International student health coverage
Through the Manitoba International Student Health Plan, you have access to the health coverage you need so you can focus on your studies.
Who is covered by the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP)?
Any international student who is registered with the University of Manitoba will be covered by the Manitoba International Student Health Plan. This includes degree-seeking students, English Language Centre program students, and those in Extended Education certificate programs.
It is mandatory for international students in Manitoba to have primary health coverage. However, if you have comparable coverage—for example, if you have Manitoba Health coverage through a spouse or if you are already covered by MISHP because you took a course at another institution—you can request an opt out. Opt outs are managed by the administrator. To learn more, contact Studentcare.
Family coverage for a spouse and/or dependants can be purchased within 30 days following the start of an academic term. The cost of this coverage is in addition to your own MISHP fee. We strongly encourage all family members who are with you to obtain health coverage. For further details and to purchase this coverage, visit mishp.ca.
If you are going on maternity/paternity leave, you can extend your coverage for up to 12 months during your leave from studies. For details on maternity/paternity leave coverage, contact the Studentcare coordinator.
Newly enrolled international students have emergency-only coverage for one month before their first term at the University of Manitoba.
International students who graduate from a degree program will have their coverage extended for four months after their final term. To apply for this extension, contact Studentcare.
How does the health plan work?
MISHP provides you with primary health coverage, which allows you to access medical services in Canada from doctors, clinics and hospitals. Your coverage is valid at any doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital in Manitoba. To find out where to go for the health issue you are experiencing, visit https://myrightcare.ca or mishp.ca.
This plan is different from the UMSU Health & Dental Plan. The UMSU Health & Dental Plan is a supplementary plan that covers benefits not provided by the primary health coverage. This includes many services related to vision care, dental care, psychology, and physiotherapy. For details on what is covered by your supplementary plan, visit www.studentcare.ca.
Although MISHP and the UMSU Health & Dental Plan are different, Manitoba Blue Cross is the benefits carrier and Studentcare is the administrator for both plans.
How do I get my coverage card?
You need to be registered as a student in order to receive your card. Provided you are registered at UM, your card will be emailed to your student email address after the beginning of the first term in which you are enrolled in the health plan.
For example, students beginning their studies in the Fall Term, as well as returning students who were not previously covered by MISHP, will receive their card in September. Students beginning their studies in the Winter Term will receive their card in January.
If you are a returning student who already has a MISHP card, you will receive a new card by email at the beginning of the academic year as well. You can continue to use your previous card or replace it with the new version.
You can also download your card from mishp.ca/coverage. Be sure to print and take your card with you, along with photo ID, when you go to a medical appointment, clinic, or hospital.
Do I have to pay up front at the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital?
If you download and take your MISHP coverage card and photo ID with you, you may not need to pay up front. If you do not bring your MISHP coverage card, you will be asked to pay up front. If you are charged for services, keep your receipts and submit a claim form to Manitoba Blue Cross to be reimbursed for eligible expenses. Claim forms are available at mishp.ca.
Finding a doctor or a clinic near you
If you are living in Manitoba and do not have a family or primary care doctor, visit the Government of Manitoba Family Doctor Finder page to find one in your area. If you search “doctor near me” online, you will find a list of walk-in and private clinics that are nearest to your present location.
Knowing where to go for care will help you receive better health care sooner. If you are not sure where to go for health care, please use the guide below to help you determine where to go for regular health-care needs, urgent care, or emergencies:
What does the health plan cover?
Under this plan, you have the same primary health coverage as a Manitoba resident. This means that there are no exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. This coverage will allow you to visit a doctor, clinic, or hospital for necessary medical tests like x-rays or blood tests. It will also cover you for emergency or routine medical procedures. The seasonal flu vaccine is also covered under MISHP.
There is a lifetime total claim cap of $1 million. In addition, there is a $25,000 drug cap for the first six months a student is enrolled in the plan (or for the first year for any dependants who are enrolled); after the first six months (or the first year for dependants), drug claims are only limited by the lifetime total cap of $1 million. Please note that the initial $25,000 drug cap counts toward the $1 million lifetime maximum.
To learn about everything your plan includes, including access to virtual health-care service Dialogue, visit mishp.ca/coverage.
What coverage does MISHP provide for expenses related to COVID-19 in Manitoba?
For eligible international students covered by MISHP who are required to be tested for COVID-19 in approved testing sites, the medical expenses incurred for testing will be covered under your plan. For more information, please visit mishp.ca.
- Please note that newly enrolled international students are covered on an emergency basis for up to one (1) calendar month prior to the start of their first academic term. During this period, medical treatment and testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if symptoms began after departure from your home country.
- International students are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba at no cost. You will need to present some form of government-issued ID such as a passport to get the vaccine. Read more about the vaccine and current eligibility here. Please note International students covered under MISHP looking to book the COVID Vaccine appointment must call the booking line at 1-844-626-8222 to make their appointment. Unfortunately, online booking is not available for international students in Manitoba at this time
How much does the health plan cost?
The cost of the plan is assessed by term, at point of registration. You will pay it with your tuition fees.
For undergraduate, graduate and English Language Centre program students:
- In fall 2021, students will pay $344 for coverage from Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2021.
- In winter 2022, students will pay $688 for coverage from Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2022.
- In spring/summer 2022, newly admitted students (those not enrolled in the Winter Term) will pay $344 for coverage from May 1 – Aug. 31, 2022.
For Extended Education students in one-year programs:
- Students will pay $1,032 for one full year of coverage, at the beginning of the first term in which they register.