Eligibility Criteria
The International Student Medical Plan provides coverage in the event of an emergent medical occurrence for eligible international students enrolled at Red Deer Polytechnic, such as an injury, illness, or accident, minimizing the costs associated with the effects of injury or ailments costs while studying in Canada. The coverage is comparable to doctor-insured services such as visiting a medical clinic or hospital.
Eligible students will be insured through the mandatory international plans; the International Student Medical Plan - mycanadaplan; and Transportation and Repatriation - Repatriation Insurance Plan. The fees will be added to your student account and be part of the tuition when you are enrolled at Red Deer Polytechnic.
International students are automatically enrolled in the international plans if they meet the following criteria:
- You are a new international student; or
- You are a Continuing or Returning international student; and
- You hold a valid study permit; and
- You must be registered and accepted in an eligible program as an international student; and
- You are under the age of 65.
Enrollment Confirmation
If you are unsure about whether or not you are eligible for the International Student Medical Plan - mycanadaplan or Transportation and Repatriation - Repatriation Insurance Plan, please contact the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca prior to any applicable deadlines.
International Wallet Card
Eligible students enrolled in the International Student Medical Plan will receive the plan card and the policy document by email. Students will receive this information at their Red Deer Polytechnic email address.
If you are eligible for the International Student Medical Plan and have not received the welcome email, please contact the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca.
Opting Out
International students who have valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) can submit an online Opt-Out application to waive the International Student Medical Plan by the applicable term deadline. You must upload to your application a picture or scan of your Alberta Health Card as proof of coverage when completing the online opt-out form.
Coverage Period
International students are enrolled to the Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic - SARDP International Student Medical Plan for a 90-day term plan commensurate with their approved registration dates as confirmed by the SARDP and International Department. The 90-day coverage period allows students the necessary time to apply for Alberta’s Health Insurance Plan. During this period, eligible students can use their International Student Medical Plan as per the plan outline.
All international students, paying international tuition, will be enrolled in Repatriation Insurance at the end of the 90-day term insurance and remain enrolled in the Repatriation Insurance while studying at Red Deer Polytechnic; the coverage provided is effective while in Canada. Students will receive a Welcome email confirmation with applicable policy documentation and international wallet cards for this program including applicable effective and expiry dates.
Returning and continuing international students registered for an active term with Red Deer Polytechnic will be automatically enrolled in the mandatory Repatriation Insurance plan for a duration of 12 months commencing from the first day of your program month’s effective date.
Effective Date
Eligible students will receive a 90-day term period aligned with the first day of the month in which their program starts. Term effective and expiry dates are set by the Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic - SARDP and the insurer.
For example: Summer 2023 Term – July 1st effective date.
For more information regarding coverage dates for your applicable term or the link to apply for the Alberta Health Insurance Plan, please contact the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca.
Please contact your Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca to confirm your date of arrival to confirm your eligibility for the early arrival benefit.
Expiry Date
The expiry date of your benefits is the last day of the coverage period as shown on your international wallet card as received in your Welcome email. For example, if the effective date of the 90-day term plan is September 1st, the termination date is the 90th day or November 29th for the 90-day term period.
Repatriation insurance plans expiry dates are as shown on your Repatriation documentation and no more than 365 days from your first day insured including the International Student Medical Plan effective date. If you want to confirm the termination date of your plan, please contact your Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
The Alberta Health Care Insurance plan is a provincial plan designed to provide eligible residents with coverage related to medically necessary care under insured doctor services, such as most hospital and doctor services. AHCIP does not cover dental visits, prescription drugs, eye wear and corrective lenses and travel. To be covered for insured health services in Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
International students studying and residing in Alberta with a valid study permit of 12 months or greater must apply for coverage. (there is an exception should we include) Registration can made as soon as you arrive to Alberta, Canada.
It is the student's responsibility to apply for their AHCIP while studying and residing in Alberta, Canada.
To apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) students need to complete the online application form on the Province of Alberta's government website.
To know more information, please visit the website
Once your AHCIP application is received, it is reviewed to see if you are eligible.
- Coverage begins once your application has been approved and you are registered.
- Your personal health care card is mailed to you.
Any insured health services you receive and pay for before your application is processed may be reimbursed once you have your personal health care card. You will have to show eligibility for the period when you received the services.
There are no premiums or payments to be registered with the AHCIP.
Attending school in Alberta
If you are in Alberta temporarily to attend school full time and plan to return to your home province or territory after your studies, you must maintain your health insurance coverage with your home province or territory.
If you are a student from outside Canada, you may be eligible for AHCIP coverage.
For further assistance, you can also contact the SARDP for assistance at mycanada@rdpolytech.ca