“Maybe I should just risk tetanus”: The experiences of post-secondary international students accessing healthcare services in Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVE: International students (IS) experience both post-secondary school stress and the stress of adjusting to a new culture. However, they are less likely to access healthcare services. This study examines the experiences of IS in accessing healthcare services at a university in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with eight undergraduate and two graduate IS. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Although participants shared positive experiences, they expressed confusion about using their health insurance and the services they could access. Participants desired information sessions on healthcare services and proposed that upper year IS act as healthcare system guides. CONCLUSION: While this research focused on Ontario, Canada, the information may be applicable to other jurisdictions by offering insights on international students' knowledge and use of their health insurance. Given the growth of IS, educational institutions must ensure their healthcare needs are met.