Health Insurance for International Students
Health Insurance Explained
Medical expenses can be extremely high in Canada, so you must have medical insurance. When you arrive, you will need to participate in either the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan or the U of A Health Insurance Plan.
In Alberta and Canada, the following terms are often used:
- Health insurance refers to any health plan which will cover your medical expenses such as visits to the doctor, lab costs and hospital costs. Most Albertans (Canadians and those residing in Alberta) have the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This Plan also covers all international students studying in Alberta for periods of over 12 months. Otherwise, you will use the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP). Read more about plan coverage.
- Supplementary coverage covers full or in-part medical expenses that AHCIP or UAHIP does not cover. These costs include dental and eye care, prescription medication, some vaccinations, and medical devices. International students at the University of Alberta are covered automatically through their student associations (you may opt-out of these plans if you wish). Exchange students are not eligible for this supplementary coverage. For complete coverage, log into your studentcare.ca account.
Remember to bring The Following
Before leaving your home country, if you have an existing medical condition or detailed medical history, bring an English copy of your medical record with you.
If you are taking prescription medication:
- Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication.
- Contact a doctor when you arrive to obtain a prescription for the same medication or, if such medication is not available in Canada, a prescription for suitable medication that is available.
- Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or a contact lens supply if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Bringing your prescription is highly advised.
We recommend that you purchase travel health insurance so that you are covered during your journey to Canada. Canadian health insurance providers do not cover you until you arrive in Canada or begin your studies (see below for details).
Which Health Insurance Plan is Right for You?
Degree Students
As a degree student (undergraduate or graduate) at the U of A, you have two insurance plans: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and Supplementary Health and Dental Plan.
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers basic services such as visits to the doctor, lab costs and hospital costs. It is free of charge for Albertans (including international students). It does not cover dental care, eyeglasses or prescription medication. A supplementary healthcare plan may cover a portion of these costs if you have it.
Students over 18 years of age, have a study permit valid for 12 months or longer for an Alberta educational institution and are committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in 12 months are eligible for AHCIP coverage.
If you are less than 18 years of age, please register for UAlberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP) by submitting a general inquiry through our service portal. undefinedundefined
- Proof of Alberta residence, such as utilities or phone bill, a rental/lease agreement
- Students in residence should request a proof of address document from residence services.
- Identity, such as a passport
- Legal entitlement to be in Canada, such as your study permit
Once ready, submit your application form and original supporting documents to an authorized registry agent in person or by mail to:
Alberta Health
Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
PO Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2N3
There is no charge for these services.
Note: UAI recommends this submission be made in person.
You must apply within 90 days of your arrival to be covered by the Plan.
The effective date of coverage is retroactive to the first day you arrived in Alberta from outside Canada.
Processing time could take up to five days and up to six weeks if you submit your application by mail.
Your card is sent to the address you provided on the application form.
Once you receive your card, please check your full name and date of birth. Contact the AHCIP office if there are any mistakes on your card or if you have any questions.
The expiry date for your health coverage is the same as your current study permit.
If you need to access healthcare before your card arrives, you will still be covered. Although you may be required to pay for services upfront, there will be a reimbursement process that you can access.
Supplementary Health and Dental Plan
International students (except for exchange students) at the University of Alberta are enrolled in either the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) Health & Dental Insurance Plan for graduate students or the Students' Union (SU) Health & Dental Plan for undergraduate students.
Your Student Health & Dental Plan does not replace basic medical coverage, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP). Exchange students are not eligible to be covered by the Student Health & Dental Plans as they are not assessed membership fees for these associations, and an opt-in is not possible.
The Plan covers expenses not covered by a basic healthcare plan, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors, and more.
Visit StudentCare for complete details.
Students who register full-time in the Fall Term (September) are automatically assessed for Supplementary Health and Dental Fees.
Fees Information for Undergraduate Students. Fees Information for Graduate Students- Undergraduate students: complete the claim form and submit it to the insurance company.
- Graduate students: complete the claim form and submit it to the insurance company.
You can also download the Studentcare App to file a claim.
Exchange/Visiting Students
Exchange or visiting students are automatically enrolled in the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP). This Plan is mandatory for students attending UAlberta for six weeks or more, and who do not have/are not eligible for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
This Plan provides equivalent coverage to the Alberta Health Care Insurance, plus coverage for:
- prescription medication (up to a maximum of $500 per calendar year)
- ambulance service
- repatriation in the event of illness or death
Find more details here or contact info@cowangroup.ca.
UAHIP costs start at $50 per month for single students. The UAHIP fee is assessed per full term, of which you are a registered student. It cannot be prorated when your length of study is shorter than one full term. The cost is added to your fee assessment.
- Participation for your dependents (spouse or children) is optional at an additional cost. You must enroll your dependents within 30 days of your effective coverage date or their arrival in Alberta, whichever is later.
- Coverage begins on the first day of the month in which you begin your studies. If you arrive before that date, arrange traveller's health insurance to cover you for the interim.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Visit the University Health Centre, located on the 2nd floor in SUB (Student's Union Building). Or
- Visit any walk-in clinic to see a doctor. Or
- Contact your family physician.