International Students in Canada need Health Insurance
All international students studying at NSCAD are required to have health insurance. You are automatically enrolled in the NSCAD International Student Health Plan. If you remain in Canada for 12 consecutive months, you may become eligible for MSI, the Nova Scotia Provincial Health Care program.
Health care is expensive! A hospital room can cost as much as $4,000 per day - not including the cost of medical care, prescription medications, test, x-rays, etc.!
Your Coverage
Emergency Medical Coverage Including but not limited to:
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Doctors' Visits
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Diagnostic Tests (blood work, x-rays)
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Emergency Hospitalization (please call before going!)
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Emergency Transportation- ambulance
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Vaccinations with a doctors referral- $100 maximum (Flu shot, Gardasil, and more. Please read your policy for full vaccination details or call Medavie Blue Cross before receiving your injection to confirm coverage)
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Travel Coverage- even in your home country (please review before you travel!)
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Psychology and Psychiatry Services (no coverage for Psychoeducational Assessments)
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Maternity Expenses* (please consult the policy for more details)
...and much more!
Certain limitations and exclusions may apply. Please review your policy found below and contact Medavie Blue Cross for questions about your coverage.
Click to view your International Health Plan Policy
Group Policy 92657
The Companion Plan is a mandatory plan that International Students are required to purchase if they opt-out of the International Student Health Plan with Nova Scotia MSI Coverage. The cost of the Companion Plan is a one-time fee of $51.00 added to your student account.
Why do I need this coverage?
Even though you have MSI, it is only valid in Nova Scotia. This means, if you leave the province of Nova Scotia for any period of time, you would be not have coverage for medical emergencies and therefore be exposed to high costs if you were to get sick or injured while outside of Nova Scotia.
Additionally, when your provincial coverage is not in place (such as if you leave the province) the emergency travel coverage you may have through any other extended health plan will not be in effect as these plans require that provincial health care (or an equivalent plan) are in place.
What is covered?
Students are covered for 31 days outside of the province of Nova Scotia and outside of Canada (including their home country) for medical emergencies.
Click here to view your policy.
Click here to view your Rack Card.
If you are dual citizen, and hold a Canadian passport, you may not be automatically enrolled under the NSCAD International health Plan if you have applied to NSCAD as a Canadian Citizen.
In addition, you may not be eligible for Nova Scotia provincial health care (MSI) until you fulfill specific requirements.
In order to qualify for Nova Scotia Provincial Health Care (MSI), please see the following requirements below. Please note; these requirements are subject to change without notice. Please contact MSI directly to confirm your eligibility at 1-800-563-8880 / 902-496-7008 or msi@medavie.ca. You can also find more information online here.
International Student with Canadian Passport (Dual Citizen)
Eligible for MSI on the 1st day you arrive in Nova Scotia provided you have a valid Canadian Passport or Canadian Birth Certificate.
International Student Coming from another Canadian Province (Dual Citizen)
If you are an international dual citizen, but are coming to Nova Scotia from another Canadian Province, and not coming from abroad, you may be eligible for MSI on the 1st day of the third month that you are in Nova Scotia provided you have a valid Canadian Passport or Canadian Birth Certificate.
International Student Without Canadian Passport (Not A Dual Citizen)
Eligible or MSI on the 1st day of the 13th month that you have been in Nova Scotia & have not been outside of the province for more than consecutive 30 days.
For questions regarding what is covered under your plan contact Medavie Blue Cross directly.
Medavie Blue Cross Coverage Telephone Number: 1-833-867-3468
Medavie Blue Cross Coverage Email: nscad@medavie.bluecross.ca