It’s strongly recommended. Your provincial plan pays little or nothing toward care outside Canada, and nothing to bring you home. A student plan covers medical emergencies for your whole study period. Keep your provincial plan while you’re away: student plans pay after it, and many pay much less if you’re not covered by it when you claim. Check with your province before you go, since each sets its own rules for students who are away.
Is insurance necessary for Canadian students studying abroad?
Reviewed by Garrett Agencies Ltd., October 2026. How we write
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More about travel insurance
Emergency medical care, trip cancellation and interruption when you leave your province or Canada.
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