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International Health Coverage
  • Coverage is mandatory for all international students attending NSCAD.
  • This plan provides coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, x-rays, lab tests, repatriation and more.
  • If you have a pre-existing medical condition, coverage may be limited.
  • If you need to see a doctor or nurse, please click on the button below for health care options.
  • If you want to confirm eligibility of a service, you can complete a pre-determination form and submit to Medavie Blue Cross. The pre-determination form can be found below.
  • Please download the My Peak mobile app for all of your health plan resources. Click below for more information.

This portion of your insurance coverage is for medical expenses if you are sick or injured and require medical care. Your policy covers these expenses at 100% and there is no deductible or co-pay for you.

NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions.

Understand Your Coverage

Know all benefits, limitations, and exclusions that apply.

Coverage valid in Canada only.

 
 

Medical Coverage

You have coverage for emergent and urgent medical care such as:

Going to the doctor if you are feeling sick or are injured

Visits to the Emergency Room

Hospitalization

Sexual Health Testing

This policy also includes coverage for lab tests such as blood work and diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI's and CT scans.  

  

This portion of your insurance coverage is for medical expenses if you are sick or injured and require medical care. Your policy covers these expenses at 100% and there is no deductible or co-pay for you.

NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions.

 
 

Mental Health Coverage

No matter what your mental health journey looks like, you have coverage through your plan to support your mental health care.

Visits to a psychologist or psychiatrist- 100% covered up to $10,000

Visits to a social worker – 100% covered up to $500

Hospitalization due to a mental health illness or concern such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other- 100% covered up to $60,000 (lifetime maximum)

Psychiatry fees billed separately during your time in the hospital – 100% covered up to $60,000 (lifetime maximum)


NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions.

 
 

Transportation

The Medical & Wellness plan also includes coverage for various transportation needs including:

Ambulance – Up to $10,000

Taxi or Uber to hospital- Up to $125

Repatriation (you are sick and must return home permanently) – up to $20,000

Repatriation of remains (transporting your body to your home country) – up to $20,000

Supplemental Expenses for family (i.e. accommodation, food) $150 day up to $1,500 max


NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions.

 
 

Pregnancy & Maternity

The Medical & Wellness plan includes coverage for pregnancy, terminations (abortions), miscarriages, delivery, and more.

Maternity expenses including ultrasounds, lab tests, doctor visits, delivery, and well-baby care for up to 6 months post-birth - $25,000

Miscarriage – Covered under $25,000 maternity benefit

Pregnancy Termination (Medical Abortion) – 1 per policy year


NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions. 

*Charges for expenses incurred resulting from the pregnancy of a Participant commenced during the Policy Year (or within 30 days from it beginning), for a maximum period of 6 months following the birth of the child.

*Eligibility for coverage under this category is based upon the conception date of the pregnancy, whether known or unknown to the Participant, and only when coverage has been in force for the entire term of the pregnancy.

 

Travel Coverage

Your plan includes travel coverage across the globe!

Travel within Canada: Unlimited duration

Travel outside of Canada for leisure (fun, personal): 120 days

Travel outside of Canada for school (i.e., co-op): Up to 184 days as long as 51% of the policy year is spent in Canada

Family Travel to your bedside (if you are hospitalized for more than 7 days) - $5,000 for airfare for 2 immediate family members.

Travel to your home country: 31 days max up to $10,000 coverage


You do not need to let student VIP know when you are traveling.

Please ensure you have your Health Plan Card with you when you travel in the event you need to contact emergency assistance and or seek medical help.

NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions. 

 
 

General Exclusions

While the medical & wellness plan is very inclusive, some things are not covered by the insurance.

If you are unsure if your medical or health care procedure will be covered by the plan, you can submit a pre-determination form before you receive your services or procedure.

Immigration Medical Exams including Medical Assessment fees, testing, imaging, or other services required for third-part exams.

Medical expenses for a pre-existing medical condition that was not stable for 90 days before the coverage began.

Services provided by a family member

An Illness or injury resulting from non-compliance with medical treatment or therapy that has been prescribed;

participation in a criminal act or attempt to commit a criminal act, regardless of whether charges are laid or a conviction is obtained

Services, treatment or supplies that are:
i. not incurred as a result of an Emergency;
ii. not Medically Necessary;
iii. for cosmetic purposes only;
iv. elective in nature; or
v. experimental or investigative.

 Pre-Determination Form      

NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions.

