Health care in Canada for exchange students: everything you need to know before traveling

Canada is recognized worldwide for its high-quality universal healthcare system. But how does it work in practice for those who are coming to the country? If you're planning to study in Canada, understanding the Canadian system is critical for a safe and smooth experience.

Unlike Brazil, where we have the SUS as a single public system, Canada operates with a decentralized provincial model. This model offers universal coverage for residents, but requires mandatory private insurance for international students. This guide explains every aspect of the Canadian healthcare system that you need to know before embarking on your exchange journey.

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Provincial Health Insurance

What is it? Public and universal health insurance system administered individually by each province. Known by different names depending on the region: OHIP (Ontario), MSP (British Columbia), AHCIP (Alberta). It is a decentralized model that guarantees national standards through the Canada Health Act.

Purpose

• Provides free basic health coverage for permanent residents and citizens
• It covers medical appointments, hospitalizations, and essential medical procedures
• Guarantees equal access to health care regardless of financial capacity
• Maintains the principles of universality, accessibility, and portability between provinces

When to use

• Consultations with family doctors and specialists
• Routine medical examinations and diagnoses
• Medical emergencies and hospitalizations
• Necessary surgeries and specialized treatments
• Maternal and pediatric care

How to access

• Must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen to be eligible
• Brazilian exchange students are required to have private insurance
• 3-month grace period for new residents in some provinces
• For those planning to immigrate after studying: Be Easy programs offer paths to permanent residence through Public college in Canada

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Health insurance for international students

What is it? Specific mandatory medical insurance for all international students in Canada. It is a private cover that replaces the provincial system throughout the study period. Offered by the educational institutions themselves or through accredited private insurance companies.

Purpose

• Guarantees full access to medical care during the study period
• Covers medical emergencies, appointments, hospitalizations, and prescription medications
• Protects against high private health system costs
• Offers 24/7 support in Portuguese for Brazilian students

When to use

• Throughout the study program period, from day one
• For any medical need, emergency, or preventive consultation
• Basic dental treatments and mental health care
• Prescribed medications and diagnostic tests

Information

• Compulsory hiring upon enrollment at the institution
• Annual coverage ranges from CAD $600-1200 depending on the province

Contact us for more information about exchange health insurance in Canada!

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Family Doctor

What is it? Doctor who serves as your primary continuing health care provider. Also known as GP (General Practitioner) or Family Physician. It is the professional who maintains your complete medical history and coordinates your care.

Purpose

• Provides primary health care and preventive medicine
• Perform regular check-ups, vaccinations, and follow-up for chronic conditions
• Manage ongoing treatments and renew medical prescriptions
• Make referrals to specialists when necessary
• Offers integrated family health care

When to use

• Regular check-ups and preventive medicine
• Minor illnesses such as cold, flu, sore throat, and urinary tract infections
• Minor injuries and non-urgent health problems
• Renewal of prescriptions and follow-up of treatments
• Preventive care, vaccinations, and routine exams

How to access

• Registration through the provincial Health Care Connect or direct contact with offices
• Appointments generally need to be scheduled in advance
• Tip for exchange students: Walk-in clinics are more affordable for immediate care
• Waiting time to get a regular family doctor: 2-6 months depending on the region

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Walk-in clinics

What is it? Medical clinics where you can see a doctor without prior appointment. Attended by licensed doctors and registered nurses. Widely available in urban centers and residential neighborhoods.

Purpose

• Treats minor medical problems and non-emergency conditions
• Offers care when you can't access your family doctor
• Provides basic medical services in a convenient and affordable way
• Ideal for tourists and international students

When to use

• Minor illnesses such as cold, flu, sore throat, and low-grade fever
• Minor injuries, superficial cuts, and skin problems
• Simple prescription renewals for continuing medications
• When your family doctor isn't available or in minor emergencies
• Ideal solution for exchange students who need quick medical attention

How to access

• No scheduling necessary. First-come, first-served system
• Open during business hours, some open on weekends
• Typical wait time: 1-3 hours depending on time and location
• Cost for exchange students: CAD $80-150 per consultation (fully covered by student insurance)

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Urgent Care Centers

What is it? Specialized medical facilities for urgent but non-fatal conditions. Better equipped than walk-in clinics with advanced diagnostic technology. Less intensive and more accessible than hospital emergency rooms.

