Page 7 - International Student Pre-Arrival Guide

Health Insurance
All students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in British Columbia. In Canada, medical treatment is costly if you do not have proper health insurance. For those who do not have valid medical insurance, a hospital visit can cost between $250 and $10,000 per night.
Private Health Insurance
There will be a three-month waiting period between your arrival in British Columbia and the activation of your health bene ts through the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP); therefore, all students must purchase interim private health insurance through RRU. Contact a student advisor for more information.
Extended Health Insurance
All on-campus undergraduate students, including ISC students, are provided extended medical and dental bene ts through the RRU Student Association. For those who are not eligible for the RRUSA Extended Health Bene ts (including students in graduate programs and undergraduate students in blended or online programs), extended health bene ts, such as dental and vision care, can be purchased individually through private insurance providers. Contact a student advisor for more information.
BC Medical Services Plan
MSP covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, most doctor visits, and most hospital visits.
Instructions, applications, and information about premiums are available on the B.C. Medical Services Plan website.
Once your application has been processed you will be issued a card with your Personal Health Number. Simply show this card when you seek medical care and in most cases, you will not have to pay.
Royal Roads University
Pack your Bags
Know what you are allowed to bring to Canada and items to declare.
Documents to Carry in Your Hand Luggage: · valid passport
· valid TRV, if required
· valid study permit or letter of introduction from
· a Canadian visa of ce
· admission letter from RRU
copy of all documents included in your study permit
· application (i.e. evidence of nancial support)
medications, contained in original, labelled packaging and accompanied by your doctor’s prescription. Check Canada Customs restrictions before bringing medications into Canada
Other Documents
It may be helpful to pack the following additional documents:
· driver’s licence
· vehicle registration and insurance papers
· immunization, vaccination, medical and dental records
· health insurance documents
· marriage certi cate or proof of common-law status
· separation or divorce papers
· adoption papers
· letters of reference from former employers
· documents required for entry into other countries
you plan to visit
Personal Items
Although Victoria has some of the most moderate weather in all of Canada, it can be quite cold and wet, especially in winter. Here are some suggestions of items to pack to make your experience more enjoyable:
· student dress is casual, but business attire may be required for presentations or work. Formal
· attire may be recommended for functions
· waterproof raingear and umbrella
· winter months require warm coats, gloves and hats
· camera
· bilingual dictionary or electronic translator
laptop computer (with 110-volt adaptor
· for North American plugs);
adaptor(s) for your electronics, if they were not
· designed for 110-volt electrical outlets
photographs, music and other interesting items from your home country
Pre-Arrival Student Guide 6