Health insurance for international students
You must have comprehensive medical coverage while studying at UVic. This means you should be covered by both a primary insurance plan (such as GuardMe@UVic or the BC Medical Services Plan) and an extended health and dental plan. Without coverage, you could be denied treatment or pay thousands of dollars each day for medical services.
Family members with you in Canada should also have comprehensive coverage. You can purchase coverage for them at an additional cost. Learn more about health insurance for dependents.
GuardMe@UVic plan
The GuardMe@UVic plan provides emergency medical coverage for international students who are new to UVic.
Most new international students are automatically enrolled in the GuardMe@UVic plan when they register in a course at UVic. Coverage is valid for the first four months at UVic, and is meant to cover students during the waiting period while they apply for the BC Medical Services Plan.
BC Medical Services Plan
The BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) is a health insurance plan that pays for medically required services provided by physicians, specialists, diagnostic facilities, laboratory facilities and hospitals.
Fair PharmaCare
Fair PharmaCare can help cover the cost of eligible prescription drugs, medical supplies and pharmacy services not covered by your primary and extended health insurance.
For more information about eligibility and enrolment, please visit the Fair PharmaCare website.
UVic health & dental plans
Extended health and dental benefits are available to students at UVic.
- undergraduate students through the UVic Students' Society (UVSS)
- graduate students through the Graduate Students' Society (GSS)
The coverage offered by these plans does not replace the need for primary health insurance. Without the GuardMe@UVic plan or the BC Medical Services Plan you may not be able to access the benefits associated with your UVic health and dental plan.
Enrolment
Most students are automatically enrolled in the appropriate plan when they register at UVic for the fall (September to December) or spring (January to April) term.
- if your program starts during the summer session (May to August), contact your student society (UVSS or GSS) to ask about eligibility.
Exchange and research students: You will not be automatically enrolled, but you may be eligible to opt in during the change-of-coverage period if you choose to purchase a UVSS or GSS membership package.