How Do You Get Insurance as an International Student in Canada?
Dealing with all the troubles of moving to a new country can be a tedious task, and drilling into your travel matters may not seem a good option at all. For the international students in Canada, let's understand how you can be sure to be rightly and evenly covered as required by the law.
Introduction to Health Insurance for International Students in Canada
Canada is among the countries having quality education and strong health care at the same time. This means that in Canada, as an international student, you need to be sure that you have the right kind of health insurance that will ensure that whatever happens, things will be covered all the time. For international students, every province of Canada administers health insurance; thus, as an international student, it means an international student must get to learn his or her specific province in which they will learn.
Need for Insurance
In Canada, health care is a bit expensive when you are not getting the right kind of insurance. At the same time, an international student is not considered at par with Canadian health care, and it is a requirement that international students purchase health insurance in Canada. It is in this place that these International Student Insurance Plans come in, allowing you access to basic medical services, yet you will not have to deal with high out-of-pocket costs.
Types of Insurance Available
The health insurance available to most international students in Canada is of mainly two types:
Provincial Health Insurance: This is mainly health coverage offered by some provinces but not provided universally to all. For instance, health coverage policies are available to students in most provinces including the provinces of British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Labrador just to mention but a few of the same circumstances offered to Canadian residents.
University Health Plans: Normally, most universities provide health insurance plans for their international students, which the students have to take unless they prove that they have equivalent coverage from some other source. These usually are robust plans and include medical visitation and hospitalization, and in some instances may also cover dental as well as optical care.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Insurance
Research Before You Arrive: To begin with this process, research the insurance needs of the province you will be studying in. Moreover, see if your institution of choice has a Student Health Insurance scheme. Usually, these details are provided on university and college websites under the international students' page. There, you will be able to get in-depth details on the available health insurance plans.
Assess Your Options: Compare the provided coverage between provincial plans and university plans. What each respective plan covers, the cost, the process for making a claim, and the duration of remittance. In most cases, university plans will enroll you automatically upon registration and include the cost of the insurance in your tuition fees.
Understand the Process of Enrollment: Provincial plans are such that you probably will be required to apply as soon as you land in Canada. In most cases, there will be a waiting period of around three months before the coverage actually begins. In this period, you may be required to purchase private temporary health insurance that will cover you until the provincial one becomes effective.
Buy More Coverage if Definitely Needed: Depending on your empire, basic health insurance provided by your province and university may not be enough. In that case, purchase more private health insurance that will cover other potential medical needs, for instance, prescription drugs, dental coverage, and extended health coverage.
Keep All Necessary Documentation: Make sure that you have all the necessary documents available to complete your health insurance application. This can include your student permit, passport, letter requesting admission, etc. It goes a long way in simplifying the application process when all these documents are handy.
Common Questions About Insurance Coverage
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Check to see if your chosen plan covers pre-existing. Some might have a waiting period before such conditions are covered; others might provide immediate coverage.
Can I use my insurance right away upon arrival?
With university plans, the answer is often yes, it's immediate. But if you're applying for provincial coverage, find out about waiting periods and thus the necessity for temporary private insurance during this time.
How do I use my insurance at a doctor's office or hospital?
Generally, you'll be provided with an insurance card to present at all medical facilities, which will then bill your insurance provider directly. You will have your insurance information available to you.
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