Health Insurance Plans in Canada for Newcomers and International Students (2025 Guide)

Health Insurance Plans in Canada for Newcomers and International Students (2025 Guide) If you are moving to Canada—whether to study, work, or start a new life—you’ve probably heard about the country’s healthcare system. “Free healthcare for everyone,” right? Well, sort of. Canada’s public system does provide universal access to medically necessary care, but it doesn’t automatically cover everything. Or everyone. At least not right away.

Understanding how Canada’s public and private health insurance systems work together can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress. This guide breaks down what you need to know in 2025: what’s covered, what isn’t, how to handle waiting periods, and how to find the right private plan without overpaying.

How Canada’s Public Health Insurance Plans Work

Canada’s health system runs under the Canada Health Act, which guarantees access to medically necessary services—doctor visits, hospital care, surgeries—without direct payment at the point of care. Sounds straightforward.

But there’s a catch: each province and territory runs its own plan.

That means coverage details and eligibility rules change depending on where you live. You’ll need to apply for a provincial or territorial health card, and until that card is active, you might not be covered at all.

Public Health Insurance Plans: Who’s Eligible—and When

Permanent residents and citizens qualify for provincial health insurance once they register. But newcomers, temporary residents, and international students often face waiting periods that range from zero to three months:

Province/Territory	Typical Waiting Period	Coverage Start
Ontario (OHIP)	0–3 months	Coverage begins after arrival and registration
British Columbia (MSP)	Up to 3 months	First day of the third month after arrival
Alberta	None	Immediate upon registration
Quebec	Up to 3 months	After official residency established
Saskatchewan	None	Immediate if arriving from another province
Nova Scotia	Up to 3 months	After residency established

(Source: Government of Canada & provincial health ministries, 2025)

During this waiting period, you’re on the hook for all healthcare costs unless you’ve arranged private temporary health insurance. And trust me, that’s not a risk you want to take.

What Actually Happens During the Waiting Period

Let’s say you land in Ontario on January 15th. You apply for OHIP right away. Great start. But your coverage won’t kick in until April 1st—the first day of the third month after arrival.

What if you slip on ice in February and break your wrist? Without private insurance, you’re paying out of pocket for the emergency room visit, X-rays, the orthopedic consultation, and any follow-up care. That can easily hit $2,000–$5,000 depending on the severity. One friend of mine—an international student who skipped temporary coverage—ended up with a $3,800 bill after a skiing accident three weeks into her program. She thought she’d be fine. She wasn’t.

This is exactly why short-term private coverage isn’t optional—it’s essential.

What Public Health Insurance Plans Cover (and What They Don’t)

Public health insurance plans are generous when it comes to medically necessary care. You’ll typically get no-cost access to:

Visits to general practitioners and specialists
Hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency care
Diagnostic tests like X-rays and bloodwork
Maternity care and childbirth

Sounds pretty comprehensive. But here’s where it gets tricky.

Public health insurance plans do not cover:

Prescription drugs (unless you qualify for a provincial program, which varies widely)
Dental care
Vision care—glasses, contact lenses, most eye exams
Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and other paramedical services
Ambulance services (yes, you read that right—fees vary by province)
Medical care outside your home province or outside Canada

For all of those, you’ll need private or extended health insurance. This can come from an employer, a university plan, or an individual provider you purchase yourself.

Health Insurance Plans: The Prescription Drug Gap

This one surprises a lot of newcomers. You might assume prescriptions are included in “universal healthcare.” They’re not—at least not federally. Some provinces have drug coverage programs for seniors, low-income residents, or people with specific conditions. But if you’re a healthy 28-year-old who needs antibiotics for a nasty infection? You’re paying retail price at the pharmacy unless you have private insurance.

A typical antibiotic course might run $40–$80. Not catastrophic. But chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication—diabetes, hypertension, asthma—can cost hundreds per month without coverage. That’s where private plans become critical.

Private Health Insurance Plans in Canada: Why You Might Need It

Private health insurance plans fill the gaps the public system leaves wide open. It’s especially necessary for:

Newcomers during the provincial waiting period
International students without full provincial coverage
Visitors, temporary workers, and their dependents
Anyone wanting extended benefits like dental, vision, or prescription coverage

According to a 2024 Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association report, over 29 million Canadians hold some form of private or group health coverage—mostly through employers or professional associations. But for newcomers, individual plans are usually the only option until you land a job with benefits.

