COVID-19 Updates
For the most up to date information about coverage, click here.
Information is ongoing and information on this website is subject to change without notice. All individuals are encouraged to keep up to date with the Government of Canada statements and contact Medavie Blue Cross or CanAssistance where appropriate.
May 25th, 2021
On April 25th, 2021, we received confirmation that the Government of Canada is not charging students for the COVID-19 vaccine. As such, international students should receive their vaccination without up-front costs.
As we know, the Government has changed their testing coverage eligibility throughout the course of the pandemic and the coverage eligibility for vaccinations may change as well. Updates will be available as new information is provided.
How to Book your COVID-19 Vaccination without a Nova Scotia Provincial MSI Health Card
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If you don't have a Nova Scotia Health Card, you can still receive the vaccine, even if you're not a permanent resident of Nova Scotia.
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You can book an appointment when your age group becomes eligible based on Nova Scotia's COVID-19 immunization plan. You can only book an appointment by phone. When you book your appointment, 1st and 2nd dose appointments are booked together.
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To book an appointment by phone, call toll-free: 1-833-797-7772 (7am to 10pm, 7 days a week).
Please note that the COVID-19 vaccine is not eligible under your International Health Plan. If you receive a bill for your COVID-19 vaccination, please contact Student VIP directly by emailing info@studentvip.ca.
March 19th
Medavie Blue Cross, the travel and primary care insurance provider for the Student VIP and Student VIP International Health Plans including Backpack continues to provide updates relating to COVID-19, coverage, and resources. Members asked to stay up to date on information as it becomes available from Medavie Blue Cross by visiting the dedicated website here.
March 18th
The Government of Canada has asked all Canadians abroad to return home. We understand that this is not as easy as it sounds. If you need medical assistance or assistance to return home, please contact CanAssistance. If you are in the US: 1-800-563-4444 press 1 if you are outside of the US 1-506-854-2222
If you are abroad and cannot return home because you are in quarantine, your coverage is still in force. All coverage and claims are subject to policy wording. For eligibility and or coverage please contact CanAssistance. If you are in the US: 1-800-563-4444 press 1 if you are outside of the US 1-506-854-2222
International students who are abroad and cannot return back to Canada due to border restrictions for Non-Canadians, please contact Student VIP International with questions or concerns at inquiries@internationalhealth.ca
International students enrolled on the Student VIP international health plan who are in Canada and become sick with newly developed symptoms that may be due to the COVID-19 virus (cough, fever, sore throat, breathing difficulty, etc.) will have coverage for medical services. Please follow the steps below for care.
Every individual who is experiencing non-emergent symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call Nova Scotia telehealth at 811 before visiting a hospital or doctor’s office. The nurses will determine if you require further testing and direct you to the most safe and appropriate resource. If you are having difficulty breathing, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.
Access to virtual health care services will remain available for all students.
COVID-19
Rest assured your Student VIP International Health Plan has appropriate coverage and measures in place to support and assist students during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Accessibility
Students can access their plan and services virtually and remotely in the event of school closures. Found online are:
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Your health plan card
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Coverage details and brochures
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Plan forms and documents
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Make claims
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Find a Doctor
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Access I.M. Well or counselling services
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Live chat with a Student VIP agent
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and more!
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms are similar to the cold and flu. If you have similar symptoms, don’t panic.
People may experience:
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Runny nose
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Sore throat
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Cough
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Fever
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Pneumonia
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Difficulty breathing (severe cases)
If you are Feeling Unwell
Please contact Nova Scotia’s telehealth service by dialing 811. Most provincial health authorities have advised that unless in an emergent situation, to avoid crowding hospitals, and visiting your doctor’s office or local walk in clinic to prevent the spread of germs and to protect vulnerable persons.
To keep up to date with the Government of Canada’s information on COVID-19, please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Medical Coverage in Canada
If you need to see a doctor for newly developed symptoms of illness including but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, there is coverage available under your international student plan to cover these costs.
Travel Coverage and Assistance
There is travel coverage in place through the International Student Health Plan to cover costs for:
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Medical Care and Assistance
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Evacuation
Certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to qualify for coverage.
If you are currently abroad and require assistance, please call the 24/7 CanAssistance support line:
Within North America: 1-800-563-4444
Outside North America (Call Collect): 1-506-854-2222
If your school or program has cancelled all academic related travel you may qualify for trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Proof of cancellation from the school or program is required.
To make a travel related claim, please contact info@studentvip.ca for assistance.
Prevention
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washing your hands often
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avoiding contact with people who are sick
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practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette
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staying home if you or your child is sick
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Keeping up to date with government and provincial statements and advice
Coverage Questions and Concerns
Medavie Blue Cross
1-833-867-3468
CanAssistance - Travel Assistance Provider
Within North America: 1-800-563-4444
Outside North America (Call Collect): 1-506-854-2222
Student VIP International
1-888-918-5056
info@studentvip.ca
Seeking Mental Health Support?
WellCan, brought to you by a community of partners, provides a hub for mental health resources and tools to help all Canadians maintain positive mental, physical, social and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WellCan App is free to download and available to all Canadians in English and French.