Health Insurance
As a McGill student, you must be registered for insurance. Your health insurance will support you in accessing the mental and physical health care you need while studying here in Montreal, Quebec. Regardless of your status (international, out of province, or a Quebec resident) it is important to understand your health insurance coverage to ensure you can navigate the health care system when you need to.
- Familiarize yourself with your health insurance plan (see tabs below for additional information)
- Make sure your health insurance card is valid and up to date
- If you have any questions, contact your insurance provider
- International Health Insurance (Basic + Supplemental)
- Provincial Health Insurance (Basic Coverage)
- Supplemental Insurance Coverage
- Additional Private Insurance
McGill International Health Insurance Plan (Medavie Blue Cross)
The McGill International Health Insurance (IHI) Plan is mandatory for all international students.
You must activate your coverage in Minerva to be able to use your insurance coverage and make claims. Whenever you go to a clinic outside McGill, you will most likely need to pay for any medical services received, and then submit a claim to your insurance provider(s). McGill IHI holders also have access to a free telehealth platform, Maple Virtual Care.
What's Covered
Please refer to the Medavie Blue Cross Handbook or contact International Student Services (ISS Office) for the most up to date information about your coverage.
Provincial Health Insurance Plans (Canadian residents and some International students)
These plans are available to Residents of Canada. Your provincial health care plan provides coverage for primary health care and care in hospitals. If you are a Canadian citizen without provincial residency, please visit the International Student Services Health Insurance website for more information.
Students studying outside of their province of residency must inform their provincial health agency in order to maintain their coverage. Contact your provincial health agency:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Supplemental Health Insurance Plans (SSMU, PGSS, MCSS)
Supplemental health and dental plans help you pay for services that are not covered by the McGill IHI Plan or your Out of Province Health insurance. International students are automatically enrolled in the SSMU, PGSS, or MCSS dental plans. Canadian residents are automatically enrolled in the SSMU, PGSS, or MCSS health and dental plans if registered in a Fall semester (details available on the Student Accounts website).
Students may choose to opt-in or opt-out of these plans during the Change-of-Coverage and Opt-Out Period (visit studentcare.ca for instructions).
Additional Private Health Insurance
Most students find they are well-insured through the McGill plans. Consult your insurance provider for information on your plan. If you're looking to buy additional private insurance, many banks and private insurance companies offer health and travel insurance. Be sure to compare costs and coverage limitations when choosing a plan.
International students covered by private health insurance are not exempt from the McGill International Health Insurance plan.
For more information about Health Insurance options at McGill, visit the International Student Services website. You may also be wondering, am I eligible for RAMQ?
