Health Insurance Information

The information below is applicable to international students enroled at Red Deer Polytechnic.

International Student Health Insurance Quick Links:

Red Deer Polytechnic’s guard.me International Insurance Portal
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic Extended Health & Dental Plan

guard.me International Insurance

The Red Deer Polytechnic International Division automatically enrolls all international students in an affordable basic health insurance (doctor visits, hospital care and more) plan through guard.me. The cost of this insurance is $190/term and is automatically included in your fees. The coverage is effective from the first day of each term and all international students will be provided with information on how to download their individualized benefits card.

International students are responsible for purchasing their own insurance while they travel to Canada and for the period prior to the first day of classes.

Click HERE to review additional information about this coverage, to download your benefits card, and to learn more about this coverage.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

Some international students may be eligible for free provincial healthcare through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Individuals who are eligible for this coverage are provided full coverage for medically necessary physician services, and some dental and oral surgical health services. Read about what services may be covered here.

International students studying in Alberta, may be eligible for AHCIP coverage if:  

The international student has a 12-month study permit (valid for an Alberta educational institution) 
The international student intends to reside in Alberta for 12 months or more

*International Students who provide proof of their Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan may be eligible to opt-out of the guard.me International Insurance Plan*

How to Apply for AHCIP

You cannot apply for Alberta Health Care coverage until you are physically here in Alberta. When you apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage, you must provide:   

Proof of Alberta residency  
- For example, this could be an electronic utility bill showing an Alberta address or a non-utility statement or correspondence mailed to your Alberta address
Proof of your identity 
- For example, this could be an ID card or driver’s license issued by any official government or a valid passport
Proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada
- For example, this could be an approved and valid study permit

To review details on how to apply for AHCIP coverage, visit the Government of Alberta’s website. 

Your Responsibilities:

Apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) by mail or at an authorized registry agent office.If you wish to apply in person, here are a few Registry Offices in Red Deer:

Red Deer Registries, 7101 - 20 Sharpe Avenue, Red Deer
One Stop License Shop, B - 3440 50th Ave, Red Deer

Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic Extended Health & Dental Plan

The Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly Red Deer College) offers an affordable extended Health & Dental Plan for full-time students. If you meet the eligibility requirements for enrollment, the cost of the plans is included in your fees.

This plan provides extended health and dental coverage. Click HERE to review additional information about this coverage, to download your benefits card, and to learn more about this coverage.