Student Travel Insurance Abroad and PVT (2026)
Studying, interning, or doing a PVT outside of Quebec requires medical coverage suitable for long stays. Here’s what the RAMQ really covers, the requirements of universities, and how to protect yourself at the right price.
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A study session abroad, an international internship, or a Working Holiday Program (PVT) are exciting projects — but they place you outside the Quebec health network for months. However, the RAMQ only reimburses a minimal fraction of the care received outside Quebec, and many foreign universities require proof of medical insurance before enrolling you. An emergency (hospitalization, accident, medical return) can cost thousands of dollars without adequate protection.
This page explains travel coverage tailored for young adults on long stays, what the RAMQ actually covers for students, the requirements of foreign institutions, and the PVT. Prices are indicative only and vary according to the profile; the exact premium is determined after analysis by an insurance broker from a partner firm certified by the AMF.
What coverage does a student need abroad?
Emergency Medical Care
The core of protection: hospitalization, consultations, medications, and emergency care throughout the stay. Coverage of $1 to $5 million is generally recommended.
Long-term coverage
Unlike a vacation trip, a study stay lasts several months. You need a policy designed for long stays, not a short-term travel insurance.
Medical repatriation
If your condition requires a return to Quebec for care, medical repatriation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It’s a key protection for a long stay away from home.
Returns during holidays
Many students return to Quebec during the holidays. Check that your policy allows these round trips without interrupting coverage.
What the RAMQ covers (and does not cover) for students
When you leave Quebec to study, the RAMQ only reimburses care received abroad at Quebec rates, which is a fraction of the actual cost: often just a few dozen dollars per day of hospitalization, well below the bills observed abroad. Additionally, a prolonged absence from Quebec can, depending on its duration and nature, affect your eligibility for the plan. Students going abroad for recognized studies benefit from specific rules, but these never replace real medical travel insurance.
The message is simple: the RAMQ is not travel insurance. For a study stay, internship, or working holiday, private medical insurance remains essential. Consult the RAMQ about the steps to take before a prolonged departure.
Studies, internship, or working holiday: specifics
University studies
Many foreign universities impose their own insurance plan or require proof of equivalent coverage. Check the requirements before enrolling to avoid paying twice.
International internship
An internship outside Quebec, paid or unpaid, does not always include health coverage. Confirm what the employer or organization offers before leaving.
Working holiday (PVT)
Several PVT destinations require medical insurance covering the entire duration of the permit as a condition of entry. Without compliant proof, access to the program may be denied.
Young adult = lower premium
Good point: at the same age, a healthy young adult generally pays one of the lowest monthly premiums, as the medical risk is lower.
Indicative benchmarks by type of stay (Quebec, 2026)
| Type of stay | Typical duration | Indicative monthly range |
|---|---|---|
| Study session abroad | 4 to 8 months | $30 – $90 / month |
| International internship | 2 to 6 months | $30 – $90 / month |
| Working holiday (PVT) | 6 to 24 months | Depending on the country and duration |
| Short exchange program | 1 to 3 months | $30 – $70 / month |
Indicative ranges only, for informational purposes — they vary based on age, destination, duration, and amount of coverage. The actual premium is determined after analysis by an insurance broker from a partner firm certified by the AMF.
Steps before leaving to study
Keep your proof of insurance accessible
Keep a digital copy of your policy and proof of coverage on your phone and in your email. Many universities and some border posts require this document upon arrival. Also note the insurer’s emergency assistance number: this is who you call first in case of a medical issue, often 24/7.
No compliant proof, no registration (or entry)
Many foreign universities block registration until proof of medical insurance is provided, and some countries deny entry to PVT participants without compliant coverage for the entire duration of the permit. Arrange your insurance before your departure to avoid a session delay or refusal at the border.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance to study abroad?
Yes. The RAMQ only reimburses a minimal fraction of care received outside Quebec, and many foreign universities require proof of medical insurance before enrollment. Long-term coverage is essential for a study stay.
Does the RAMQ cover me during my studies abroad?
Very little. The RAMQ only reimburses care abroad at Quebec rates, which is a fraction of the actual cost. Additionally, a prolonged absence may affect your eligibility. Consult the RAMQ before a prolonged departure and obtain private insurance.
How much does travel insurance cost for a student?
As a guideline, it is often observed to be between $30 and $90 per month for a student, depending on the country, duration, and amount of coverage. This amount is indicative and varies based on the profile; the actual premium is determined after analysis by a broker.
What is a working holiday (PVT) and is insurance required?
The Working Holiday Program (PVT) allows you to stay and work abroad for a specified period. Several destinations require medical insurance covering the entire duration of the permit as a condition of entry; without compliant proof, access to the program may be denied.
My foreign university has its own plan: do I still need to subscribe?
Not necessarily. If the institution imposes its plan and it covers your medical needs, you avoid paying twice. However, check the exclusions and scope; supplementary insurance may fill gaps, particularly for repatriation.
Does the insurance cover my returns to Quebec during the holidays?
Often yes, but conditions vary. Some long-term policies allow round trips without interrupting coverage, while others do not. Check this point if you plan to return during school holidays.
Why a game
Because the risk of medical emergencies is statistically lower among young healthy adults. For the same duration and destination, their monthly premium is generally among the lowest.
How to get the best price for student insurance?
The most effective method is to compare several insurers for equivalent coverage. Assur360 is an independent comparison platform that connects you for free with AMF-certified partner firms and insurance brokers, who shop for student or PVT coverage for you.
Why compare with Assur360
Assur360 is an independent comparison platform. We do not sell insurance: we connect you for free with AMF-certified partner firms and insurance brokers who compare student and PVT coverage for you.
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