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.
- See a Canadian doctor when you arrive to obtain 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.
Understanding Health Insurance Plans and Coverage
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- Available to international students studying in Alberta for over 12 months
- Students over 18 years of age, and are committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in 12 months are eligible
- Covers basic services such as doctor visits, lab tests, and hospital stays
- Excludes: Dental care, eyeglasses, and prescription medication
University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP)
- For international students less than 18 years of age, and who are not eligible for AHCIP.
- Mandatory for exchange and visiting students
- Basic coverage for medical expenses during studies
Supplementary Health Insurance
- Covers additional services not included in AHCIP or UAHIP, such as dental, vision, and medications, visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors, and more.
- Automatically provided through student associations
- Opt-Out Option: Eligible students may opt out if they have alternate coverage
- Exchange students are not eligible for this supplementary coverage.
Which Health Insurance Plan is Right for You?
I’m a graduate or undergraduate | I’m an exchange or visiting student
Graduate or Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate or Graduate students at U of A will typically have two types of insurance:
- Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP): Covers basic services such as doctor visits, lab costs, and hospital stays. It is free for Alberta residents, including international students.
- Supplementary Health and Dental Plan: Covers additional services like dental, vision, and some prescriptions. This plan is provided through;
Exchange/Visiting Students
Exchange and visiting students who attend U of A for six weeks or more, and who are not eligible for AHCIP, are automatically enrolled in the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP), which provides basic health coverage. Learn more at uab.ca/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.
- 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
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- Students over 18 years of age, who 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 (UAHIP) by submitting a general inquiry through our service portal.
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
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.
General Information
- 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.