General information
McGill's International Student Health Insurance Plan is compulsory for all international students, except in rare situations where exemptions may be granted. However, your health insurance coverage will be cancelled if you:
- graduate;
- withdraw from McGill;
- do not register for any classes; or
- become a Canadian permanent resident.
More information about these situations can be found below. For a detailed explanation of the cancellation process, contact International Student Services (ISS).
Reasons for cancelling
Graduation from McGill
When you graduate, you may be eligible for a term-based pro-rated refund, and you must request your refund in person at the ISS office by:
- January 30 for a refund for the Winter and Summer semester.
- May 30 for a refund for the Summer semester.
If you're planning to leave Montreal, you should request a refund at least three weeks before you depart.
Withdrawal from McGill
If you withdraw from McGill, your coverage will end and your student account will be adjusted to include a term-based pro-rated refund of your insurance premiums. If the date of your withdrawal is before the Registrar's Web withdrawal deadline, you will receive a full pro-rated refund of insurance premiums paid. If the date of your withdrawal is after the Registrar's Web withdrawal deadline, you will receive a partial refund. Please note that in either case, Blue Cross will not process claims submitted after your withdrawal date, and you will be required to pay the premium for all semesters in which claims have been processed.
Contact ISS for an updated list of withdrawal deadlines.
Non-registration in McGill classes
If you do not register for classes and your status at McGill becomes inactive, your insurance coverage will end. Your student account will be adjusted to include a term-based pro-rated refund of the insurance premium, effective at the end of your last registered term. If you have been granted a leave of absence, please check with your Faculty to determine how your status will be affected.
Permanent resident status
If you become a Canadian permanent resident, you will no longer be considered an international student, and this health insurance will no longer be compulsory for you. To withdraw, you must present your record of landing and/or your Quebec Medicare card to ISS, and return your Blue Cross card. Your student account will reflect a term-based pro-rated refund of your premium.