What’s Scarier than no Healthcare Campaign
Page last updated: October 30, 2025
Sign the Canadian Federation of Students Healthcare For All petition: cfsmb.ca/campaigns/healthcare-for-all#petition
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association’s Vice-President External Affair, Omega Budhathoki, is leading this campaign to help reinstate International Students’ Healthcare in Manitoba.
What are we doing?
We are rallying to urge the Manitoba Government to reinstate International Students’ Healthcare immediately.
What is the current status of the Healthcare for International Students?
Since 2018, International Students still do not have universal health care in Manitoba. During these times international students would need to enroll in the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MIHSP) Health Plan which would cost over $1000 per student annually.
Other provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories, provide provincial health coverage for International Students.
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.
How you can help
- Sign the Canadian Federation of Students Healthcare For All petition: cfsmb.ca/campaigns/healthcare-for-all#petition
Keep in touch
Follow our Instagram, X, and Facebook (@theuwsa) pages for updates on this campaign. If you want more information about this campaign you can also email our VPEA, Omega Budhathoki, at vpea@theuwsa.ca.
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)
