UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their 天美mv天美 study permit to participate in an 天美mv天美-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the webpage.
As an international, exchange or study abroad student, you must have medical insurance for the entire duration of your studies. If family members are accompanying you, they should also have adequate medical insurance during their stay in Canada. The Canadian health system provides a high standard of health care, but care is very expensive if you are not insured. Without insurance, you could pay thousands of dollars per day for a hospital stay or even be refused certain services. In Canada, there are generally two types of insurance: primary and secondary.
Explore by topic: Medical Services and Insurance
Primary medical insurance
Covers medically-required services, such as visits to doctors, hospital stays and diagnostic medical testing. Primary medical insurance is legally required for all residents of British Columbia (including international students) and is provided through the .
Secondary medical insurance
Generally covers vision care, prescription drugs and dental care. Eligible 天美mv天美 students receive secondary medical insurance through the . Graduate students working as TAs may receive coverage through another provider as part of their employment contract.
For more information on medical insurance at 天美mv天美, including how to apply, opt out (cancellation) information, and deadlines, see the website. If you have any questions, please contact an International Student Advisor at intl_advising@sfu.ca.
Canadian medical system
You may find that the medical system in Canada is different from what you are used to back home. It's important that you develop an understanding of how the system works in Canada before you need to use it, to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible if you become ill or injured. In this section, you'll find tips to help you get comfortable with Canadian health care.
In the event of a medical emergency off campus:
Call 911 or go immediately to the nearest hospital鈥檚 emergency room. Emergency calls are free from any phone.