Healthcare & Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance Requirements

Mandatory Insurance: International students are required by the BC Government to have medical insurance for the duration of their studies in Vancouver.

Guard.me Insurance
Private International Student Medical Insurance

Guard.me offers private international student medical insurance, and it is mandatory for international students residing in Canada during their first term of study at Guildford College.

  • Covers emergency medical expenses
  • Prescription medication coverage
  • Emergency dental coverage
  • 24/7 assistance services
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
BC Government Health Plan

Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the government health plan. All BC residents (visa/study permit OR living in BC for more than six months) must have this medical health plan.

Important: Once you arrive in BC, you must apply for this plan.

MSP Eligibility:
  • Study permit holders
  • Living in BC for more than 6 months
  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Medical Costs Without Insurance

It can cost a lot to see a doctor or receive any health support services without medical insurance. Here are some estimations:

Service Estimated Cost
Doctor Visit $100 - $150
Ambulance Ride $350 - $750
Emergency Room Visit Starting at $765+ (depending on condition)
Hospitals Near Surrey Campus
Peace Arch Hospital

Address: 15521 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 5M2

Phone: +1 604-531-5512

Surrey Memorial Hospital

Address: 13750 96 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2

Phone: +1 604-581-2211

Walk-in Clinics Near Surrey Campus

Make sure you have a Personal Health Number (PHN) or Health Insurance as it can be extremely expensive otherwise.

WELL Health Medical Centres – Colebrook

Address: 15240 56 Ave #107, Surrey, BC V3S 5K7

Phone: +1 778-574-1414

Sullivan Medical Clinic

Address: 15325 56 Ave #108, Surrey, BC V3S 0X9

Phone: +1 604-303-6342

Pharmacy Services

You can buy over-the-counter drugs (which don't require a prescription from a doctor) at most grocery stores. Prescription and non-prescription medicine can be found at:

  • Shoppers Drug Mart - Major pharmacy chain
  • London Drugs - Electronics and pharmacy
  • Rexall - Pharmacy chain
  • Other drug stores and pharmacies
Mental Health & Counseling Services

At Guildford College, we understand that your mental health and well-being are just as important as your academic success. Our comprehensive counseling services are designed to provide you with the support you need.

Here2Talk
Free 24/7 Mental Health Support

The Here2Talk program offers 24/7 mental health support to all students in B.C.'s colleges and universities. This program provides:

  • Immediate and confidential counseling services
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Accessible from anywhere
  • Just a click or call away
Simply Counselling
Personalized Support

Simply Counselling provides personalized support to help you overcome personal and academic challenges:

  • One-on-one sessions
  • Focus on individual needs
  • Develop coping strategies
  • Build resilience and enhance well-being
Important Medical Information

Prescription Records: It is highly recommended that you bring a copy of any medical prescriptions, notes, or medical information when you arrive in Canada.

Emergency Contacts

Have any questions? Contact us to get more information on our programs, admission process, and more.

Request Info

Guildford College is Designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) .

DLI Information

Guildford College is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and we are approved to host international students. To apply for a study permit, international students need an acceptance letter from a DLI. For more information about DLIs, visit the Government of Canada's website. DLI Number: O179335207982

Designated B.C. Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit & Shield Design mark is a certification mark owned by the Government of British Columbia and used under licence.


© 2025 Guildford College All rights reserved.

Designed & Developed by SpiderWeb