Health & safety

Safety on campus and in Fredericton

Fredericton is a very safe city with a low crime rate.  Although we do not anticipate that you will have any safety issues, it is important that you are aware of the following information in case of an emergency:

  • The International Student Advisor's Office is open Monday-Friday 8:15-4:30 to provide assistance to international students.
  • UNB Security provides emergency 24-hour assistance by calling 453-4830
  • All campus pay phones have a direct line (no cost) to UNB Security
  • There is a "safe ride" program for all undergraduate students after dark.
  • In the event of an emergency contact local police/fire department/ambulance service by dialing "911" from any phone (this should be done when you feel you are in a life threatening situation.) 

Health insurance

All international students must have health care insurance (from their home country) that covers them while they travel to UNB and until they register for their UNB health insurance.

Understanding your UNB health insurance plans

Most Canadians have two different health insurance plans: medicare (provided by the government to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents) which covers things like doctor’s visits, medical tests and hospitalizations. In addition to medicare, many Canadians buy additional health insurance which covers prescription drugs, eye exams and dental work. Without insurance these things can be very costly in Canada!

Therefore, as an international student, before you receive your medicare card, your student account is automatically charged for two health insurance plans.

First heath care plan
  • For both undergraduate and graduate students and it is comparable to Canadian medicare.
  • This plan is administered through Financial Services and it is mandatory. 
  • For more information, please review the UNB international student health insurance plan application Forms. 
  • Please note: when you arrive in New Brunswick and establish proof of residency, you will be eligible to apply for Medicare and will have the option to opt out of this plan.
Second health care plan

For undergraduate students, the undergraduate student health insurance plan is administered through the Student Union. This plan covers your eyes, dental and prescription drugs. You can opt out of this plan if you have coverage from your home country.

For graduate students, the graduate student health insurance plan is administered through the Graduate Student Association. This plan covers your eyes, dental and prescription drugs. You can opt out of this plan if you have coverage from your home country. 

Applying for New Brunswick medicare coverage

All international students who can provide proof of full-time enrollment as a student at a New Brunswick post-secondary institution are now eligible for Medicare coverage including their spouses and dependents. International students who wish to obtain a New Brunswick Medicare card must submit the following documentation along with a completed New Brunswick Medicare application form (available at the International Student Advisor's Office or Service New Brunswick):

  • Proof of full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution (confirmation of enrollment letter from Registrar's Office or Graduate Studies Office)
  • A valid passport (Canadian or foreign)
  • A valid permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (study permit)
  • Proof of residency in New Brunswick (Official document that includes your name and address in New Brunswick such as a rental lease, residence contract, utility bill, etc.)

More information on New Brunswick medicare coverage can be found under the Coverage and Claims -- Inside New Brunswick section on the Government of New Brunswick website.

Family health insurance

International student health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, and this includes pregnancy.  For example:  if you are a female student who is pregnant before you arrive or if you have a wife who is accompanying you to UNB and she is pregnant before you arrive, the pregnancy will not be covered by health insurance.

Health care without insurance is extremely expensive in Canada.  Costs for pregnancy care and birth range from $5,000-$10,000 or more.  There are no emergency funds available to assist you with this cost.