All international students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in British Columbia. Health care services in Canada can be very expensive and it is mandatory to have insurance coverage. It is the student's responsibility to have adequate medical insurance while in Canada. Students who do not have medical insurance will not be eligible for services from Vancouver Island University.
All new VIU international students will be registered in the guard.me@ VIU health insurance plan. To learn more about the plan benefits and services, please see guard.me International Insurance. This is a mandatory program and enrollment is automatic. You will receive an email from guard.me to login to your account and save or print your Print Healthcare Access Card.
What Type of Medical Insurance do You Need?
Who am I?
- International student at Nanaimo Campus
- International student at Cowichan, Parksville, and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) Campuses
- International student Short Term Programs (7 weeks or less)
Where Should You Go if You are Sick?
VIU Health and Wellness Centre
Location: The Nanaimo Campus (900 5th St. Nanaimo BC, V9R 5S5), in Building 200, on the 3rd floor (on the side closest to the Transit Loop).
- Medical Clinic Phone: 250.740.6620
- Counselling Phone: 250.740.6416
Walk-In Medical Clinics
Currently there is only one Walk-In medical clinic in Nanaimo.
For Walk-In hours: phone the clinic or see their website. Hours may change.
Many clinics also offer regular day-time visits that require an appointment.
Port Place Shopping Centre - Medical Arts Centre
Unit 103-650 South Terminal Avenue, Nanaimo, (Near London Drugs)
Phone: 250.753.3431
Monday to Friday: Daytime and Evening Walk-In Hours
Saturday to Sunday: Daytime Walk-In Hours
Statutory Holidays: Closed
Website: Medical Arts Centre
In Canada, people go to walk-in clinics not the hospital for most illnesses.
Hospitals are for emergencies.
If you have an emergency call 911.
Emergency Department
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo
Phone: 250.755.7691
Traveling to Another Country?
If you plan to leave Canada for any period of time, please contact your medical insurance carrier to verify your coverage. Your current medical insurance may not be adequate to cover all, or any expenses incurred outside Canada.