What Private Health Insurance Plans Typically Cover

A solid private or “extended health” plan might include:

Prescription drugs (often 70–90% reimbursement after a deductible)
Dental care—routine cleanings, fillings, even major dental work
Vision care—eye exams, frames, lenses, sometimes contacts
Paramedical services like massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic
Ambulance and emergency medical transport
Travel insurance for trips outside your province or Canada
Hospital room upgrades (semi-private or private rooms)
Medical equipment or supplies—braces, crutches, diabetic supplies

Coverage levels, deductibles, and annual limits vary wildly by provider. Some plans cap prescription coverage at $500 per year. Others go up to $5,000. Same with dental—some cover only basic care, while others include orthodontics or major procedures.

The key is reading the fine print before you buy. Don’t just look at the monthly premium and assume you’re covered for everything.

Average Costs of Private Health Insurance Plans in 2025

Costs depend on your age, where you live, and what level of coverage you’re buying. But here’s what newcomers and students can generally expect in 2025:

Plan Type	Average Monthly Premium	Coverage Highlights
Manulife CoverMe® (Visitors to Canada)	$75–$130 CAD	Up to $1 million emergency medical coverage, includes COVID-19, dental emergencies
Sun Life Health Coverage Choice	$80–$150 CAD	Prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical, travel
Blue Cross Health Plan	$60–$140 CAD	Hospital & medical coverage, travel insurance, prescription drugs
Guard.me International Student Plan	$50–$90 CAD	Medical & hospital coverage up to $2 million; mandatory for many schools
GMS Immigrants & Visitors Plan	$65–$120 CAD	Covers emergency care, diagnostics, and hospitalization

(Source: Insurer websites, January 2025; premiums based on single adult under 40, moderate coverage level)

If you’re an international student, your school might already include a mandatory plan—often through providers like Guard.me, Allianz, or Studentcare. Check with your registrar’s office before buying a separate policy. You don’t want to pay twice for coverage.

How to Decide What Level of Coverage You Need

Ask yourself a few questions:

Do you have any chronic conditions or take regular medications? If yes, prioritize plans with strong prescription drug coverage. Look for high annual limits ($3,000+) and reasonable co-pays (20% or less).

Are you generally healthy and just need emergency coverage? A basic plan covering hospital care and urgent medical treatment might be enough. You can skip the bells and whistles like massage therapy or extensive dental.

Do you wear glasses or need regular eye exams? Vision coverage can save you $200–$400 per year if you need new glasses or contacts annually.

Are you bringing family members? Family plans cost more, but they’re usually cheaper than buying individual policies for each person. Compare both options.

How to Get Health Insurance Plans for Newcomers or Students

Getting covered isn’t complicated, but timing matters. Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Apply for Provincial Coverage the Day You Arrive

Don’t wait. As soon as you land in Canada, apply for your provincial or territorial health plan. Even if there’s a three-month waiting period, your application date helps establish residency and starts the clock.

Where to apply varies by province. In Ontario, you can apply online or visit a ServiceOntario location. In BC, you apply through the Medical Services Plan portal. Most provinces let you download the forms ahead of time so you can fill them out on the plane.

Bring your passport, work or study permit, proof of residency (like a lease or letter from your school), and any immigration documents. Processing times vary—some provinces issue cards within two weeks, others take up to three months.

Step 2: Buy Temporary Private Coverage Before You Leave Home

Purchase a short-term plan that starts the day you land and runs until your public coverage activates. Don’t wait until you’re in Canada to do this. Many insurers require you to buy coverage before you arrive or within a few days of landing.

Look for plans that specifically cover visitors, newcomers, or international students. These are designed to bridge the gap until provincial coverage starts. Make sure the plan covers:

Emergency hospital care
Physician visits
Diagnostic tests
Prescription drugs (at least for acute illnesses or injuries)

Expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.50 per day for basic emergency coverage. For a three-month waiting period, that’s roughly $135–$315 total. Worth every penny if something goes wrong.

Step 3: Review Employer or School Benefits

Many employers offer group insurance as part of their benefits package. If you’re coming to Canada for work, ask your HR department what’s included before you arrive. Group plans are usually a better value than individual policies because the risk is spread across more people.

Universities and colleges typically require international students to enroll in a designated health plan. Sometimes this is automatic—you’re enrolled when you register for classes, and the premium is bundled into your student fees. Other times you need to opt in manually.

