Quick answer: International students in Ontario usually need three kinds of insurance: health coverage (most commonly through the school mandatory plan, such as UHIP), tenant insurance for rented housing, and car insurance if they drive. Health coverage is often arranged automatically by the university, while tenant and car insurance are your own responsibility and are where an independent broker can help you compare and save.
Written and reviewed by Navneet Saran, RIBO and LLQP Licensed Insurance Broker – last reviewed July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Health: most international students are covered through a mandatory university health plan like UHIP. Always confirm what is and is not included.
- Tenant insurance: protects your belongings and liability in your rented room or apartment, often for a low monthly cost.
- Car insurance: required if you drive in Ontario. Students with no Canadian driving history usually pay more at first.
- Some students also consider extra medical or travel coverage for gaps or for family visiting them.
- Tenant and car insurance are yours to arrange, and comparing across insurers can save you a lot.
What insurance do international students actually need?
| Type | Do you need it? | Who arranges it |
|---|---|---|
| Health / medical | Yes. Required for study. | Usually your university, via a mandatory plan like UHIP. |
| Tenant (renters) | Recommended, often required by landlords. | You. A broker can set it up quickly. |
| Car / auto | Mandatory if you drive. | You. Comparing insurers matters most here. |
| Extra travel / visitor | Optional; useful for family visiting you. | You, often through a broker. |
Do international students get OHIP health coverage?
Health coverage rules can change, and eligibility depends on your situation, so always confirm with your school and the province. In practice, most international students in Ontario are covered through a mandatory university health plan such as UHIP, which is usually arranged for you when you enrol. The key step is to read what your plan covers, including prescriptions, dental and vision, so you know where any gaps are.
Do students need tenant insurance?
If you rent a room or an apartment, tenant insurance protects your belongings against theft, fire and water damage, and covers your personal liability if you accidentally cause damage. Many landlords now require it in the lease. It is inexpensive, often just a low monthly cost, and it is one of the easiest policies to arrange when you arrive.
Do international students need car insurance?
If you drive in Ontario, auto insurance is mandatory. Students who are new to Canada usually pay more at first because they have no local driving history. You can often reduce the cost with a letter of experience from your home country, an approved driving course, and by comparing insurers, since companies treat new drivers very differently. This is exactly where an independent broker helps.
Why choose NavInsurance
As an independent, RIBO and LLQP licensed broker in Brampton, I help students and newcomer families sort out tenant and car insurance quickly and affordably, and explain your options in plain language, in English, Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu. I compare multiple Canadian insurers so you are not overpaying in your first year.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Ontario?
Yes, students generally must have health coverage, most commonly through a mandatory university plan such as UHIP. Confirm the details of your specific plan with your school.
Do I need tenant insurance if I live in a shared house?
It is strongly recommended, and your landlord may require it. Your roommates policies do not automatically cover your belongings or liability, so having your own is wise.
Why is my car insurance so expensive as a student?
Mostly because you have no Canadian driving history yet. A letter of experience from your home country, an approved course, and comparing insurers can all help lower it.
Can I get insurance before I have my study permit finalized?
Tenant and car insurance can usually be arranged once you are here and have an address and licence. Health coverage is typically tied to your enrolment.
Can a broker help international students?
Yes. A broker can quickly set up tenant and car insurance and find insurers that price newcomers and students fairly, saving you time and money.
Studying in Brampton or the GTA? Let us sort out your tenant and car insurance the easy way. Reach out on the contact page, or see our newcomer car insurance guide and tenant insurance guide.
Navneet Saran is a RIBO and LLQP licensed insurance broker serving Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Through NavInsurance, he helps individuals, families, newcomers and business owners compare insurance solutions from multiple Canadian insurers, including Auto, Home, Life, Commercial, Visitor, Travel and Super Visa Insurance.
