Canada has a predominantly public-financed health care system which is privately delivered. Canada's healthcare system is best described as an interlocking set of ten provincial and two territorial health insurance plans. Known to Canadians as 'Medicare', the system provides access to universal and comprehensive coverage for necessary hospital services, as well as in-patient and out-patient physician services. Over 95% of Canadian hospitals are operated as private nonprofit entities which are run by community boards of trustees, voluntary organisations or municipalities.
The following provinces cover international students under their Provincial Health Care Plans. Ensure that you check any costs payable.
Alberta: Under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, students must register within three months of their arrival.
British Columbia: Under the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP), a student must hold student authorisation upon entering Canada to be eligible for medical coverage. A new medical regulation states that international students with a student authorisation of six months or longer must be covered under the province's medical service plan.
Saskatchewan: Under Saskatchewan's medical plan, students must register immediately upon arrival. Coverage, which is free, is available for students and their dependents for the duration of the student's authorisation or visa.
The following provinces do not cover international students under their Provincial Health Care Plans. International students studying in these provinces must arrange for private medical coverage through their private insurance:
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec.
