Moving to a new country can be exciting and overwhelming. One of the most important things you need is insurance for international students Canada requires to stay covered and avoid costly medical bills.
How to Choose Insurance for International Students Canada in 2025
In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain how health insurance works in British Columbia, how to get the right plan as an international student, and which providers are popular among Indian and Punjabi students already living here.
✅ Do International Students Need Health Insurance in Canada?
Yes. In most provinces, including BC, you must have valid health insurance at all times. In British Columbia, you can register for MSP (Medical Services Plan) after a 3-month waiting period—but you’ll need private insurance until then.
Many Indian students assume Canada offers free healthcare right away. That’s not true—you’ll need to pay for private coverage while waiting for MSP eligibility.
🎓 Top 4 Insurance Options for Students in BC:
1. MSP (Medical Services Plan) – BC Government Plan
- Covers doctor visits, hospital care, medical tests
- Cost: $75/month (2025 rate)
- Eligible after 3 months of living in BC
- Apply online at gov.bc.ca
2. Guard.me
- Popular with international colleges like Sprott Shaw, Douglas College, etc.
- Easy to apply, instant coverage
- Covers prescription meds, clinics, emergencies
- Good for first 90 days until MSP kicks in
3. Manulife StudentPlan
- Covers mental health, dental, vision, travel insurance
- Higher cost, but broader coverage
- Great for students with part-time work or co-op jobs
4. Allianz, Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life
- Offer premium plans for students with specific medical needs or extended stays
- Trusted by Punjabi and Indian student communities in Surrey, Burnaby, and Delta
💡 What Do Most Indian & Punjabi Students Choose?
Most new arrivals from Punjab or India start with Guard.me for the first 90 days, then move to MSP. Some universities automatically include Guard.me or similar insurance in your tuition—but always double-check.
If you’re working part-time or living off-campus, Manulife or Sun Life are good choices for more complete coverage (including dental and prescriptions).
📍 Local Tips for Students Living in Surrey or Vancouver:
- MSP clinics in Surrey like City Centre Medical Clinic accept most plans
- Always carry your insurance card to walk-in clinics
- For dental, check with Newton Dental Group or Surrey Central Dental—they accept student insurance
- Use your insurance for mental health counseling, especially if adjusting to life in Canada feels stressful
📋 Documents Needed to Apply:
- Study permit
- Passport
- BC address or rental agreement
- College/university enrollment letter
🧠 Final Advice: Don’t Skip Insurance
Healthcare in Canada is excellent—but very expensive without coverage. A simple walk-in visit can cost $100+, and hospital stays can run thousands. Don’t take the risk.
If you’re an international student from India or Punjab, choose Guard.me or Manulife for instant peace of mind—and apply for MSP as soon as you’re eligible.
Looking for full details? Check out our complete guide to insurance for international students in Canada.