Check your school’s website or contact the international student office. Ask specifically:

Is health insurance mandatory?
What plan does the school use, and what does it cover?
Can you opt out if you have comparable coverage elsewhere?
Does the plan cover the waiting period before provincial coverage starts?

Some universities—like the University of Toronto—automatically enroll all international students in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), which covers you from day one. Others require you to arrange your own coverage until provincial insurance kicks in.

Step 4: Evaluate Extended Coverage After You’re Settled

Once your provincial coverage is active, consider adding extended benefits for things like dental, vision, and prescriptions. These are often called “supplemental” or “extended health” plans.

If you have employer coverage, this might already be included. If not, you can purchase an individual extended health plan. These typically cost $100–$200 per month, depending on coverage levels, and they’re well worth it if you need regular dental care or take prescription medications.

Step 5: Compare Plans Before You Commit

Don’t just buy the cheapest plan. Look at:

Coverage limits: Is there a maximum payout per year or per incident?
Deductibles: How much do you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in?
Reimbursement rates: Does the plan cover 80% of costs? 90%? 100%?
Exclusions: Are pre-existing conditions covered? What about sports injuries or pregnancy-related care?
Network restrictions: Can you see any doctor, or do you need to use specific providers?
Travel coverage: If you plan to visit the U.S. or travel internationally, make sure you’re covered

Use comparison tools online or work with a licensed insurance broker who can walk you through your options. Brokers don’t charge you directly—they’re paid commission by insurers—but they can save you hours of research.

Health Insurance Plans: Provincial Differences Newcomers Should Know

Canada’s healthcare system is universal in principle, but each province has its own quirks. Understanding these differences can help you avoid surprises and unnecessary costs.

British Columbia: You’ll Pay a Monthly Premium

Unlike most provinces, BC charges a monthly premium for Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. As of 2025, international students pay approximately $75 per month. Some employers cover this for you, but if not, it’s an extra cost to budget for.

BC also has a strict three-month waiting period. Your coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you establish residency. So if you arrive on June 10th, your MSP coverage begins September 1st. You absolutely need private insurance for those first three months.

Ontario: Students Get OHIP, But There’s a Catch

Ontario covers full-time international students at participating institutions through OHIP. That’s great news if you’re studying at the University of Toronto, York University, or another school with an agreement in place.

But here’s the catch: part-time students don’t qualify. If you’re taking one or two courses per semester, you’ll need to purchase private insurance for your entire stay. Make sure you confirm your eligibility with your school’s registrar before assuming you’re covered.

Also, even if you qualify for OHIP, you might still face the waiting period depending on when you arrive and when your program starts. Double-check the timing with ServiceOntario.

Quebec: Reciprocal Agreements Help Some Students

Quebec has reciprocal healthcare agreements with certain countries—including France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. If you’re from one of these countries, you can access Quebec’s public health insurance (RAMQ) as a student.

For everyone else, you’ll need private coverage. Quebec also has unique rules around prescription drug coverage—all residents must have either public or private drug insurance. It’s not optional. This usually means enrolling in your school’s plan or purchasing a private policy that includes prescription coverage.

Alberta: Immediate Coverage (Rare in Canada)

Alberta is one of the few provinces offering immediate coverage to most newcomers upon registration. If you arrive in Alberta with a valid work or study permit lasting at least 12 months, you can often get your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card within days.

This is a huge advantage—no three-month gap, no mandatory private insurance for the waiting period. But you still need to register promptly. And extended benefits like dental and vision still require private insurance.

Saskatchewan: Immediate for Interprovincial Moves

If you’re moving to Saskatchewan from another Canadian province, your coverage transfers immediately. But if you’re arriving from outside Canada, there’s typically a three-month waiting period similar to BC and Ontario.

Saskatchewan automatically includes eligible international students in public coverage once they’re enrolled full-time at a recognized institution. Check with your school to confirm the process.

Nova Scotia: Three-Month Wait, Few Exceptions

Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI) generally requires a three-month waiting period after establishing residency. International students are covered once enrolled full-time, but again, that waiting period applies.

One quirk: if you’re coming from a country with a reciprocal agreement (like some European nations), you might get faster access. Check with MSI directly if this applies to you.

