Students living in on-campus housing (like dormitories) are typically covered under their parents' home insurance policy, but with important limitations. Most policies extend contents coverage to dependents temporarily residing away from home for educational purposes, usually up to 10% of the total contents coverage. However, this extension generally only applies while the student maintains their primary residence at the parents' home (returning during breaks and summers). For students in off-campus housing, coverage is more limited or non-existent, making tenant insurance essential. Additionally, high-value items like electronics, musical instruments, or sports equipment may exceed standard sub-limits and require scheduled personal property endorsements. Always verify specific coverage details with your insurer, as policies vary significantly.

Tuition insurance reimburses educational expenses if a student withdraws from school for covered reasons, typically including serious illness, injury, or mental health conditions. Most policies cover tuition, room and board, and other mandatory fees that may not be refundable under the school's standard withdrawal policy. The value proposition depends on several factors: the cost of attendance (higher costs justify greater protection), the school's refund policy (stricter policies increase the need for coverage), the student's health history, and program difficulty. For graduate programs, specialized programs with limited enrollment periods, or international education with significant upfront investment, tuition insurance offers particularly strong value. Most policies cost 1-5% of the covered tuition amount, with premiums varying based on coverage limits and included conditions.

International students in Canada face unique health insurance considerations that vary by province. Some provinces (like BC, MB, and SK) allow international students to access provincial health insurance plans, while others (like ON, QC, and AB) require private coverage. Most educational institutions offer health insurance plans specifically designed for international students, but coverage limits and exclusions vary significantly. Key considerations include: comprehensive emergency medical coverage (minimum $100,000, ideally $1-2 million), prescription drug coverage, dental and vision benefits, mental health services, and medical evacuation/repatriation benefits. Students should also verify coverage for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and direct billing options. For those traveling home during breaks, maintaining continuous coverage is essential, as is understanding how claims are handled both within Canada and internationally.

Auto insurance for students requires careful consideration to balance coverage needs with cost management. For students taking vehicles to school, insurers need to know the new location, as premiums can change significantly based on campus location and parking arrangements. Many insurers offer "student away" discounts for vehicles left at home while attending school beyond a certain distance (typically 100km). Good student discounts can reduce premiums by 10-25% for maintaining specified grade averages (usually B or higher). For occasional driving, being listed as a secondary driver on parents' vehicles rather than having your own policy can provide significant savings. Usage-based insurance programs are particularly beneficial for students with limited driving needs. Finally, students should review liability limits carefully, as lower-cost policies often have minimal coverage that may be insufficient in serious accidents.

Study abroad programs require specialized insurance beyond standard domestic coverage. The foundation is comprehensive travel medical insurance with high coverage limits (minimum $1 million, preferably $5 million) that includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is essential to protect against program cancellations, academic emergencies, or family situations requiring early return. Personal property coverage with worldwide protection should cover electronics and educational materials, while personal liability insurance protects against damages in host family homes or academic facilities. Many study abroad programs offer insurance packages, but these should be carefully evaluated for coverage gaps. Students should also verify coverage for adventure activities, mental health services, and pre-existing conditions. Finally, consider supplemental coverage for academic credit protection to ensure educational investments are protected if program completion is interrupted.