24). International student health insurance in Canada.https://www.canadim.com/study/live-as-a-student-in-canada/student-health-insurance/
- Carleton University. (2026, January 5). UHIP for students.https://carleton.ca/go-isso/uhip/uhip-for-students/
- Concordia University. (n.d.). Insurance for dependents.https://www.concordia.ca/students/international/health-insurance/coverage/for-dependents.html
- CoverMe. (2021, December 31). International students in Canada.https://www.coverme.com/travel-insurance/students/international-students.html
- Fraser International College. (2021). Guard.me policy wording.https://www.fraseric.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/guard.me-policy-wording.pdf
- International Medical Group. (2025, December 15). Canada international student insurance.https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/canada-student-insurance.php
- JF Group. (2023, February 5). International students’ family to Canada plan.https://www.jfgroup.ca/international-students-family-to-canada-plan/
- McMaster University. (2019, October 7). Health insurance (UHIP).https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/international-students/health-insurance/
- PolicyAdvisor. (2026, January 4). Health insurance for students in Canada (2025).https://www.policyadvisor.com/health-insurance/health-insurance-for-students/
- PolicyMe. (2026, January 21). International student health insurance in Canada.https://www.policyme.com/health-insurance/international-student-health-insurance-page
- UBC Students. (2025, August 14). Health insurance for international students.https://students.ubc.ca/health/health-insurance/health-insurance-international/
Visitors Insurance Canada. (n.d.). International students.https://visitorsinsurance.ca/international-students