Purpose

• Treats serious but not potentially fatal medical conditions
• It offers more advanced care than traditional walk-in clinics
• Reduces overload in emergency rooms for less critical cases
• Provides specialized diagnostics and treatments

When to use

• Sprains, minor fractures, and sports injuries
• Deep cuts that require smaller stitches or procedures
• Severe sore throat, infections, and persistent high fever
• Dehydration, acute digestive problems
• Moderate asthma attacks and breathing problems
• Minor burns and moderate allergic reactions

How to access

• No appointment needed, first-come, first-served
• Significantly shorter wait times than emergency rooms
• Generally open at extended hours, including evenings and weekends
• Average cost: CAD $200-400 per service (covered by student insurance)

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Emergency Room

What is it? Specialized hospital department for serious and potentially fatal medical conditions. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. Attended by emergency medicine specialists and a multidisciplinary team.

Purpose

• Treats severe and potentially fatal conditions that require immediate intervention
• Provides critical medical care and emergency procedures
• Deals with major trauma, critical heart and neurological conditions
• Coordinates hospital admissions and transfers to specialists

When to use

• Severe chest pain or severe difficulty breathing
• Abundant bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
• Major trauma, accidents, or head injuries
• Severe and extensive burns
• Stroke symptoms (facial paralysis, speech difficulty, sudden weakness)
• Loss of consciousness, seizures, or neurological changes
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Suspected poisoning or overdose

How to access

• 24/7 uninterrupted operation at all hospitals
• Call 911 for ambulance in critical emergencies
• Cases are prioritized by severity. Non-urgent cases can wait 4-8 hours
• Important: Use only for true emergencies
• Cost for exchange students: CAD $500-2000+ (covered by student insurance)

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Pharmacies

What is it? Licensed establishments that dispense medications. Serviced by registered pharmacists and widely available in every Canadian city.

Purpose

• Dispenses medications prescribed by doctors
• Offers pharmaceutical inquiries about medications
• Provides over-the-counter medications for minor symptoms
• It administers some vaccines and basic health services

When to use

• To search for medications prescribed by doctors
• Medication inquiries and possible interactions
• Over-the-counter medications for minor symptoms
• Routine vaccines (flu, hepatitis, etc.)
• First aid and basic health products

How to access

• Open during business hours (some work 24 hours a day)
• Prescription required for prescription drugs
• Many located in supermarkets and drugstores
• Main networks: Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs
• Accepts most student insurance

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Specific tips for exchange students | Be Easy

Essential documents

Always keep with you:

• Student insurance card
• Valid study permit
• Photo identification
• Emergency contact information

Important numbers to save

• Emergency: 911
• Provincial health line: 811
• Your student insurance number
• Be Easy Contact in Canada

Preparation before the trip

As highlighted in our article on 5 Best Cities to Study in Canada in 2025, each city offers peculiarities in the health system. Toronto and Vancouver, for example, have a higher density of specialized medical services.

If you're considering the College co-op in Canada, know that during the work period you will continue to be covered by student insurance.

Approximate costs (without insurance)

• Walk-in consultation: CAD $80-150
• Urgency: CAD $200-400
• Emergency: CAD $500-2000+
• Drugs: CAD $20-200+

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Next steps with Be Easy

Understanding the healthcare system is just one of the important aspects for a successful experience in Canada. Be Easy offers full support from preparation to your arrival in the country.

Interested in taking the next step? Get in touch with our expert advisors and find out which Canadian program is right for you. Your study journey in Canada begins with the peace of mind of being well protected and informed about all aspects of life in the country.