Medical Insurance

Guard.Me is short-term private medical insurance specifically for international students who do not have a study permit (for example, ELP students or short-term exchange participants) and for international students who are waiting for BC’s government medical insurance to begin or restart (see MSP below).  All international students will be enrolled in Guard.Me for the first 3 months of their studies. Students can also apply for coverage for their dependents.

What’s covered:

If you have a new sickness or injury that first occurs after the start date of your policy, your policy will cover virtual medical care through mobileDOCTOR, visits to the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital emergency room, ambulance, diagnostic tests, inpatient costs if you need to stay in the hospital, dental coverage for the relief of acute pain or to repair/replace teeth that are damaged in an accident, prescription medicines (up to a maximum 30-day supply). 

Important Note:

This is a brief summary of benefits only. Full details on benefits, exclusions and limitations are found in your Guard.Me policy. The actual policy wording governs.

How to apply:

When you complete the International Student Arrival Form, we will arrange for your Guard.Me insurance to start the day you arrive in Canada. Guard.Me fees will be charged to your student account.

Cost:

$3 per day

For more information: Visit www.guard.me/cotr

MSP is government medical insurance for residents of British Columbia. All international students with a study permit valid for a period of six or more months are required to enrol for coverage. Coverage begins after a wait period (approximately three months from your date of arrival in Canada) and ends when your study permit expires. Dependents (spouse and/or children) are also eligible for MSP. 

Students without a study permit are not eligible for BC government medical insurance. If you do not have a study permit, you must purchase Guard.Me medical coverage from the college for the duration of your studies.

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Please note: MSP medical insurance will end on the date your study permit expires.   

As soon as you receive your renewed study permit, you must update your account at the MSP website and upload a copy (.jpg) of the new study permit to avoid a lapse in health care coverage.  Once the form has been submitted, a reference number will be displayed.  It may take up to 21 days for account change requests to be reviewed and processed. 

Please let us know when you have done this and send a copy of your new study permit to the College of the Rockies International Office at international@cotr.bc.ca, so we can update our records.

You will be required to purchase Guard Me medical insurance to cover any lapse in MSP medical coverage. Contact us for more information.

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What’s covered:

Medically required services from physicians and midwives are medical benefits of MSP, as are diagnostic services including X-Rays.

How to apply:

You must submit an application for MSP as soon as you arrive in Canada. The International Office will help you complete the Application for Enrolment during student orientation or you can complete the application online. You will be asked to upload digital images of ID documents that support the name and immigration status for all persons. 

Cost:

$75 per month payable to the Government of BC. You will receive an invoice in the mail. Make sure your local mailing address is correct on your MSP application form.

For more information: Visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp

StudentCare is an extended health and dental plan provided by the College of the Rockies Students’ Association to fill any gaps in provincial health care (MSP). All eligible students are automatically covered. Coverage for your spouse and your dependants is available.

What’s covered:

The Plan includes coverage for prescription drugs, vaccinations, psychologists, massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, vision care, dental care, travel health coverage, trip interruption and cancellation, ambulances, medical equipment, and more.

How to apply:

All students registered in the Fall term in two or more courses lasting for at least nine weeks of study are automatically enrolled. New students beginning their studies in January are not automatically covered by the Plan, but they may be eligible to enrol themselves during the January Change-of-Coverage Period.  Check your account to see if you have been assessed the Plan fee.

Cost:

The plan fee for full-year coverage (Sept. 1, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021) is $229.50. The cost of the Plan is charged to your student account along with your tuition and student fees.

For more information: Visit http://www.studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_COTRSA_Home

GuardMe is a Student Support Program (SSP) to help students manage their mental health. Students can call, email or chat with a counsellor when they are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. This service is free, confidential and available 24/7.

What’s covered:

GuardMe offers 24/7 access to support from counsellors who understand the culture and unique challenges of international students. You can also access articles, tools and other resources to help you manage procrastination, anxiety about assignments or exams, nutrition concerns, loneliness or homesickness, financial worries, suicidal ideation or tensions with roommates, friends or family members.

How to apply:

No need to apply. Simply download the free My SSP app to get started.

Cost:

FREE for all international students

For more information visit the GuardMe website