Special Cases for Health Insurance Plans: International Students and Temporary Workers

International Students: Know Your School’s Requirements

Most post-secondary institutions require proof of health coverage before you can register for classes. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s mandatory. Schools don’t want international students racking up massive medical bills they can’t pay.

In Ontario, students not eligible for OHIP are typically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP costs around $600–$800 per year for a single student and covers basic medical care, hospitalization, and limited prescription drugs. It’s not comprehensive—you won’t get dental or vision—but it meets the minimum requirements.

UHIP covers you from the day your program starts, which is perfect if you arrive right before classes begin. But if you arrive a month early to settle in? You’ll need separate coverage for that gap.

In British Columbia, students pay for MSP coverage after the three-month waiting period, but schools require you to have mandatory private insurance before MSP starts. Most BC universities partner with providers like Guard.me or Allianz to offer student plans. These typically cost $100–$150 for a three-month term.

In Alberta and Saskatchewan, eligible international students are automatically included in public coverage once enrolled full-time. Alberta processes applications quickly—sometimes within a week. Saskatchewan takes a bit longer but still faster than the three-month wait in BC or Ontario.

Health Insurance Plans: What to Ask Your School

Before you arrive, contact your international student office and ask:

Is health insurance included in my tuition or student fees?
What provider does the school use, and what’s covered?
When does coverage start—immediately, or after I register?
Can I opt out if I have comparable private insurance?
Does the plan cover dental, vision, or prescriptions?
Am I covered during breaks between semesters?

That last one is important. Some student plans only cover you during the academic year. If you stay in Canada over the summer, you might need separate coverage for May through August.

Temporary Foreign Workers: Six Months Is the Magic Number

Workers under permits lasting six months or longer usually qualify for public health coverage in most provinces. But there are exceptions and processing times to consider.

If you’re on a shorter-term permit—say, three or four months—you’ll need private insurance for your entire stay. The same goes for seasonal workers who return to Canada annually but don’t maintain continuous residency.

One thing many temporary workers don’t realize: even if you qualify for provincial coverage, there’s often still a waiting period. Alberta’s immediate coverage is the exception, not the rule. Plan accordingly and don’t let your private insurance lapse until your provincial card is active and you’ve confirmed coverage with your doctor or a walk-in clinic.

Common Misunderstandings and Mistakes When Choosing Health Insurance Plans

People new to Canada’s healthcare system make predictable mistakes. Here are the big ones—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Assuming “Everything” Is Free

Only hospital visits and physician services are fully covered under public plans. Dental, vision, prescriptions, physiotherapy, chiropractic care—those are all private expenses unless you have extended insurance.

I’ve met newcomers who were shocked to get a $150 bill for a routine dental cleaning or $200 for new glasses. They assumed “universal healthcare” meant no healthcare costs at all. It doesn’t.

If you need ongoing prescriptions, regular dental work, or you wear glasses, budget for these costs or buy extended coverage. Don’t get caught off guard.

Mistake #2: Skipping Insurance During the Waiting Period

This is the biggest gamble newcomers take, and it rarely ends well.

Even one emergency room visit without insurance can cost thousands. A broken bone? $2,000–$5,000. A bad flu requiring overnight hospitalization? $8,000–$15,000. A serious car accident? Easily $50,000+.

The cost of temporary insurance—$1.50 to $3.50 per day—is nothing compared to the potential risk. I know it’s tempting to save a few hundred dollars, especially when you’re managing moving expenses and setting up a new life. But this is not the place to cut corners.

Mistake #3: Not Reading Policy Exclusions

Private insurance plans are full of exclusions—conditions or situations where you’re not covered. Common ones include:

Pre-existing conditions: If you have diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition diagnosed before buying the policy, treatments related to that condition might not be covered.
High-risk activities: Some plans exclude injuries from skiing, rock climbing, or other adventure sports.
Pregnancy and childbirth: Many visitor or temporary plans don’t cover pregnancy-related care. If you’re planning to have a baby in Canada, make sure your plan explicitly includes maternity coverage.
Non-emergency care: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, or preventive care often aren’t covered under basic emergency plans.

Read the policy document. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, it’s full of insurance jargon. But spend 20 minutes going through it so you’re not blindsided later.

Mistake #4: Assuming Student Insurance Covers You Everywhere

Most student health plans only cover you within Canada. If you fly home for the holidays or take a spring break trip to Mexico, you’re not covered.

