Health Insurance for International Students
Preparation Before You Arrive
- Bring Medical Records. If you have an existing medical condition or detailed medical history, bring an English copy of your medical records.
- Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you take to last until you can get a Canadian prescription.
- See a Canadian doctor when you arrive to get a prescription, or, if the same medication is not available in Canada, get a prescription for an alternative.
- Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, along with a copy of your prescription.
- We recommend that you purchase travel health insurance to cover your journey to Canada. Canadian insurance begins only once you arrive and begin your studies.
Students Under 18
If you are less than 18 years of age, apply for the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP).
Students Over 18
Undergraduate
If you have a study permit valid for at least 12 months and will be in Alberta for at least 183 days in a year, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It provides free basic medical coverage.
Undergraduate students enrolled in at least 3 credit hours in either the Fall or Winter Term who pay Student's Union fees are covered under the SU supplementary health and dental plan.
Graduate
If you have a study permit valid for at least 12 months and will be in Alberta for at least 183 days in a year, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It provides free basic medical coverage.
Graduate students registered full-time (for 9 or more graduate credits) in the Fall or Winter Term are covered under the GSA supplementary health and dental plan
How to apply for AHCIP
Graduate Students' Association (GSA) coverage
Exchange
If you are registered in aleast one course, you are automatically enrolled in the UAHIP. It covers basic medical expenses during studies.
You are not eligible for provincial health insurance (AHCIP) and supplementary health and dental plans offered by the University Student Unions. You do not pay any membership fees for these student associations, and an opt-in is not possible.
Visiting
If you are attending U of A for six weeks or more, you are automatically enrolled in the UAHIP. It covers basic medical expenses during studies.
You may be eligible for supplementary health insurance offered by student associations based on the level of your study.
uab.ca/uahipSU supplementary plan | undergraduate
GSA supplementary plan | graduate
Health Insurance Fees Explained
You are assessed various non-instructional fees related to health in your Bear Tracks account. They do not represent basic health insurance.
- Student Health and Wellness: all students pay this fee to use the University’s health and wellness services such as the health clinic
- Students' Union Health Plan: for undergraduate students, this is your supplementary health insurance fee. You still need AHCIP or UAHIP.
- GSA Health Plan: For graduate students, this is your supplementary health insurance fee. You still need AHCIP or UAHIP.
- UAHIP Foreign Health: If you don’t have this fee in your account, you are not enrolled in UAHIP and probably don’t require UAHIP.
Undergrad | Non-Instructional Fees
Graduate | Non-Instructional Fees
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
AHCIP Covers basic services such as doctor visits, lab tests, and hospital stays. It does not cover dental care, eyeglasses, and prescription medication. It is free for international students.
Complete and save the application form. Gather the following supporting documents:
- Proof of Alberta residency, such as utilities or phone bill, and a rental/lease agreement. Students living 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
Submit the application and your original documents to a participating registry in person. There is no charge for this service.
We recommend that you apply in person. You can also submit your application by mail. Learn more here
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
It covers additional services not included in AHCIP, such as dental, vision, and medications, visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors, and more. This plan is provided through the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) for graduate students and the Students' Union (SU) for undergraduates
Your Student Health & Dental Plan does not replace basic medical coverage, such as AHCIP or UAHIP.
Students who register full-time in the respective term are automatically assessed for Supplementary Health and Dental Fees.
- Fee Information for Undergraduate Students.
- Fee Information for Graduate Students
If you already have equivalent health or dental coverage from another plan, you may opt out of this Plan. Deadlines for opting out can be found on:
- StudentCare website for undergraduates
- GSA StudentCare website 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.
Yes, you can extend your coverage to your family (spouse and/or dependents) by enrolling them in the Plan and paying an additional fee over and above your fee as a Plan member. Common law and same-sex couples are eligible.
Expired Study Permit: Temporary Health Coverage Options
- AHCIP does not provide coverage if your study permit has expired.
- You can enroll in the U of A Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP) while waiting for your new study permit.
- Once your new study permit is issued, you can renew your AHCIP coverage.
Study Permit Expiring Soon: Impact on Health Insurance
- Immediately apply for a study permit extension.
- Notify the AHCIP office about your application.
- You might qualify for a temporary health insurance extension.
- Once you receive your new study permit, take it to the nearest registry to renew your AHCIP coverage.
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.