Healthcare for International Students
Page last updated: September 18, 2026
Healthcare for International Students
International students in Manitoba deserve equitable access to public health care.
Join Manitoba Students, the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association, the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, and the Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association as we call on the Manitoba Government to restore provincial health coverage for international students.
International Students’ Healthcare Rally
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway
The rally will take place as the Manitoba Legislative Assembly reconvenes for its fall sitting. We are gathering on this important day to ensure that international students’ concerns are heard as MLAs, government officials, media, and staff will be present return to the Legislature.
UWSA’s Vice-President External Affairs, Cannan Daree is helping coordinate the UWSA’s participation and represent University of Winnipeg students within this collective campaign.
What are we asking for?
We are calling on the Manitoba Government to:
- Restore provincial health coverage for eligible international students.
- Provide a clear implementation plan and date for restoring coverage.
- Ensure international students can access medically necessary care without additional private insurance costs or financial barriers.
What is the current status of the Healthcare for International Students?
International students were eligible for Manitoba’s provincial health plan from 2012 until their coverage was removed in 2018.
Most international students must now enrol in the Manitoba International Student Health Plan, known as MISHP, instead of receiving coverage through Manitoba Health.
At the University of Winnipeg, MISHP costs $440 for the fall term. Winter and spring coverage are combined and charged at $800 during the winter term. This brings the annual MISHP cost for a student beginning in the fall to $1,240.
International students may also pay $350 annually for extended Manitoba Blue Cross coverage. Together, these plans can cost a University of Winnipeg international student approximately $1,590 per year. Students who require temporary guard.me coverage may face an additional cost of $1.65 per day.
The Manitoba Government committed to restoring public health coverage for international students after taking office in 2023. As of September 2026, coverage has not been restored and no implementation date has been announced.
Why does it matter?
International students live, study, work, pay taxes, and contribute to communities across Manitoba. Despite these contributions, they must pay substantial private insurance fees to access health care that other eligible Manitoba residents receive through the provincial system.
These costs come on top of international tuition, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses. Students with spouses or dependants may face even higher fees.
Access to medically necessary health care should not depend on a student’s immigration status or ability to pay additional insurance costs.
How you can help
- Attend the rally on September 29.
- Sign the Healthcare for All petition.
- Share information about the campaign.
- Contact your MLA and ask when health coverage for international students will be restored.
- Follow participating student associations for campaign updates.
Keep in touch
Follow the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @theuwsa.
For questions about the campaign or the UWSA’s involvement, contact Cannan Daree, Vice-President External Affairs, at vpea@theuwsa.ca
Background Information
From 2012 to 2018, international students in Manitoba were covered under the provincial healthcare plan, offering them the necessary financial reprieve to focus on their studies and contribute effectively to our vibrant academic community. This vital support was stripped away, leaving them with no choice but to enroll in the costly MIHSP, which costs over $1000 per student annually. Additionally international students must pay up to $633.33 per year for the Health & Dental Plan.
In 2018 the Manitoba Government repeals universal health care for international students.
Additional Readings and News Articles
- Canadian Federation of Students: Healthcare For All
- CBC: International students question whether Manitoba will reinstate their health coverage as promised (January 31, 2025)
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba Office: Healthcare is a Human Right: International Students Speak Out on Healthcare Inaccessibility in Manitoba (August 2023)
- Manitoba Association for Rights & Liberties: International Students’ Lack Access to Healthcare in Manitoba (April 21, 2022)
- CBC: Manitoba repeals universal health care for international students (March 27, 2018)
