STUDENT HEALTH PLAN
About the SMUSA Health Plan Office
Hours of Operation
OFFICE HOURS
The Health Plan Office is working remotely from May 1 - 2, 2024.
The Health Plan Office will be closed for staff training from May 6 - 8, 2024.
(May - August 2024)
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
What We Do
The SMUSA Health Plan office is here to help you with: making claims, opting-out of the plans, enrolling dependents, accessing your plan card, health plan charges on your student account, picking up prescriptions or cheques, and answering your questions about the plans!
Location
The SMUSA Health Plan Office is located:
Saint Mary’s University
O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
5th Floor, Room 522
SMUSA Student Health Plans
Extended Health & Dental Plan
This is a student-oriented benefits plan for both domestic and international students. This plan has coverage for prescription drugs, dental services, travel, accident, vision, paramedical services (counsellors, psychologists, physio, massage, chiropractor, etc.) and more.
All students taking at least one academic credit are automatically billed and enrolled on this plan each academic year.
Policy #: 0091939000
ID #: 00012345600
This is your Student A00123456 number in the above format.
Insurance Company: Medavie Blue Cross
International Basic Health Plan
As an international student, you have two health plans. The International Basic Health Plan is for international students and covers emergency medical expenses such as: visiting the doctor, hospital visits, surgery, diagnostic/lab tests (such as blood work, x-rays, etc.), and more.
All international students are automatically billed and
enrolled on this plan each academic year.
Policy #: 91460
ID #: A00123456
This is your Student A00123456 number.
Insurance Company: Medavie Blue Cross
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![A logo of Saint Mary's University Students' Association.]()
Contact us if you need support:
Making claims, opting-out, enrolling dependents, accessing your plan card, or have questions about your benefits.
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![A logo for Student VIP.]()
Visit the Student VIP website:
To learn more about your coverage, make a claim, submit an opt-out, or download your health plan card.
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![A logo for Medavie Blue Cross.]()
Contact if you have questions about:
A claim you submitted, the reimbursement process, or if you don't understand a claim decision.
FAQs
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This information is on your benefits card(s), which can be obtained by contacting the SMUSA Health Plan Office at healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
Extended Health & Dental:
Group Policy #: 0091939000
Identification #: 000 + 6 digit student ID number + 00
Example: If your student number is A00123456, your ID number would be: 00012345600
Basic Health:
International Group Policy #: 91460
Student ID#: A00123456
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All benefit cards are now electronic.
Extended Health & Dental:
Visit www.studentvip.ca/smusa
Select “Benefits Card”
Enter your full name and Student ID number without the “A00”
Click on the card you need and download a photo to your phone, print a copy, or save it to your Apple wallet or Google pay
Basic Health (Available to download after mid-October):
Download the “My Peak” mobile app
Create an account using group code: SMUSAINTL
Select the “wallet card” on the bottom right
Select “Health Plan Card”
Complete fields
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The 2023/2024 policy year will run from September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2024.
Fall enrolment coverage begins September 1, 2023
Winter enrolment coverage begins January 1, 2024
Spring enrolment coverage begins May 1, 2024
Summer enrolment coverage begins July 1, 2024
All students on the 2023/2024 plan will have the same termination date of August 31, 2024 regardless of your graduation date.
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The SMUSA Health Plan Office is available to support you in making claims. Please send us a photo of the bill, invoice, or receipt so we can better assist you. Healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
Extended Health & Dental Claims:
Please present your Extended Health & Dental plan card (light blue/white card) when accessing services.
If you are required to pay up front for a service, the easiest and fastest way to make a claim is via the Medavie Blue Cross™ Portal or the Medavie Blue Cross™ Mobile App.
For instructions on how to make a claim, click here.
Basic Health Claims:
Please present your Basic Health plan card (dark blue/white card) at Saint Mary’s Student Health Clinic or the hospital to have your bills submitted to the insurance company directly. If you visit a doctor and pay up-front, you can submit your claim online here.
Claims must be submitted 90 days after your coverage terminates or within 12 months from the date of service, whichever comes first.
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Yes! Combining benefits between 2 or more insurance plans is an excellent way to get better coverage and more money back.
How you go about doing this depends on whether you are the primary policy holder or a dependant.
You are the main policy holder on both plans:
1. Submit through whichever plan you have had the longest.
2. Once that claim is processed, download your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and submit it with the original receipts through the second plan.
You are the main policy holder on the SMUSA plan, but a dependant in the other plan:
1. Submit through your SMUSA plan first.
2. Once that claim is processed, download your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) on the Blue Cross web portal and submit the EOB with the original receipts through the second plan.
