Overview
In Canada, there are two main levels of medical insurance, basic and extended. These serve different purposes and generally cover different types of medical services.
Many residents of Canada have multiple layers of medical insurance – including some basic and extended coverage – to increase the range of medical services available to them.
All international students are required to have health insurance for the duration of their studies at TWU, as health care in Canada can cost thousands of dollars per day if you do not have valid health insurance.
Accompanying family members are also strongly recommended to have basic and extended health insurance.
Most international students will need to apply for British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) once they arrive in BC but will also need to have temporary basic private medical coverage during your MSP coverage waiting period.
Basic health insurance during your first 3 months in Canada
Guard Me
Guard Me provides medical coverage for international students who are new to BC. This plan covers required medical services to address new and unexpected illness or injury.
Basic health insurance after your first 3 months in Canada
BC MSP
The British Columbia (BC) Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the BC-government run public health insurance plan.
You are required to enroll in MSP if you will be in BC for more than 6 months.
Extended medical insurance
Extended medical insurance generally provides coverage towards additional services that basic medical insurance plans (such as MSP) do not cover such as vision, dental care, and prescription drugs. Each plan is different, so it is important to understand exactly what is and what is not covered. Guard.me does cover some additional services with their extended plans. Please refer to their website for further information.
Health and wellbeing resources at TWU
TWU Wellness Centre provides Health & Mental Health Services through clinic appointments with Doctors, Registered Nurses, Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), and Counselling Interns. Check LINK to contact their team and book an appointment for Health Services and Mental Health Services.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only advise international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.