international students

Hot summers, cold winters

Montreal's climate varies widely from season to season, and is warmest in July, with temperatures sometimes reaching 30°C (86°F) or so. January is the coldest month, and thermometers occasionally dip to -25°C (-13°F) or less. Because of strong winds, however, the weather can feel much colder than it is, and warm winter coats, hats, gloves and boots are essential.

Montreal features abundant precipitation, averaging more than two metres of snow each winter and 760 millimetres of rain throughout the year.

Do I need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card?

A SIN card is necessary to work in Canada. Employers must ask to see the SIN card of all new employees as soon as they are hired. You may apply for a SIN card before you start working or up to three days after your start date. A SIN number is also required for taxation purposes.

[1] Claiming expenses incurred outside of the McGill Health Clinic
[2] If you make a claim but receive no response from Blue Cross
[3] Reimbursement for basic health benefits
[4] Contacting Blue Cross

[1] General information
[2] Exemption deadlines
[3] Exemption categories
[4] Supporting documents for exemptions

Non-resident Canadian students who are not eligible for a Canadian health plan and have no insurance coverage or whose private insurance is not adequate, have the option of enrolling on McGill's International Student Health Insurance Plan. To do so they must complete the form below no later than September 30 (Fall Term) or January 30 (Winter Term). Processing for the Fall session will be done between August 16 and September 30. Winter processing will be done between December 16 and January 30.

Payment Express is a convenient service that reimburses you for the medical expenses you incur. You do not need to complete a claim form.

Here's how it works:

• Present your medical and prescription receipts in person at the front counter on the ground floor of the Blue Cross Building (550 Sherbrooke Street West). Opening hours are 8:30 to 4:30, Monday to Friday.
• Unless further investigation is required, you will be reimbursed immediately.

IHI Rates for the 2012-2013 academic year

• Single IHI plan: $813
• Dependent IHI plan: $2334
• Family IHI plan: $4437

Students who graduate and obtain an open 3-year postgraduate work permit are now eligible for Quebec Medicare. For more information, please contact the Quebec Medicare office:

Régie de l'assurance-maladie du Québec

425, boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest
3e étage, bureau 300
Montréal (Québec) H3A 3G5

(514) 864-3411

Photo credit: David K. Chen

Useful links

Immigration et communautés culturelles Québec
Provincial government resources for international students studying in Quebec

Volunteers:

We are recruiting volunteers for the upcoming 2013-2014 academic year

• If you are a returning student and would like to join the Buddy program, please submit the Buddy Volunteer Form.
• To all returning Buddies: Please re-submit the Buddy Volunteer Form in order to be a Buddy to a new student this Fall.

New Students: 

Reque