StudentVIP.ca

PLAN NOTIFICATIONS

See below for important updates, information, or changes to your plan.

September 2020

MSI Office Operations

New Glossary

COVID-19

Predetermination Forms

Blackout

New Provider

Check out the 'New for September 2020' page for details on coverage, services, opt out and more. Click here.

As a precaution to prevent unnecessary risk of COVID-19, the MSI reception location at 230 Brownlow Ave in Dartmouth is closed to the public. Please contact by phone 902-496-7008 or toll free 1-800-563-8880.

Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. You will need information from your Study Permit and your passport when calling, so be sure to have them on hand.

Our team has put together a new International Glossary Booklet to help you better understand your health plan and the terms it entails.

Click here to view.

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.

August 24th

There are updates to the COVID-19 coverage for students coming to Canada, students who are planning to travel and students who require COVID-19 testing. Please click here for full details. This FAQ provides information about health plan coverage, services and operations for the upcoming academic year.

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:

Your health plan card
Coverage details and brochures
Plan forms and documents
Make claims
Find a Doctor
Virtual Doctor Services
Access I.M. Well or counselling services
Live chat with a Student VIP agent
and more!

TRAVEL COVERAGE & ASSISTANCE

There is travel coverage in place through the International Student Health Plan to cover costs for:

Medical Care and Assistance
Evacuation

If you are also enrolled on the Student Health and Dental Plan, there is additional travel coverage in place to cover the costs for:

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption

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

washing your hands often
avoiding contact with people who are sick
practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette
staying home if you or your child is sick
Keeping up to date with government and provincial statements and advice

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, please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

Symptoms are similar to the cold and flu. If you have similar symptoms, don’t panic.

People may experience:

Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Fever
Pneumonia
Difficulty breathing (severe cases)

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.

COVERAGE QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Medavie Blue Cross

1-833-867-3468
dalhousie@medavie.bluecross.ca

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

We're making it easier for students to get confirmation of coverage for major medical care. If you are wondering if your pre-existing condition is covered or if your surgery, x-ray, or doctor's appointment is going to be covered, you can complete this form to confirm eligibility prior to seeking the service. This form can be completed and sent in to studentvip@medavie.bluecross.ca. The claims team will review and respond to you with the approval or denial within 48-72 business hours.

Click here to access the form.

Each year the international health plan enters a blackout period from September 1 – beginning of October.

This means, that until we received a list of students who are covered under the plan by the University, your health plan card will not work up front for services. However, you still have valid coverage during the blackout period.

During the blackout period, if you need to seek medical care, you can do so at the campus health clinic.

If you visit a clinic other than the campus health clinic, you may be asked to pay up front for services. If you do pay up front, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be made if the claim is eligible and after the blackout period.

If you have any questions or concerns about the blackout period, please email us at info@studentvip.ca or call 1-888-918-5056 ex. 42 or ex. 34.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit the local hospital.

Effective September 1st, 2019, Medavie Blue Cross™ will be the administrator for the DSU International Health Plan. Starting in September, this website will be updated to reflect all of the new Medavie Blue Cross™ information. What does this mean for you?

NEW Group Policy Number: 92652

Contacting Medavie Blue Cross: If you require emergency assistance, please call 1-800-563-4444 and press 1. If you have general questions about coverage or claims please call 1-833-867-3468.

Submit a Claim: email info@studentvip.ca for a claim form.

If you receive any medical services, please submit your expenses to Medavie Blue Cross™ via email at dalhousie@medavie.bluecross.ca. If you have questions about your coverage please contact us directly for assistance at info@studentvip.ca