Students

Health Care

Canada has one of the finest health care systems in the world and Canadian residents enjoy a high quality of living because of it. Canadians typically pay for their health care through the tax system however because international students do not pay taxes, they must have private health insurance.

StudentGuard Policy

Niagara College registers all international students automatically into a health insurance policy through StudentGuard Health Insurance. Typically students will receive their insurance card within a month of classes starting. If you do not receive your card, please contact the International Student Adivsor.

Insurance Coverage

When you receive your insurance card, you will also receive a copy of the policy. The policy is also available in several different languages. If you are unsure what is covered by your insurance policy, do not hesitate to contact the International Department or StudentGuard directly at 1-877-USE-THIS.

Generally, all urgent care is covered by your insurance policy. If you are sick, your insurance will cover the cost of your medical care. If your condition is non-urgent, it may not be covered by your insurance policy. Please see the chart below for a brief outline of what services are and are not covered.

What is Covered What is not covered
  • bladder/kidney infection
  • broken bones - new injury
  • cold/flu
  • eye infection
  • cough/bronchitis
  • cuts/contusions/lacerations
  • depression
  • headaches/migraines
  • hives
  • nausea/vomiting
  • pain - anywhere
  • pink eye
  • rash
  • sinus infection
  • sore throat/strep throat
  • sprains/strains
  • stomach upset
  • acne
  • anxiety
  • blood pressure checkups
  • chronic conditions
  • contact lenses or glasses
  • eczema
  • elective or non-emergency treatment
  • exams for the purpose of meeting class entrance requirements
  • immunizations
  • medications available without prescriptions
  • pre-existing conditions
  • prescription refills
  • routine TB tests

Where to Get Help

Emergencies
In case of emergency:

  • call Campus Security at 4444 (NOTL) or 6666 (Welland)
  • or call 911
  • or go to the nearest Emergency Department

Niagara College Health Centre
There are many ways to access health care in the Niagara region. The easiest is to see the nurse at the health centre on your campus. Both are staffed by a registered nurse and have weekly doctor's clinics.

Walk-In Clinics
There are several walk-in clinics throughout Niagara that offer health care to the public that do not require an appointment. Walk-in clinics are best for non-emergency health care assistance like sore throats, skin irritations, or minor ailments.

Walk-In Clinics in St. Catharines
4th Avenue Medical Centre Walk-in Clinic
Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00-4:00
Zehr's Super Store - 411 Louth Street
905-641-3115

Medical Walk-In Clinic - Downtown
Monday-Friday 9:00-3:00
110 King Street
905-687-6575

Pelham Walk-in Clinic
Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00; Weekends & Holidays 10:00-4:00
245 Pelham Road
905-988-1933

Medical Walk-In Clinic - North End
Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00; Weekends & Holidays 9:00-3:00
532 Lake Street, Unit 101
905-646-0015

Medemerg Walk-In Clinic
Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00-5:00
Huntington Square - 211 Martindale Road
905-641-1141

Walk-In Clinics in Welland
Northtown Medical Associates
325 Thorold Road - Northtown Plaza
905-732-4777

Medemerg Walk in Clinic
Monday-Friday 10:00-9:00; Weekends & Holidays 9:30-4:00
Seaway Mall - 800 Niagara Street
905-732-4451

Walk-In Clinics in Niagara Falls
Falls Urgent Care
Monday, Wednesday-Friday 9:00am-8:00pm
Tuesday 6:00am-8:00pm; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00-5:00
6150 Valley Way, Suite 104
905-371-1881

Niagara Falls After Hours Walk-in Medical Clinic
Monday-Friday 9:00-9:00; Saturday & Sunday 9:00-3:00
6453 Morrison Street
905-374-3344

Hospitals
In emergency situations it is important that you do not hesitate going to a hospital. Emergencies can be loss of consciousness, broken bones or poisoning.
St Catharines General Hospital
142 Queenston Street, St Catharines
Welland General Hospital
63 Third Street, Welland
Greater Niagara General Hospital
5546 Portage Road, Niagara Falls

Making an Insurance Claim
While some medical providers will bill StudentGuard directly, you may have to pay for the services you receive and then file a claim to be reimbursed for your expenses. Claim forms can be picked up from the International Department or downloaded from the StudentGuard website.
Original receipts and an explanation of why you went to the doctor must be provided. The completed claim forms and receipts can be mailed to:
StudentGuard Claims
300 John Street, Suite 610
Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 5W4

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Does my insurance cover dental care?
A -Your insurance will pay up to $600cdn for dental work for the relief of acute pain and suffering.

Q - How long does it take to get my money back?
A - Typically it takes 2-3 weeks.

Q - Am I covered anywhere in Canada?
A - Yes, you are covered anywhere in Canada with no restrictions.

Q - What if I have not received my insurance card?
A - Please contact the International Student Advisor.

Q - I lost my insurance card. What should I do?
A - Please contact the International Student Advisor.