StudentVIP.ca

International Basic Opt-In/Out

All international students studying at Saint Mary’s University are required to have health insurance and this is the standard across Canadian universities, as healthcare is expensive.

International students beginning in the Fall and Winter Terms are automatically enrolled in the SMUSA International Basic Health Plan and the Extended Health and Dental Plan.
International students beginning in the Spring or Summer Term are automatically enrolled in the SMUSA International Basic Health Plan and the Extended Health plan (no dental coverage is available during these terms).

Opting-Out of the 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.

Exchange students with comparable coverage from their home university.
A student who holds active MSI coverage (depending on the effective/expiration dates).
Sponsored students (sponsored by their home government or embassy).

You can submit an opt-out application during the term in which you begin your studies for that academic year:

Fall Opt-Out: August 15 - September 25
Winter Opt-Out: December 15 - January 25
Spring Opt-Out: April 15 - May 25
Summer Opt-Out: June 15 - July 25

Note: There are no exceptions or extensions to the opt-out deadline. Opt-outs are only granted if the Basic Health plan is unused. Opt-outs do not carry over to the following policy year and must be completed each academic/policy year.

Have more questions about opting-out? Visit the FAQs – Opt-Out Page here.

Opt-Out with MSI PROCEED

Opt-Out Exchange Students PROCEED

Opt-Out Sponsored Students PROCEED

Basic Family Opt-In PROCEED