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Note: This is the 2023–2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Student Health & Insurance

Student Health and Health Insurance

Learn more about health insurance, your requirements as a student, and services offered for special medical needs in the following sections.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)

Health Insurance – International Students

Health Insurance – International Students

International Students (Non-Canadians or Non-Permanent Residents of Canada)

By Senate regulation, all international students (full-time, part-time, half-time, Additional Session, Thesis Evaluation, Non-Thesis Extension, Special, Exchange, and Visiting) and their accompanying dependants must participate in the University's compulsory International Student Health Insurance Plan (IHI). The University, the Quebec Ministry of Education, and the Canadian Immigration Authorities require a copy of your proof of health insurance on file. Take note, that minors (less than 18 years of age) are now eligible to apply for the provincial coverage in Quebec, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

For details on the IHI plan and information concerning rates, consult the ISS website.

Students covered by private health insurance are not exempt from the Â鶹AV plan. However, you may be eligible for an exemption by meeting certain criteria. Exemption requests must be made on Minerva under the International Student Health Insurance Coverage Form. Supporting documents for your exemption request should be scanned and emailed to international.health [at] mcgill.ca (ISS) by certain deadlines, indicating in the body of the email your name, Â鶹AV ID number, and exemption request.

Exemptions are valid for one year only and must be renewed each subsequent academic year.

All inquiries related to Â鶹AV's International Health Insurance Plan must be directed to International Student Services:

Note for Continuing Studies: International students who are enrolled in credit courses at School of Continuing Studies are also billed IHI and should also refer to the Office of International Student Services website for information on health insurance.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)

Health Insurance – Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Health Insurance – Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Canadians residing in Canada

All undergraduate and graduate (classed as Canadian full-time or Additional Session, Thesis Evaluation, Non-Thesis Extension, as well as Postdoctoral candidates) students beginning in the Fall term will be automatically enrolled in the applicable Students' Society's (SSMU, MCSS, or PGSS) supplemental Health and Dental Plans. Your supplemental health plan is only valid if you have provincial healthcare or have opted-in to the International Health Insurance Plan. For details on fees, change of coverage dates, and what is covered by the plans, refer to , or contact:

  • Studentcare/Alliance pour la santé étudiante au Québec (ASEQ)
  • Telephone: 514-789-8775 or 1-866-795-4435 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Website:

If you are a Canadian student from outside Quebec, you should check with your provincial medicare office to ensure that you have valid provincial health coverage while studying at Â鶹AV.

Canadians who have been residing outside of Canada

If you are a Canadian student who has been living abroad, you may not be eligible for provincial health insurance coverage. To verify your for the Quebec provincial health plan, contact:

  • Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
  • 425 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O., Suite 301
  • Montreal QC H3A 3G5
  • Telephone: 514-864-3411
  • Website:

Important: If you are not eligible, in order to ensure adequate health insurance coverage you may enrol in the group plan offered through International Student Services for international students. Please note that this option is available only during the first month of each new semester at Â鶹AV.

Note for Continuing Studies: Continuing Studies students also have access to a health and dental plan offered by MACES; please refer to for eligibility and other information.
Note for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Graduate students classed as Canadian full-time or Additional Session, Thesis Evaluation, Non-Thesis Extension, as well as postdoctoral candidates are automatically covered by their society's extended Health and Dental Plan (PGSS). Eligible students not charged automatically for insurance fees can choose to enrol themselves during the appropriate Change-of-Coverage period. For more information on what this plan covers, as well as enrolment, opt-out procedures, and deadlines, please refer to the latest information at . Students without valid Canadian medicare, please see Health Insurance – International Students, or the Canadians who have been residing outside of Canada section above.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)

Special Medical Needs

Special Medical Needs

If you have special medical needs, please book an appointment with the Student Wellness Hub to discuss how to manage your health while at Â鶹AV.

If you anticipate encountering ongoing barriers in the academic or physical environment due to disability, injury, or illness, please consult with the Student Accessibility & Achievement to determine an appropriate individualized accommodation plan. Appropriate medical documentation may be required, and can be discussed with an Access Advisor. Academic accommodation planning and support is available to students at the Downtown Campus as well as the Macdonald Campus, and to students in Continuing Studies. Please refer to mcgill.ca/access-achieve/ for more information, or to book an appointment.

Note for Medicine and Health Sciences: See the WELL Office at mcgill.ca/thewelloffice.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024) (disclaimer)

Academic Accommodation of Pregnant Students and Students Caring for Dependants

Academic Accommodation of Pregnant Students and Students Caring for Dependants

Â鶹AV acknowledges the particular challenges facing you as a pregnant student and/or as a student caring for a dependant.

Â鶹AV supports you in your desire to further your education while meeting your family obligations.

Wishing to provide an environment in which you may be able to continue in your program of study and fulfil your university commitments, these guidelines aim to set out how, and in what exceptional circumstances, you may request academic accommodation.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023) (disclaimer)
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