As an international student at Capilano University (CapU), you must have both basic and extended health insurance for your whole time studying in Canada. See the required insurance below.
If you are a short-term visiting or exchange student, please read about your specific medical insurance requirements.
Basic Health Insurance
MSP is British Columbia's public health insurance for basic medical care. If you stay in B.C. for more than 6 months, you must enroll and keep coverage until you leave the province.
- Apply online as soon as you arrive in B.C.
- Receive a BC Services Card and invoice directly from Health Insurance BC.
- Cost: $75/month
- Benefits include doctor visits and most medically necessary services.
- Wait Period: Coverage may start 3 months after your arrival date in B.C. At CapU, GuardMe temporary health insurance is required while you wait.
GuardMe is private basic insurance to cover your wait period for MSP. If you are a new international student at CapU and do not yet have MSP, you must have GuardMe. Other insurance will not be accepted.
- Automatic enrollment for all new international students.
- Cost: $188 for 3 months
- Pay after add/dop period (fee charged to your student account).
- Opt out online if you have MSP or study outside Canada (before add/drop period).
- Coverage: Up to 90 days from the term start date while waiting for MSP.
- Optional: Purchase GuardMe for early arrival or your family members.
Extended Health Insurance (Extra Coverage)
The Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) offers a Health and Dental Plan called Alumo, which provides extra coverage for health services not covered by MSP.
- Automatic enrollment for all full-time registered students in the Fall (Sept.) term.
- Fees are included in tuition.
- Students admitted in Spring (Jan.) or Summer (May) term can self-enroll.
- Benefits include prescription drugs, vaccines, vision, dental, travel, and more.
More details about insurance for new international students are available in Module 4 of the Welcome Guide for International Students on eLearn.
Things to remember as a newly admitted student
- Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C. Canada.
- You will be covered by GuardMe during the wait period for MSP.
- You also get extended health insurance through the CSU plan.