You’ll need separate travel insurance for trips outside Canada. Some student plans include limited travel coverage—maybe 30 days per year—but always confirm before you book flights. Travel medical insurance is cheap (usually $5–$10 per day) and can save you from catastrophic bills if you get sick or injured abroad.

Mistake #5: Letting Coverage Lapse When Moving Provinces

If you move from Ontario to British Columbia, your OHIP card doesn’t automatically transfer. You need to apply for MSP in BC and keep your OHIP active until your BC coverage starts.

Here’s how it works: most provinces give you a grace period (usually three months) after you move out, during which your old coverage remains active. But you must apply for new coverage in your destination province immediately. If there’s a gap between when your old coverage ends and your new coverage starts, you’re uninsured.

Always overlap your coverage. Don’t cancel your old plan until you have confirmation that your new plan is active.

Mistake #6: Not Activating Your Health Card

Getting your health card in the mail is just the first step. Some provinces require you to activate it or confirm coverage before you can actually use it. Don’t assume it’s ready just because it arrived.

Call the provincial health line, check online, or visit a ServiceOntario-type office to confirm your card is active. Then keep it with you always—you’ll need to show it at every doctor’s appointment, clinic visit, or hospital admission.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plans

With so many options, how do you actually pick the right plan? Here’s a decision framework that works.

Step 1: Assess Your Actual Needs

Don’t buy coverage based on what sounds good. Buy based on what you’ll realistically use.

Ask yourself:

Do you have any chronic conditions requiring regular medication or doctor visits?
Do you wear glasses or contacts?
How’s your dental health—do you need regular cleanings, fillings, or more extensive work?
Are you active in sports or activities where injuries are more likely?
Will you be traveling outside Canada during your stay?

If you’re young, healthy, and don’t wear glasses, a basic emergency coverage plan might be enough to bridge the waiting period. But if you take daily medication for asthma or need new glasses every two years, extended coverage pays for itself quickly.

Step 2: Check Your Public Coverage Eligibility

Before buying anything, confirm exactly when your provincial coverage starts and what it includes. This tells you how long you need temporary private insurance and what gaps you’ll need to fill afterward.

Call the provincial health ministry or check their website. Don’t rely on secondhand information from friends or online forums—rules change, and you want current, accurate details.

Step 3: Compare Health Insurance Plans Side-by-Side (Not Just Price)

Create a simple spreadsheet comparing 3–5 plans across key factors:

Monthly or annual premium
Coverage limits (per year, per incident)
Deductible (how much you pay before coverage kicks in)
Reimbursement rates (what percentage the plan covers)
Specific coverage for prescriptions, dental, vision, and paramedical
Exclusions (pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, etc.)
Travel coverage (if you need it)
Customer reviews and claim processing reputation

A plan that costs $20 less per month but has a $500 deductible and only covers 70% of costs isn’t necessarily a better deal than one with a $200 deductible and 90% coverage.

Step 4: Verify the Provider’s Reputation

Stick with recognized, reputable insurers: Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and Guard.me, GMS, Allianz. These companies have been around for decades and have established claims processes.

Check online reviews, but take them with a grain of salt—people are more likely to leave reviews when they’re angry about a denied claim than when everything goes smoothly. Look for patterns: if dozens of reviews mention slow claim processing or difficulty reaching customer service, that’s a red flag.

Also, check if the provider is licensed in your province. Insurance is regulated provincially, and you want a company that’s approved to operate where you live.

Step 5: Understand Renewability and Refund Policies

If you’re buying temporary coverage for a three-month waiting period, what happens if your provincial coverage comes through early? Will the insurer refund the unused portion?

Some plans allow you to cancel with a pro-rated refund if you provide proof that your public coverage started. Others have strict no-refund policies. Read the cancellation terms before you buy.

Also, check if the plan is renewable. If your plans change and you need to extend your temporary coverage, can you renew without reapplying or undergoing new medical underwriting?

Real Scenarios: What Health Insurance Plans Look Like in Practice

Let’s walk through a few real-world examples so you can see how this actually plays out.

Scenario 1: International Student Arriving in Ontario

Maria is starting a two-year master’s program at Western University in September. She’s from Brazil and arrives in Canada on August 15th to get settled before classes start.

