As an international student, I know how hard it can be to find real information—especially when you’re pregnant in Canada. You might worry about the cost, what’s covered, and what to expect. Unlike citizens, we don’t have the same privileges. We don’t get a health card, which makes things more complicated and expensive.
Let me walk you through my personal experience giving birth in Canada as a student—what it actually cost and how I managed insurance.
What to Know About Insurance When Giving Birth in Canada as a Student
The first thing you need to do is check if your school insurance covers delivery. I study at the University of Ottawa, and we use UHIP insurance. When I called them, they confirmed it covers the same amount as OHIP in Ontario.
I strongly suggest you call your school’s insurance office and ask:
- What percentage of your delivery costs they cover
- Whether they cover private rooms or only shared ones
- If they do direct billing with hospitals
In my case, they only covered a shared room—not a private one. That’s something I had to accept to stay fully covered.
Each school and plan is different, so don’t assume yours works the same way.
My Experience from First Appointments to Delivery
At the beginning of my pregnancy, I visited a different hospital for check-ups. I paid $20 at the reception for each appointment, since my insurance didn’t cover those visits.
Later, they referred me to Montfort Hospital, where everything changed. The hospital directly billed my insurance for all services, so I didn’t pay a single dollar. I didn’t have to submit claims—they handled it all.
From monthly OB-GYN visits to ultrasounds and delivery, my school insurance covered it fully.
I didn’t request reimbursements for my medications, but the hospital stay, exams, and care came at no cost to me.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an international student and pregnant in Canada, here’s what helped me most:
- Call your insurance provider early and ask detailed questions
- Check what they cover—room types, appointments, medications
- Ask about direct billing so you don’t end up paying upfront
Giving birth in Canada as a student doesn’t have to cost a fortune—but preparation is key.