Health Insurance for International Students
All international students at the University of Alberta must have basic health insurance while studying in Alberta. Depending on your age, residency status, and length of stay, you will be covered by either the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP).
Basic health insurance covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, and other essential services. It does not cover dental, vision, medications, or most extended services. That’s what the Student Health & Dental Plan provides through your student association.
Video: Health Insurance Explained for U of A International Students
Students Under 18
If you are less than 18 years of age, apply for the University of Alberta Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP).
Students Over 18
Undergraduate
If you have a study permit valid for at least 12 months and will be in Alberta for at least 183 days in a year, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It provides free basic medical coverage.
Undergraduate students enrolled in at least 3 credit hours in either the Fall or Winter Term who pay Student's Union fees are covered under the SU supplementary health and dental plan.
Graduate
If you have a study permit valid for at least 12 months and will be in Alberta for at least 183 days in a year, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It provides free basic medical coverage.
Graduate students registered and meeting enrolment requirements in the Fall or Winter Term are covered under the GSA supplementary health and dental plan.
How to apply for AHCIP
Graduate Students' Association (GSA) coverage
Exchange
If you are registered in at least one course, you are automatically enrolled in the UAHIP. It covers basic medical expenses during studies.
You are not eligible for provincial health insurance (AHCIP) and supplementary health and dental plans offered by the University Student Unions. You do not pay any membership fees for these student associations, and an opt-in is not possible.
Visiting
Students attending the U of A for six weeks or more are automatically enrolled in the UAHIP. It covers basic medical expenses during studies. You may be eligible for supplementary health insurance offered by student associations based on the level of your studies.
Visiting researchers are not automatically enrolled in UAHIP. For more information about how to enroll, contact us via the service portal.
UAHIPSU supplementary plan | undergraduate
GSA supplementary plan | graduate
Health Insurance Fees Explained
You are assessed various non-instructional fees related to health in your Bear Tracks account. They do not represent basic health insurance.
- Student Health and Wellness: all students pay this fee to use the University’s health and wellness services such as the health clinic
- Students' Union Health Plan: for undergraduate students, this is your supplementary health insurance fee. You still need AHCIP or UAHIP.
- GSA Health Plan: For graduate students, this is your supplementary health insurance fee. You still need AHCIP or UAHIP.
- UAHIP Foreign Health: If you don’t have this fee in your account, you are not enrolled in UAHIP and probably don’t require UAHIP.
Undergrad | Non-Instructional Fees
Graduate | Non-Instructional Fees
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
AHCIP Covers basic services such as doctor visits, lab tests, and hospital stays. It does not cover ddental care, eyeglasses, and prescription medication. It is free for international students.
Complete and save the application form. Gather the following supporting documents:
- Proof of Alberta residency, such as utilities or phone bill, and a rental/lease agreement. Students living in residence should request a proof of address document from residence services.
- Identity, such as a passport
- Legal entitlement to be in Canada, such as your study permit
Submit the application and your original documents to a participating registry in person. There is no charge for this service.
We recommend that you apply in person. You can also submit your application by mail. Learn more
You must apply within 90 days of your arrival to be covered by the Plan. The effective date of coverage is retroactive to the first day you arrived in Alberta from outside Canada.
Processing time could take up to five days and up to six weeks if you submit your application by mail. Your card is sent to the address you provided on the application form.
Once you receive your card, please check your full name and date of birth. Contact the AHCIP office if there are any mistakes on your card or if you have any questions.
The expiry date for your health coverage is the same as your current study permit.
If you need to access healthcare before your card arrives, you will still be covered. Although you may be required to pay for services upfront, there will be a reimbursement process that you can access.
Supplementary Health and Dental Plan
It covers additional services not included in AHCIP, such as dental, vision, prescription, therapy services, and more.
Supplementary coverage is managed by:
- Students’ Union (SU) for undergraduate students
- Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) for graduate students
This plan does not replace AHCIP or UAHIP.
Undergraduate Student Health & Dental Plan
Provided by: Students' Union (UASU)
- Full-time undergraduates are automatically enrolled each term. Fees appear in Bear Tracks under Non-Instructional Fees.
- You can add a spouse and/or dependents for an additional fee.
- You can opt out if you have equivalent private coverage.
Graduate Student Health & Dental Plan
Provided by: Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)
- Full-time graduate students are automatically assessed for fees.
- You can add a spouse and/or dependents for an additional fee.
- You can opt out if you have health or dental insurance from an employer or a family member.
Want to learn more about the plan, opt-out, claims, or have questions? Visit gsabenefits.ca
Expired Study Permit: Temporary Health Coverage Options
- AHCIP does not provide coverage if your study permit has expired.
- You can enroll in the U of A Health Insurance Plan (UAHIP) while waiting for your new study permit.
- Once your new study permit is issued, you can renew your AHCIP coverage.
Study Permit Expiring Soon: Impact on Health Insurance
- Immediately apply for a study permit extension.
- Notify the AHCIP office about your application.
- You might qualify for a temporary health insurance extension.
- Once you receive your new study permit, take it to the nearest registry to renew your AHCIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Visit the University Health Centre, located on the 2nd floor in SUB (Student's Union Building). Or
- Visit any walk-in clinic to see a doctor. Or
- Contact your family physician.