Immigration Quebec regulations require that all international students be covered by a health insurance plan that meets government standards, while studying in Quebec. In keeping with government directives, Concordia University has adopted a compulsory health insurance plan that all Concordia international students must have. Consequently, personal health insurance plans are not accepted.

The Concordia Health Insurance Plan for International Students is a comprehensive health and accident insurance plan at a competitive cost, specifically designed for international students which meets Quebec government standards. Students may opt to take couple or family coverage at an additional cost.

The insurance plan for international students covers amongst others, the following expenses:

• hospital;
  
• medical charges and consultations by doctors and specialists;


• pregnancy (only if pregnancy commences after the start date of the health insurance plan);


• eye examination;


• psychiatric services;


• drugs and medicines.

Detailed information on the extent of the coverage is available here and will be given to students at the time their insurance card is issued by the ISO.

Health insurance fees are charged automatically when students register for courses. The insurance period for international students is from August 15 to August 14 of the following year. The fee is $782 for the 2012-2013 academic year. The insurance company is Blue Cross.

Health Insurance cards are available at the ISO, after you have registered for courses. You can attend a Health Insurance Information session. The schedule is posted here. Half hour sessions are usually held at 3:00 p.m. on specific days during each semester. We recommend that you pick up your card and carry it with you at all times.

couple and family insurance information

Since medical and hospital costs are extremely high, health insurance coverage is mandatory for spouse's and children who are accompanying an international student in Montreal. Couple or family coverage is available with the Concordia Health Insurance Plan for International Students, but must be purchased WITHIN 31 DAYS of the arrival of the spouse and/or children in Montreal. There is no obligation for your dependents to be covered by the Concordia Health Insurance Plan. For information on insurers who provide "Visitor's Insurance" on an individual basis, please see the International Students' Health Insurance Plan handout prepared by Vigilis. Pease note that as an international student you MUST be covered by the Concordia Health Insurance Plan even if you should choose another insurance provider for your dependents.

Should you select the Concordia Health Insurance plan for your spouse and/or children, it is important that you mention their arrival to the staff of the ISO so that an insurance card can be issued for them. A couple or family coverage will be charged to your student account. Children born in Canada whose parents are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents are considered Canadian citizens from the time their birth is registered with the proper authorities. These children, however, do not qualify under the Quebec Health Insurance coverage (Quebec Medicare) and will still need to have private insurance coverage.

information on pregnancy

Please click on the link below for more details concerning your insurance coverage in relation to pregnancy:
What you should know about Health Insurance coverage for Pregnancy