Arriving in a new country comes with an adjustment period, especially when it comes to acclimatizing to the healthcare system. As an international student, you face unique healthcare challenges and requirements. Having adequate international student health insurance coverage is essential not just for your physical health, but also mental wellbeing.
READ ALSO: 13 Prestigious Scholarships in Canada for International Science Students
With international student health insurance, you can access care when you need it, avoid financial distress from medical bills, and have support in case of emergencies.
Whether you come from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, or anywhere in between – protecting your health should be a top priority.
This article will discuss the value of health insurance by outlining seven major benefits international students in Canada can expect. These include comprehensive coverage, access to quality healthcare, financial protection, emergency assistance, mental health support, travel coverage, and visa compliance.
Let’s get started!
7 Key Benefits of International Student Health Insurance in Canada
1: Comprehensive Coverage
One of the top advantages of international student health insurance is the comprehensive coverage it provides for a wide range of medical expenses. This is in contrast to basic travel insurance policies that may have minimal coverage.
With comprehensive insurance, you can expect coverage for hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, ambulance transportation, emergency room visits, follow-up care, and more. Diagnostic services like lab tests, X-rays, and MRI scans are often covered as well.
In Canada, even a routine doctor’s appointment can run over $100 without insurance. Comprehensive plans ensure you are covered for both routine and emergency healthcare services. This gives you peace of mind that an accident, injury, or illness won’t derail your education due to medical costs.
2: Access to Quality Healthcare
International student health insurance also ensures you have access to Canada’s high-quality healthcare system and services. Canada is known to have some of the best doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the world.
With insurance, you can find reputable healthcare providers that are conveniently located near your school, home, or work. Most plans allow you to see any licensed doctor or visit any hospital in their network across Canada.
Seeing an in-network provider also keeps your out-of-pocket expenses lower. Going out-of-network may result in higher fees or denied claims. Protect your health and your wallet by finding in-network clinics and hospitals nearby.
3: Financial Protection
Let’s face it – medical care in Canada is expensive, often costing hundreds or thousands of dollars without insurance. And as an international student, you likely have a limited budget.
International student health insurance protects you from the potentially huge financial burden of unexpected medical costs. For example, a 3-day hospital stay can cost over $3,000. Even a broken arm can result in expenses upwards of $2,500.
Having health insurance allows you to get the care you need without the financial stress. Your insurance plan will cover all or most of the costs associated with covered medical services. This prevents you from having to pay hefty medical bills out-of-pocket.
4: Emergency Assistance
When an emergency strikes, it can be even more stressful to navigate healthcare in a foreign country. Fortunately, most international student health plans include emergency assistance services in addition to insurance coverage.
Many plans offer 24/7 assistance hotlines where you can speak to someone immediately in case of a medical crisis. They can direct you to the nearest hospital, coordinate medical transports, and more.
Some insurers even offer emergency response teams that can provide on-site support for severe medical situations. Having quick access to help and support provides peace of mind when you need it most.
5: Mental Health Support
Along with physical health coverage, mental health support is becoming an increasingly important benefit for international students. Studying abroad comes with unique stresses and can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
While some basic plans exclude mental health services, many comprehensive insurance policies provide coverage for psychologist visits, counseling, and psychiatry.
If covered, mental health services are often subject to lower annual or lifetime maximums compared to physical health expenses. But any support can go a long way in helping international students adapt to life in Canada. Don’t neglect your mental wellbeing.
6: Coverage During Travel
Planning to explore Canada during school breaks? One great benefit of international student health insurance is that it travels with you within Canada.
Your coverage extends to medical expenses incurred while traveling to other provinces and territories. So, if you get sick or injured while sightseeing in Vancouver, skiing in Whistler, or camping in Banff, you can get treated without worrying about medical fees.
Just make sure your insurance plan covers travel within Canada, as some have restrictions. Enjoy your travels across this beautiful country knowing your health is protected.
7: Compliance with Study Visa Requirements
Last but not least, having adequate international student health insurance helps you meet study permit requirements in Canada.
As a study visa applicant, you must prove to Canadian immigration officials that you can cover tuition, living expenses, transportation, and yes – healthcare costs. Having insurance shows immigration officers you meet financial requirements.
Some students are caught off guard when their study visa is rejected or delayed due to a lack of health insurance proof. Avoid issues by obtaining comprehensive coverage from the start.
When to Purchase International Student Health Insurance in Canada
Making sure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage is a crucial part of your pre-departure planning as an international student in Canada. Too often, students leave it until the last minute only to find themselves scrambling to find coverage.
To avoid stress and have peace of mind that your health is protected, aim to purchase international student health insurance at the following recommended times:
As soon as you are accepted to a Canadian university or college – One of the best times to buy coverage is as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. This could be 6 months or more before classes start. Purchasing an annual insurance plan right away locks in your rates and coverage. That way, you’ll be covered as soon as you arrive in Canada. Don’t wait until right before departure.
When applying for your Canadian study visa – Proof of health insurance is required for student visa approval. Make sure to have a comprehensive insurance policy before your visa appointment at the embassy or consulate. A rejection due to a lack of insurance documentation could delay your study plans. Take care of this step proactively.
During international student orientation – Most Canadian schools and universities offer health insurance enrollment assistance during orientation week. Stop by the health services desk to learn about available options and get signed up on the spot. Orientation presents the perfect opportunity to ask questions and get set up.
Before your temporary coverage expires – Some students may arrive in Canada with basic travel insurance or temporary coverage through their home country. Make it a priority to replace this with long-term international student health insurance as soon as possible. Temporary plans often exclude many vital services. Letting coverage lapse puts your health and student status at risk.
By securing suitable insurance early and avoiding last-minute scrambles, you can rest easy knowing any health issues that arise will be covered. Don’t play guessing games with your healthcare – get comprehensive protection right away!
Conclusion
To recap, here are seven key benefits provided by international student health insurance in Canada:
- Comprehensive coverage for medical expenses
- Access to quality healthcare services
- Financial protection from hefty medical bills
- Emergency assistance when you need it most
- Mental health support
- Coverage while traveling within Canada
- Compliance with study visa requirements
There are certainly many factors to weigh as you choose the right insurance plan for your needs. But in general, investing in comprehensive international student health insurance delivers immense value. It provides a crucial safety net so you can live, study, and travel with confidence in Canada.
As you research insurance options, look for comprehensive plans designed specifically for international students rather than bare-bones travel insurance. Reach out to your school’s international student office for recommendations.
Trusted providers like Guard. me and Ingle offer flexible plans that check all the boxes for coverage, convenience, and value. Visit their websites for pricing details and to purchase a policy. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Here’s to a healthy and successful academic journey in Canada! Don’t let medical costs stand in your way.
READ ALSO: International Student Loans in Canada: How to Apply and More.