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To determine if you are eligible to opt-out, please scroll down to the “opt-out” section below.
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Yes, your spouse, children, and/or common-law partner can be added to the plan(s) for an additional fee. Please scroll down to the “Opt-In” section below for more details.
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The inbound proof of insurance form is used for international students requesting proof of coverage for inbound travel to Canada for their visa, immigration or proof for other reasons.
To request a proof of insurance letter, please complete the (Inbound) Proof of Insurance Request form.
Please note, letters are sent to the email address you provide 7-10 days before your arrival in Canada.
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Within Canada, students have multiple options for accessing medical care. Regardless of which option you choose, your medical care is private and confidential:
(1) SMU Student Health Clinic:
We have a health clinic on-campus for students, which offers private and confidential family practice services to Canadian and International SMU students up to one year after graduation.
The clinic is located on the 4th floor of the Student Centre, room 403.
Clinic Hours:
Monday-Friday (year-round)
9:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:00pmBook an Appointment:
https://www.smu.ca/healthclinic/bookanappointment/If it's your first time, click on "New to SMU Clinic Registration" to sign up.
Returning patients can book through the Pomelo App.
Contact:
(902) 420-5611
student.health@smu.ca(2) Direct2U Doctors
This service gives you access to virtual medical consultations with a Doctor:
o Diagnose, prescribe, and refer minor ailments
o Private & Confidential
o Next day prescription delivery (Choose Drug Smart Pharmacy at the end of your exam)
Book with Direct2UDoctors here.
(3) Walk-In Clinics
At a walk-in clinic, you can also make an appointment to see a doctor. To find a local walk-in clinic, visit the Student VIP website here:
o Find the “Provider Search Tool” on the main page, top right corner
o Input your local address
o Search “walk-in clinics”
o It will start populating the closest options available and you can select a location to contact.
(4) Hospital (Emergency Department)
If you feel that your condition is an emergency, and you need help immediately, you can call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency room at the hospital.
The address for the emergency room (Halifax Infirmary): 1799 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2
However, patients that go to the emergency room are triaged, meaning seen in order of need, so you could experience a very long wait time.
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The International Basic Health Plan does have a pre-existing clause that states coverage for pre-existing conditions is in force if your medical condition has been stable for 90 days prior to the policy start date. The policy defines stable as:
Stable: A state of being in which the Participant has an existing medical condition for which they, in the 90 days before the Policy Year begins, have not:
• been treated or evaluated for new symptoms or related conditions;
• had symptoms that increased in frequency or severity, or examination findings indicating the condition has worsened;
• been prescribed a new Treatment or change in Treatment for the condition (generally does not include reductions in medication due to improvement in the condition, or regular changes in medication as part of an established Treatment plan);
• been admitted to or treated in a hospital for the condition; or
• been awaiting new treatments or tests regarding the medical condition (does not include routine tests).
For students looking to confirm if their condition meets the 90-day stability clause, please contact healthplan.susa@smu.ca
Opting Out
SMUSA Extended Health & Dental Plan
All students taking at least one academic credit are automatically billed & enrolled on this plan each academic year.
SMUport is no longer being used to submit opt-outs. All opt-out requests are submitted on the Student VIP website during the opt-out period. To opt-out, visit: www.studentvip.ca/smusa
PLEASE NOTE:
There are no exceptions or extensions to the opt-out deadline.
Opt-outs are only granted if the Extended Health & Dental plan is unused & proof of alternative coverage is provided.
Students wishing to opt-out must also submit an opt-out application each academic year.
Submitting an application does not guarantee your opt-out request is approved. However, the Health Plan Office will reach out to you directly if there are any issues, or you are being denied.
Please check your smu.ca email account regularly during the opt-out period.
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Your Extended Health/Dental opt-out must be submitted during the opt-out period in which you begin your studies for that academic year:
Students starting in September
August 15 - September 25Students starting in January
December 15 - January 25Students starting in May
April 15 - May 25Students starting in July
June 15 - July 25Students wishing to opt-out must also submit an opt-out application each academic year.
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If you have comparable alternative coverage (through a parent, spouse, or work) you may apply to opt-out of the extended health & dental benefits. Your opt-out must be submitted during the term in which you begin your studies for that academic year (for most students, this is the fall term).
You must attach proof of coverage with your application. This includes a photo of your plan card or a letter from the insurance company.
You should be aware that your SMUSA Health & Dental plan offers benefits specifically designed for students. You may find it advantageous to remain enrolled under these benefits and coordinate your benefits with your existing coverage.
