apply for insurance | Students with MSP

Why should I purchase guard.me’s Top-up coverage?

International students studying in the province of British Columbia must apply for government health insurance called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). BC MSP covers hospitalization and physician visits, however, it does not cover many commonly used medical services such ambulance, most dental procedures or most prescription medication. It is therefore recommended to purchase a top-up plan.
The guard.me Plus top-up plan that NU has selected for its students provides benefits that have been designed with the unique needs of international students in mind.
NU strongly recommends that its students in BC purchase the additional coverage once they have received their MSP coverage. You must apply before your guard.me policy expires. Dependents are also eligible to purchase a guard.me Plus policy if the primary policy holder has active coverage. The cost of the guard.me Plus top-up plan is $36.60 CAD per month with a minimum purchase of six-months ($219.60 CAD). Students can continue to purchase a guard.me Plus top-up policy so long as they are enrolled at NU.
Please refer to the policy wording for a detailed description of the benefits in this policy and the exclusions, limitations, and maximums that may apply.

Government health insurance provides comprehensive coverage but, it does not cover everything.

Most people in BC supplement and enhance their provincial coverage by purchasing additional private coverage. The guard.me BC Plus Top-Up plan that NU has identified for its students provides benefits that have been carefully designed and selected, with the unique needs of international students in mind. The benefits in the policy will complement and supplement the coverage available through the provincial plan.

For example, most outpatient prescriptions for new and emergent conditions will not be covered by BC-MSP. The government health insurance plan will also not cover expenses related to emergency dental claims, physiotherapy, or if you leave Canada for a vacation or conference.

NU strongly recommends that its students in BC purchase the additional coverage when they have successfully transitioned to BC-MSP. Dependents are also eligible if the primary policy holder has active coverage. The cost of the guard.me BC Plus Top-Up plan is $36.60 CND per month with a minimum purchase of six-months ($219.60 CDN). Ongoing coverage is available, provided the policies are purchased consecutively and there is no gap in coverage.

The following list provides some important examples of how the guard.me Top-Up plan will cover you when BC-MSP does not:

• Prescription Medication: 100% of eligible charges to a maximum 30-day supply; unlimited when hospitalized. MSP – no coverage for prescriptions.
• Outpatient psychological care: 100% of eligible charges up to $1,000 for outpatient psychiatrist or psychologist care. MSP – no coverage.
• Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy: eligible charges up to $1,000; unlimited if provided as inpatient service; MSP – no coverage.
• Accessibility: 100% of eligible charges up to $1,000 for disabled students' Corrective Device Defects, Malfunction and Theft Protection. MSP – no coverage.
• Eye-exam: Up to $100 for one non-emergency eye exam. MSP – no coverage for routine eye-exams for ages 19-64.
• Emergency Dental: 100% of eligible charges up to $4,000 for emergency dental treatment as the result of an injury caused by an accidental blow to the mouth. 100% of eligible charges up to $600 for relief of pain and suffering. MSP – no coverage.
• Emergency Transportation: Taxi fare to or from a hospital or medical clinic up-to $100. MSP – no coverage.
• Medical Equipment and Supplies: 100% of eligible charges for crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, casts, etc. Not to exceed the purchase price. Limits apply. MSP – no coverage.
• Paramedical: BC-MSP first, thereafter only those eligible charges up to $500 for Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Naturopath, Chiropodist /Podiatrist.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment: eligible for up to a maximum of $50,000 (Common Carrier, $100,000). MSP – no coverage.
• Out-of-Country: All eligible expenses anywhere in the world. Coverage in USA limited to 30 days. No coverage in home country (exclusion applies) unless part of school or training program. MSP – offers limited coverage and recommends private insurance.
• Family Transportation: 100% of eligible charges for a family member to join you at your bedside if hospitalized for more than 7 days. Limits apply. Prior approval from the Claim Administrator required. MSP – no coverage.
• Air Evacuation and emergency return to your home country: 100% of eligible charges to a maximum of $300,000 to transport you to the nearest hospital in your Home Country.
• Repatriation of deceased: Up to $15,000 toward the cost of preparation and return to your Home. MSP – no coverage.

Please refer directly to the extended policy wording for the detailed description of the benefits in this policy and the exclusions, limits, and maximums that may apply.