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Skip Navigation LinksImmigration Simcoe > International Students > Living > Health Insurance

Health Insurance

International students studying in Ontario do not have free access to health care. Each institution in Simcoe County has insurance coverage for registered international students to ensure students have adequate health coverage. 

Please check with the institution you apply to about their insurance policy to ensure that you are covered during your studies.

Georgian College

Health insurance is provided by guard.me Health Insurance. This emergency health coverage plan is included in your tuition fees. 

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in any program at Georgian College. You must be registered in courses in an academic semester or registered for a work term/co-op term in order for health insurance coverage to begin for that term.

International students receive an electronic health card which must be brought to local clinics and the hospital to receive health services. The health coverage is valid thorough out Canada.

Coverage begins on the first day of orientation. The coverage policy for EAP students encompasses a 7 week study session, and renews for 7 week sessions, as required.  .Post-secondary students' coverage policy renews on an annual basis.   

guard.me Health Insurance partners with Morneau Shepell to offer the keep.meSAFE program.  This program provides a variety of mental health support services to international students and their families.

The keep.meSAFE program offers:

  • 24/7 access to short-term counselling
  • Confidential and private service
  • Option to speak with a counsellor in your first language. 

If you arrive early before your health coverage begins, you have the option to purchase extra early arrival insurance through guard.me. You may also purchase extra insurance to maintain coverage if you have a gap in your studies. You have the option to purchase guard.me health insurance for any dependents and to extend coverage after graduation.

The International Centre at Georgian College offers an orientation on insurance, clarifying coverage details and providing liaison support between students and guard.me insurance.

Lakehead University

At Lakehead University, each student must be enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). The fee is automatically billed to your student account once you are registered.