Travel Insurance for International Students

Each policy varies, so it's important that you read over the policy booklet carefully. However, typically the coverage includes:

• Emergency hospital accommodation and medical services
• Emergency transportation (e.g. road or air ambulances)
• Emergency dental work
• Prescriptions needed as a result of a covered emergency
• Diagnostic services including x-rays

Additionally, and specifically for student health insurance plans, coverage can also include:

• Tutorial services if, because of a covered emergency or accident, you're in the hospital or confined to your home to recoup for more than 30 school days.
• An eye exam or check up with the doctor if you purchase an annual policy.

Policies for supplementary health insurance for international students may vary, so take your time to review each policy before you buy. At InsuranceHotline.com you can review each policy online before having to commit.

Yes. Remember to look for "extras" like toll free numbers you can call 24-7 in case of an emergency, and for things like additional travel coverage for side trips you may take (like travelling to the United States) while you're studying in Canada.

Pay attention to the limits of how much you're covered for each benefit, as the amount may vary from one provider to the next.

Also, ensure you understand what's excluded from your coverage. This is equally as important and will help you determine if you need additional supplementary coverage for certain things.

Standard policies typically cover emergency services, while enhanced policies provide additional benefit levels that may include higher coverage amounts for certain benefits and/or additional benefits not included in a standard package, such as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Enhanced packages may also provide less out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim, such as preventing you from having to pay for something upfront and then waiting to be reimbursed by the insurance company. 

Which one is right for me?

The amount of time you spend studying for in Canada may influence the type of insurance policy you buy. For example, if you're staying for less than six months, emergency coverage may be sufficient, but if you'll be living here for a while you may want something that takes into consideration benefits such as regular dental and eye exams. 

Again, each policy is different so ensure you read them fully and carefully to determine which plan is best for you.

Yes it is, but some companies refer to it as medical insurance and some refer to it as travel insurance. Regardless of the title, both are health insurance policies.

A deductible is the amount of money you would have to pay in the event of a claim. For most international student medical coverage plans in Canada the deductible is $0. 

Some universities and colleges have mandatory health insurance plans that international students must buy into. An example is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) in Ontario, which is a requirement of participating schools. The cost of this plan is incorporated into your tuition as an international student. 

However, many students opt for additional coverage to supplement gaps and increase overall health benefits while they're studying in Canada. Other students choose their own international students insurance policy and then apply to be exempt from the mandatory university plans. It is up to you to decide what type of coverage is best for you. It should be noted that not all institutions provide mandatory health insurance to international students. In these cases, securing your own insurance is your best option.