Are international students covered for pre-arrival medical needs 🔹 Does my student insurance work before I get to Canada 🔹 What if I need medical care before arriving at Acadia 🔹 Should I buy travel insurance before coming to Nova Scotia

Learn whether Acadia’s international student medical plan covers health expenses before arriving in Canada, and what steps to take if you need coverage during travel or pre-arrival.

No — the International Student Medical Plan only begins once you arrive in Canada. It does not cover any medical expenses you incur in your home country or during travel before arrival.

Here’s what you should do:

• ✈️ If you need coverage before arriving, consider purchasing private travel insurance

• 📅 Coverage under the ASU International Medical Plan starts on your arrival date, not before

• 🧾 Any medical costs before arrival — including prescriptions, doctor visits, or emergencies — will not be reimbursed by the student plan

• 📧 For help choosing pre-arrival coverage visit the ASU Supports Office

Tip: Students arriving before the official start of term (e.g. before September 1 or January 1) are strongly encouraged to have travel insurance in place.

📘 Helpful Definitions:

• Pre-arrival medical needs: Health care services needed before entering Canada, such as vaccinations, prescriptions, or emergency care

• Travel insurance: A short-term insurance policy that covers medical emergencies and trip-related issues while traveling

🔗 Suggested Links

• Acadia International Arrival & Orientation Info

• StudentVIP International Medical Plan Coverage

• ASU Supports Office

📝 Special Notes:

• If you’re arriving early for orientation or housing, travel insurance can help bridge the gap until your student plan begins

• Keep all receipts and documents in case you need to submit claims to a private insurer

• Your student plan becomes active once you are physically in Canada and registered at Acadia