Please carefully consider your decision to opt-out. By opting out of the Health and Dental benefits, you will not be eligible to opt back into the benefits until the next policy year begins, even if you lose your existing coverage.
Examples of losing coverage:
If your coverage is through your parents/spouse and they lose their coverage;
If you reach the age of maturity as a dependent on your parent’s benefits (i.e. age 21 for some benefits, 25 for others)
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During the opt-out period, students can access the opt-out form electronically on the Student VIP website here. You need to create an account and sign in to access the form.
If you have trouble accessing the form, please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
SMUSA International Basic Health Plan
All international students are also automatically billed and enrolled on the International Basic Health plan.
Effective September 2019, international students who have private coverage are not eligible to opt-out of the SMUSA International Basic Health plan. Private coverage may be something you purchased on your own or have through your parents/spouse.
There are three exceptions through which specific criteria must be met to opt-out of the International Basic Health Plan. Please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca during the opt-out period if you meet one of the criteria below:
A student who has active MSI coverage (depends on effective/expiration dates)
Exchange/Visiting students with equivalent coverage from their home university
Students sponsored by their home government or embassy
PLEASE NOTE:
There are no exceptions or extensions to the opt-out deadline.
Opt-outs are only granted if the Basic Health plan is unused & proof of alternative coverage is provided.
Students wishing to opt-out must also submit an opt-out application each academic year.
Submitting an application does not guarantee your opt-out request is approved. However, the Health Plan Office will reach out to you directly if there are any issues, or you are being denied.
Please check your smu.ca email account regularly during the opt-out period.
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MSI opt-outs are eligible to be submitted throughout the year. Students that wish to opt-out of the basic health plan (with MSI) must do so within 30 days of receiving their MSI card in the mail.
If your MSI card does not cover you from September 1 until August 31, you are only eligible to opt out of the month(s) that you are fully covered.
Your opt-out will be processed from the date your completed opt-out is received.
Each academic year, students who successfully opt-out with MSI are charged a mandatory one-time fee of $51 for the Companion Plan, as MSI does not cover everything that the SMUSA Basic Plan does, so the Companion Plan ensures all students have equivalent basic health coverage.
As your MSI may not provide coverage for the entire International Basic Plan Year (September 1 – August 31) you may need to submit more that one opt-out during the policy year to receive a refund for the International Basic Health Plan. Due to this, we recommend students pay their tuition fees in full, including the Health Plan fees, by the tuition payment deadline set by the university to avoid late charges/interest accruing.
HOW DO I OPT-OUT WITH MSI?
• Visit www.studentvip.ca/smusa
• Select the “Opt-Out” button on the main page.
• You’ll need to register for an account & sign in.
• Select “SMUSA Basic Opt-Out with MSI”
• Complete the form
• Attach a photo of your MSI card
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WITHOUT HOME UNIVERSITY COVERAGE:
Exchange/Visiting students without alternative coverage can apply for a partial refund of the Health Plan for the terms in which they are no longer studying at SMU. If you are not returning to your Home Country after your exchange, then proof of alternative coverage must be provided.
Students can contact the Health Plan Office before the end of their term to apply for a partial refund: healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
WITH HOME UNIVERSTY COVERAGE:
Your opt-out must be submitted during the opt-out period in which you begin your studies for that academic year:
Students starting in September
August 15 - September 25Students starting in January
December 15 - January 25To successfully opt-out of the Basic Health plan, the student needs to have coverage from their home university that meets the minimum requirements, which are:
A photo of a valid insurance card (attached to application)
The student must provide the full policy (in English) or a letter from their home university stating that their plan includes all the minimum requirements (listed below) as proof. The presentation of an insurance card alone will not suffice.
Student name
Policy number
Dates of coverage. Plan must be valid for the entire term they are visiting at SMU.
Minimum of 2 million dollars in coverage in Canadian funds – please consider exchange rates.
The policy must provide and state the following:
Coverage for physician services, inpatient and outpatient expenses, surgery, lab tests, diagnostic imaging (x-rays) and repatriation.
The Policy cannot exclude coverage for:
Injury or death while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, or
Injury or death due to self-harm, or attempted self-inflicted injury, attempted suicide or suicide.
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This is for international students who are sponsored by their home government or embassy.
Students need to complete the opt-out form during the term in which you begin your studies for that academic year.
Students starting in September:
August 15 - September 25Students starting in January
December 15 - January 25Students starting in May
April 15 - May 25Students starting in July
June 15 - July 25Contact Healthplan.smusa@smu.ca during the opt-out period for access to the electronic form.
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If you are a student that holds dual citizenship with Canada and another country, please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca to determine if you are enrolled on the Basic Health plan.
