Health Insurance Premium Increase FAQ
Why has the health insurance fee increased?
The international student health insurance premium has not increased since 2022.
With the current insurance contract ending on August 31, 2026, Algonquin College had to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) for inbound health insurance coverage for international students. Although the coverage and benefits remain the same, insurance costs are influenced by more than just what is covered.
As part of the RFP process, insurance providers reviewed factors such as overall market conditions, claims trends, and their assessment of the risk being insured. These factors have resulted in higher insurance pricing across the industry, which is why the premium has increased even though the coverage has not changed.
When will the increased fees be reflected on my student account?
The increase in the health insurance premium will be reflected on students’ accounts no later than August 15th, 2026.
Students who have already paid their full fees should consult their financial subledger in ACSIS to confirm their balance owing. Students who have not yet paid their fees in full should consult their financial subledger in ACSIS to confirm changes to their outstanding fee balance.
If you check your balance on ACSIS and have an outstanding balance as a result of the change in the fee and do not have an existing fee deferral, and are unable to immediately pay the difference, you may reach out to Adrienne Lapierre, Fees Coordinator, in the Registrar’s Office at lapiera1@algonquincollege.com to add a fee deferral of September 28th, 2026.
All students are encouraged to make payment as soon as possible. For students for whom the balance owing is due only to the difference in health insurance premiums, the late penalty will be waived. If you see a late penalty added because of the change in cost of the health insurance, please reach out to Adrienne Lapierre, Fees Coordinator, in the Registrar’s Office at lapiera1@algonquincollege.com to have the late fee removed.
Is this increase temporary or permanent?
This fee increase is for the 2026 academic year. Students should expect fee increases in the subsequent 2 years as follows:
2027 academic year: $1,352.33 + health services administration fee
2028 academic year: $1,491.38 + health services administration fee
Has the insurance provider changed?
No, the insurance provider for Algonquin College’s International Student Health Plan remains GuardMe More Canada – Enhanced plan.
When was the last time that the international student health insurance premium was increased?
The international student health insurance premium has not increased since 2022.
Has the coverage changed?
No, coverage remains the same. Please refer to the GuardMe Summary brochure or visit their website for more details on coverage and inclusions.
Am I required to enroll in this health insurance plan?
GuardMe insurance is mandatory unless you have valid coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), or the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). If you wish to opt out of the GuardMe insurance, and are eligible to do so, please complete the OHIP/UHIP/IFHP information form.
Do I need to pay the additional fees immediately?
Students are encouraged to pay the fees as soon as possible; however, all students can request a fee deferral until September 28, 2026. For students with a balance owing only due to the difference in health insurance premiums, the late penalty will be waived. To request a fee deferral, or to have a late penalty waived please contact Adrienne Lapierre, Fees Coordinator, in the Registrar’s Office at lapiera1@algonquincollege.com.
Can the fee be refunded if I withdraw from my studies?
For Fall 2026, after August 31, 2026 health insurance fees are only refundable with a study permit refusal. More information on the international student refund policy can be found here.