Insurance, Visa, Questions

So I have a 5 year multiple re-enry visa (extendable).

I’d like to take chinese classes, maybe at TLI or the like. As I understand it the student ARC is basically the same as an extendable visitor’s visa - but with benefits (like the option to buy National Health). If I were to sign up for classes I’d rather just use my 5yrMR visa instead of getting a student ARC. But I’d also like health insurance.

So my question is - if I showed that I was taking classes would I be able to purchase National Health with the visa that I have? I know I’d still have to leave the country every six months (after three extensions) - that’s not a problem.

Also, if i is possible, anyone know how much it’d cost?

thanks!

v