Here’s what Maria does:

Before leaving Brazil, she purchases Guard.me’s Outbound Travel Medical Insurance for $2 per day, covering August 15th through November 30th (she builds in some buffer time). Total cost: $212.
August 15th: Maria lands in Toronto, travels to London, Ontario, and moves into her apartment.
August 16th: She applies for OHIP online. Because she’s a full-time student at a participating institution, she qualifies. But there’s a three-month waiting period—her OHIP coverage will start on November 1st.
September 1st: Classes begin. Maria also receives information about UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) from Western’s international office. Because she already has private coverage through Guard.me, she opts out of UHIP.
November 1st: Maria’s OHIP card arrives in the mail. She confirms it’s active by calling the ServiceOntario line. She cancels her Guard.me policy and receives a small refund for December.
November 15th: Maria realizes OHIP doesn’t cover dental or prescriptions. She purchases Sun Life’s Student Extended Health Plan for $95 per month, which covers prescriptions (80% reimbursement), dental (70% for basic, 50% for major), and vision care.

Total insurance costs for Maria:

Temporary coverage (Aug–Oct): $212
Extended health (Nov–Aug, 10 months): $950
Annual cost: ~$1,162

If Maria needs antibiotics once ($60), gets a dental cleaning ($150), and buys new glasses ($300), her extended health plan reimburses approximately $360, bringing her net insurance cost to around $800 for the year. Worth it.

Scenario 2: Temporary Worker Arriving in Alberta

James is a software developer from Ireland joining a Calgary tech startup on a two-year work permit. He arrives on March 1st.

Here’s James’s path:

Before leaving Ireland: James purchases Manulife CoverMe for visitors to Canada, starting March 1st. Even though Alberta has no waiting period, processing his AHCIP application will take at least a few days. He buys coverage for two weeks to be safe. Cost: $65.
March 1st: James lands in Calgary and gets his SIN card process started.
March 2nd: He applies online for Alberta Health Care Insurance. Because his work permit is valid for two years, he qualifies immediately.
March 10th: James receives his AHCIP card in the mail. He confirms it’s active and cancels his Manulife policy with a refund for the unused days.
April 1st: James starts his job. His employer offers group insurance through Sun Life that includes extended health and dental coverage—$40 per month, deducted from his paycheck, with the employer covering the rest.

Total insurance cost for James:

Temporary coverage (10 days): $65
Annual extended health through employer: $480
Total first-year cost: ~$545

James gets comprehensive coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, life insurance, disability) for less than $50 per month. This is the advantage of employer group plans.

Scenario 3: Family Arriving in British Columbia

The Patel family—two parents and two children (ages 6 and 9)—are permanent residents arriving in Vancouver on January 15th from India.

Here’s their approach:

Before leaving India: They purchase GMS’s Immigrants & Visitors Plan for the whole family. Coverage for four people for three months costs $840 ($7 per person per day).
January 15th: The family arrives in Vancouver and moves into their rental apartment.
January 18th: They apply for MSP (Medical Services Plan) online. Their coverage won’t start until April 1st—the first day of the third month after arrival.
March 15th: Mr. Patel accepts a job offer that includes family health benefits starting April 1st. Perfect timing.
April 1st: MSP coverage begins. The family also gets extended health coverage through Mr. Patel’s employer, including prescriptions, dental, and vision for the whole family. Monthly cost: $120, deducted from his paycheck.

Total insurance costs for the Patels:

Temporary coverage (Jan–Mar): $840
Employer extended health (Apr–Dec, 9 months): $1,080
First-year cost: ~$1,920 for a family of four

Without that temporary coverage, one trip to the emergency room with a sick child could have cost them $3,000–$5,000. The $840 was money well spent.

The Bottom Line for Health Insurance Plans

Health insurance plans in Canada aren’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s definitely not as simple as “free healthcare for everyone.” For newcomers and international students, navigating the mix of public and private options takes some homework—but once you understand the system, it’s manageable.

Here’s what you need to remember:

Public healthcare covers doctors and hospitals. It doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, vision, or paramedical services. And it doesn’t kick in immediately for most newcomers.

Private insurance protects you during waiting periods and fills the gaps afterward. Don’t skip it. Ever.

Apply for provincial coverage the day you arrive. Buy temporary private coverage before you land. Check what your employer or school provides. And compare extended health plans once you’re settled if you need coverage for prescriptions, dental, or vision.

The right combination of coverage ensures you’re protected from massive medical bills while you build your new life in Canada. Take the time to understand your options, ask questions, and make informed decisions. Your future self will thank you.