Health Insurance

International Student Health Insurance

The Great West Life Assurance Company (GWL) provides an International Student Health Insurance Plan that closely resembles the universal health care that all Canadians receive. All international students coming to any educational institution in Manitoba to study must purchase the GWL International Student Health Plan, regardless if they already have personal travel health insurance. The GWL plan provides yearly health coverage for single students, married couples, or families. Students who leave the country earlier than one year can request a rebate for the remaining months that will not be used on their policy.

Enrollment and Costs

Enrollment in the GWL International Student Health Plan takes place upon your arrival at Providence. You must complete an application form and determine if you require coverage as a single person or as a married couple/family. You may choose to select coverage for less than one year if you know that you will be returning to your home country when classes are completed. It is important to consider whether you may stay in Canada to visit or work after the school term. Providence encourages you to sign up for the one-year coverage just in case you decide to stay. The estimated cost for one year coverage (September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010) is $456.00 CAD for a single student or $1404 CAD for couples or families.

Benefits

GWL International Student Health Insurance benefits include hospital coverage, medical services and supplies, ambulance, prescription drugs, and discount eyewear up to a total of $600,000 per calendar year. The plan does not cover dental costs, however it will cover the cost of certain dental procedures, performed by a dental surgeon or a registered oral surgeon, when hospitalization is required.

Visiting the Doctor or Emergency Services

When visiting doctors, medical clinics, and/or hospitals you will need your GWL Health Card, showing your Identity Number, and a GWL Health Claim Form. Be sure to give the doctor the health claim form when you arrive for your appointment. The Doctor’s office will complete the form and return it to Great West Life for payment. You will receive a statement from GWL showing what the doctor claimed for payment. This is not a bill but it is for your reference showing the services that the doctor claimed payment for.

Prescription Medications

Keep all your prescription drug receipts because the GWL International Student Health Plan will pay for any prescription medications after a $100 deductable. Record your receipts on the Prescription Drug Claim Form and mail the form and original receipts to Great West Life for re-imbursement.

Further information is available from the International Student Services Coordinator.