Opting In
Opt-ins are only available for students looking to add dependents to the plan(s). Students on the plan may enroll their spouse, common-law partner, and/or dependent children onto the benefits for an additional fee during the appropriate opt-in period.
A dependent opt-in form needs to be submitted each academic year.
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Dependents are enrolled into the same plans as students. A student can choose to enroll their dependent on any or all of the following:
SMUSA International Basic Health Plan
SMUSA Extended Health Plan*
SMUSA Dental Plan*
*Please note, in order for dependents to be added to the Extended Health and/or Dental plan, they must hold valid provincial health coverage (known as MSI in Nova Scotia) or be enrolled on the SMUSA International Basic Health Plan.
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Your opt-in must be submitted during the opt-in period in which you begin your studies for that academic year:
Students starting in September (12-Month Policy term)
Dependent Opt-In: August 15 - September 25Students starting in January (8-Month Policy Term)
Dependent Opt-In: December 15 - January 25Students starting in May (4-Month Policy Term)
Dependent Opt-In : April 15-May 25
No dental coverage is available during this term.Students starting in July (2-Month Policy Term)
Dependent Opt-In : June 15-July 25
No dental coverage is available during this term.Students wishing to opt-in dependents must submit an application each academic year. All policies have the same termination date of August 31.
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Opt-in forms are available during the opt-in period on the Student VIP website here. You need to create an account and login to access the forms.
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Please refer to the “Health Plan Fees” section below for a full list.
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If you are looking for coverage for non-immediate family members (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.) or for visiting friends, you may purchase the Visitors to Canada Plan through Student VIP.
More information can be found here.
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If you are a dual citizen, you may need to opt-in to the Basic Health plan due to the way your registration status appears in Banner.
Please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca during the opt-in period to determine if you have active coverage or need to opt-in.
Health Plan Fees - 2023/2024
All students* taking at least one academic credit will be automatically billed & enrolled on the health and dental plan(s).
Students starting in September
September 1 - August 31
12-month policy term
International Basic Health Plan:
Domestic students = N/A (use prov. health coverage)
International Students = $915
Extended Health Plan:
All students = $250
Dental:
All students = $120
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Family Basic Health Plan = $1,830
Family Extended Health Plan = $520
Family Dental = $240
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $2,745
Family Extended Health Plan = $560
Family Dental = $280
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $3,660
Family Extended Health Plan = $600
Family Dental = $320
*Includes Single Rate
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Mandatory, One Time Fee = $51
Students who successfully opt-out with Provincial Health Coverage (known as MSI in NS) are charged a mandatory one-time fee of $51 for the Companion Plan, as MSI does not cover everything that the SMUSA Basic Plan does, so the Companion Plan ensures all students have equal basic health coverage.
Students starting in January
January 1 - August 31
8-month policy term
International Basic Health Plan:
Domestic students = N/A (use prov. health coverage)
International Students = $608
Extended Health Plan:
All students = $166
Dental:
All students = $80
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Family Basic Health Plan = $1,215
Family Extended Health Plan = $346
Family Dental = $160
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $1,823
Family Extended Health Plan = $376
Family Dental = $190
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $2,430
Family Extended Health Plan = $406
Family Dental = $220
*Includes Single Rate
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Mandatory One Time Fee = $51
Students who successfully opt-out with Provincial Health Coverage (known as MSI in NS) are charged a mandatory one-time fee of $51 for the Companion Plan, as MSI does not cover everything that the SMUSA Basic Plan does, so the Companion Plan ensures all students have equal basic health coverage.
Students starting in May
May 1 - August 31
4-month policy term
International Basic Health Plan:
Domestic students = N/A (use prov. health coverage)
International Students = $308
Extended Health Plan:
All students = $84
Dental:
No dental coverage available during this term.
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Family Basic Health Plan = $615
Family Extended Health Plan = $175
Family Dental = N/A
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $923
Family Extended Health Plan = $195
Family Dental = N/A
*Includes Single Rate
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Family Basic Health Plan = $1,230
Family Extended Health Plan = $215
Family Dental = N/A
*Includes Single Rate
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Mandatory One Time Fee = $51
Students who successfully opt-out with Provincial Health Coverage (known as MSI in NS) are charged a mandatory one-time fee of $51 for the Companion Plan, as MSI does not cover everything that the SMUSA Basic Plan does, so the Companion Plan ensures all students have equal basic health coverage.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about your health plan, need assistance with opting-out or adding dependents, submitting claims, accessing your plan card or understanding your coverage, contact the Health Plan Office.
Sarah Bray
Health Plan Coordinator