Comprehensive reference for international students at UBC.
Health care and health insurance
Health care
Health care can be very expensive if you don’t have insurance. So it’s important to understand your insurance policies and the Canadian health care system.
As a UBC international student you may have:
- iMED, a temporary health insurance for the first few months in British Columbia (BC)
- BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) for the length of your stay
- The Alma Mater Society/Graduate Student Society (AMS/GSS) Health & Dental Plan for extras not covered by the MSP
Health insurance
Health care is very expensive in Canada if you don't have health insurance. For example, you may have to pay over a thousand dollars per day for a hospital stay. UBC requires that all students have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies. If your family members are with you in Canada, they should also have health insurance for the duration of their stay.
How do I get complete health care coverage?
iMED, the BC MSP, and the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan work together to help you avoid unexpected health costs.
| Basic insurance | Extended insurance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| iMED | BC MSP | AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan | |
| How to enrol |
Automatic when you register for classes |
You must apply as soon as you arrive if staying for 6 months or more | Automatic when you register for classes |
| Coverage |
|
|
|
| Coverage period |
|
Covered after first three months of waiting period |
|
| Approximate cost | $120 for three months or $170 for one term exchange students, fee charged to your student account | $64.00 per month for an individual, $116.00 for a family of two and $128.00 for a family of three or more. You pay directly to MSP | $214.37 per year (subject to change), fee charged to your student account |
| Who is automatically enrolled? | All new international students | No one | Students who pay AMS student fees |
| For more information |
David Cummings Insurance Services 604.228.8816 |
604.683.7151 |
1.877.795.4421 |
How do I get started?
- After you register for classes, check your fees on your UBC student account to see if you are covered by iMED ($120 or $170) and the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan ($214.37). Find out how here. If you think you should be covered, contact your International Student Advisor.
- As soon as you arrive in BC, apply for MSP for yourself and any family members who came with you as it will take several months to process. If you will be in BC for six months or less, you are not eligible so don't apply. If you already have MSP, you should opt out of iMED at David Cummings Insurance Services.
- Your iMED card will be sent to you via email. Be sure to download and print it right as soon as you receive it. If you do not receive your card, contact David Cummings Insurance Services.
- Pick up your AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan card and information booklet at the Health & Dental Plan Office (SUB, lower level, Room 61) after classes begin.