 

Accident Coverage

What is an Accident?

An accident means an occurrence due to external, violent, sudden, fortuitous causes beyond the insured’s control, which must occur while the student is insured under this policy

Coverage Maximum $1,000 to $2,500

Accidental Dental Expense ($1,000)

Funeral Expense ($2,500)

Hospital Indemnity ($2,500)

Coverage Maximum $5,000

Bereavement Expense

Day-Care Indemnity

Family Transportation Expense

Tutorial Fees Expense (Education Indemnity)

Coverage Maximum $10,000

Death, Natural Causes

Death, Suicide

Accident Reimbursement Expense

Home Alteration and/or Vehicle Modification Expense

Coverage Maximum $15,000

Identification Expense

Occupational Training Expense

Rehabilitation Expense

Repatriation Expense

Seat-Belt Indemnity

Coverage Maximum $50,000

Death, Accident

Brain Death Indemnity

Cosmetic Disfigurement Indemnity

Accident Policy Brochure
 
 

Coverage Questions

If you have questions about your coverage, you can contact two offices for assistance:

Student VIP

Email: info@studentvip.ca

Phone: 1-888-918-5056

Monday – Friday

8:30am-4:30pm EST

We can also be contacted via live chat from the button on our home page.

Medavie Blue Cross

Email: stclair@medavie.bluecross.ca

Phone: 1-833-867-3468

Monday – Friday

8 am - 8 pm EST

 

International Plan Opt-Out Requirements

MSI Opt-out

In order to opt out of the NSCAD International Health Plan with MSI you must provide proof of your active MSI card.

You will only be opted out for the months that your MSI card is fully active. (i.e. If your MSI card is effective October 15-August 31, you will be opted out from November-August)

Every student who opt out of MSI is automatically enrolled and charged for the Companion Plan.

Private Coverage Opt-Outs

NSCAD University does not allow for private coverage opt-outs. Only students holding a Canadian provincial health card are eligible to opt out and cancel the NSCAD-provided international student health plan.
 
 

Companion Plan

Group Policy 92657

The Companion Plan is a mandatory plan that International Students are required to purchase if they opt out of the International Student Health Plan with Nova Scotia MSI Coverage. The cost of the Companion Plan is a one-time fee of $51.00. This fee is added to your student account.

Why do I need this Coverage?

Even though you have MSI, it does not cover certain expenses like repatriation, air evacuation, burial, or other expensive emergency benefits and provides very limited coverage outside of Canada. The Companion Plan covers off these expenses so you can travel worry-free!

What is covered?

Students are covered for 31 days outside of the province of Nova Scotia and outside of Canada (including their home country) for medical emergencies.

Companion Policy

NOTE: These details are a summary only. Please refer to the policy for full details including limitations and exclusions. Click above to view your International Health Plan Policy or contact student VIP or Medavie Blue Cross.

 

Coverage Questions?

For questions regarding what is covered under your plan contact Medavie Blue Cross directly.

Medavie Blue Cross Coverage Telephone Number: 1-833-867-3468

Medavie Blue Cross Coverage Email: nscad@medavie.bluecross.ca

 

Dual Citizens

If you are dual citizen and hold a Canadian passport, you may not be automatically enrolled under the NSCAD International Health Plan if you have applied to NSCAD as a Canadian Citizen.

In addition, you may not be eligible for Nova Scotia Provincial Health Care (MSI) until you fulfill specific requirements.

In order to qualify for Nova Scotia Provincial Health Care (MSI), please see the following requirements below. Please note; that these requirements are subject to change without notice. Please contact MSI directly to confirm your eligibility at 1-800-563-8880 / 902-496-7008 or msi@medavie.ca. You can also find more information online here.

International Student with Canadian Passport (Dual Citizen)

Eligible for MSI on the 1st day you arrive in Nova Scotia provided you have a valid Canadian Passport or Canadian Birth Certificate.

International Student Coming from another Canadian Province (Dual Citizen)

If you are an international dual citizen but are coming to Nova Scotia from another Canadian Province, and not coming from abroad, you may be eligible for MSI on the 1st day of the third month that you are in Nova Scotia provided you have a valid Canadian Passport or Canadian Birth Certificate.

International Student Without Canadian Passport (Not A Dual Citizen)

Eligible or MSI on the 1st day of the 13th month that you have been in Nova Scotia & have not been outside of the province for more than consecutive 30 days.




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