Leaving Canada to study in the US or farther afield is a big deal for a student. You’re embarking on an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Get off to a smooth start with this preparation checklist for Canadian students studying abroad.

  1. Select a program: Look into different study abroad programs. Pick one that best fits your academic, cultural, and financial needs.
  2. Apply for a study permit for your destination country. Your program’s host institution can likely direct you where to apply.
  3. You’ll need a passport before departing for your destination. Make sure yours will be valid for the entire time you’re away (and longer in some countries).
  4. Research the location of your study abroad program. Become familiar with the culture and language of the country.
  5. Make travel arrangements to get to your destination.
  6. Procure important documents like visas or student IDs, transcripts, housing contracts, and emergency contacts.
  7. Pack the necessary items for the duration of your time abroad. Don’t forget things like medications and prescriptions, contact lenses, chargers and cables, and plug adapters if you’re headed to Europe.
  8. Open a bank account in the country where you’ll be staying to make financial transactions easier.
  9. Get travel insurance. We might be biased, but travel medical insurance is vital to protect yourself in an emergency while studying abroad.

Student travel insurance

Travel insurance is crucial for Canadian students studying abroad. In the event of an unexpected health emergency, student travel insurance covers an assortment of unforeseen costs:

  • Local medical care
  • Some hospitalization fees
  • Ambulance services
  • Medications required for emergencies
  • Travel-related costs such as trip cancellation, lost or damaged luggage, flight delays, and emergency evacuation
  • and more

Don’t provincial health plans cover Canadian students studying abroad?

No, unfortunately most provincial health plans don’t provide coverage for a student beyond the Canadian border. This is why additional travel insurance is recommended.

Are Canadian students eligible for health care coverage?

To be eligible for health care coverage, the student must have benefits under their provincial health plan. The type of coverage they are eligible for varies depending on their home province or territory. There are also limits to how long a student can be out of the country.

Some students may also be eligible for health insurance coverage through their school where they are going to study. Check with your school to see if this coverage is available to you.

What to consider when buying student travel insurance

Private health insurance companies offer a variety of plans specifically for Canadian students going abroad. Students should shop around and compare plans before picking one. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Cost of the plan
  • Level of coverage offered
  • Deductible and co-pays
  • The policy’s exclusions and limitations
  • That the plan you choose is accepted by the hospitals and clinics in the country where the student will receive care

All things considered, travel insurance is an integral part of preparing to study outside of Canada. Protect yourself against financial losses due to an unexpected illness or injury that might arise during your travel adventure.

There are many different travel insurance companies to choose from, so it is critical to compare plans before you purchase. Learn more about our student travel insurance. This is one preparation checklist item, you don’t want to skip.

Study Abroad Preparation Checklist for Canadian Students