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Basic Health Insurance

International students: You are required to have medical insurance for the entire duration of your studies in Canada.

Health care costs in Canada can be quite high and it is crucial that you are covered under a comprehensive insurance plan during your time here.

During the first three months, International students in ����̽�� are enrolled in insurance that covers medical services to address new and unexpected illnesses or injuries.

Students must apply for the upon their arrival in British Columbia, Canada if they are planning to stay in B.C. for more than six months. You cannot apply for MSP before you arrive.

After living in British Columbia (B.C.) for three months (the balance��of the month in which you arrive in B.C., plus two full calendar months) MSP will begin.

Please make sure you apply for MSP in advance to ensure you are covered when your guard.me coverage ends.

guard.me

guard.me is an International Insurance provider. guard.me coverage��is mandatory for all international students and is included in your fees from the date of your arrival to Canada until your MSP starts.

The health insurance policy provides coverage for emergency medical services that is valid all over the world, except your country of origin. You can find a summary of the benefits and in many different languages for your convenience.

The cost of guard.me is approximately $150 per person for the three month waiting period. This is usually included in the initial deposit you have submitted when you applied to ����̽��. The charges show in your student account after your first term starts.

Important: Your GuardMe coverage may not be cancelled or updated automatically in case of a refund or deferral. It is your responsibility to inform Camosun International Student Services, international_advisors@camosun.ca to change your GuardMe coverage when your admission status has changed. We will try our best to assist you. If you are remaining in Canada, please reach out for your coverage options.��

Please ensure to ��as soon as you arrive in B.C. and before your guard.me expires!

guard.me also provides a 24-hour health information line and a Mobile Doctor app so you can always have their support.

Your coverage will start on the first day of your arrival month in Canada. You must inform us as soon as you have your arrival month confirmed.

Consult��the guard.me Policyholder Guide for more information on how to use and update your guard.me account, including how to submit claims and download your card.

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B.C. Medical Services Plan (MSP)

To apply for MSP, please visit . You will need supporting documents such as your study permit when you apply.

The cost of MSP is $75 per month per person. Once your coverage begins, MSP will send you an invoice in the mail every month. You need to start making payments after receiving the invoice.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your B.C. Services Card which may be used as a form of identification.

MSP covers the cost of basic medical care within Canada, including most physician and hospital services. In most cases, you will not have to pay at the time you seek medical care when you show your B.C. Services Card.

MSP does not cover dental care, prescription drugs, routine vision care or travel. For a full list of your medical and health care benefits, visit the .

Remember to keep your MSP valid by renewing your MSP coverage each time you extend your temporary residency in Canada (for example, when you extend your study permit or get a Post-Graduation Work Permit).

Extended Health Insurance

If you're a full-time student taking credit courses (60 hours or more in your first 7 weeks), you're automatically enrolled in extended health and dental benefits through the . This coverage lasts for 12 months.

What this extended insurance covers

Your extended health insurance helps pay for medical services that BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) doesn't cover. This includes ambulance fees, eye care, dental care, and prescription medications. You pay for this coverage as part of your student fees each year.

How to access your extended benefits

To learn more about your coverage and get your benefit card, visit the.

Virtual doctor service

Since September 2023, the CCSS has provided students with access to following a student referendum. If you're eligible, you should have received an email invitation to create your account.

For more information, visit:��

Need help?

If you have questions about your extended health insurance or myvirtualdoctor services, email CCSS at ccssplan@camosun.ca

Seeing a Doctor in Victoria

Is this a medical emergency?

If you have a life-threatening illness or injury or chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or ,
call��911��immediately or go directly to your nearest .

911 translation services are available in over 200 languages - don't let language concerns stop you from calling!

For non-emergency care, you have several options:

���� 1. Virtual appointments (covered by your student benefits)

As a CCSS member, you can use for online consultations at no extra cost for yourself and your dependents (unless you opted out of this service). This is often the fastest way to speak with a doctor. Visit to book an appointment.

����2. Other virtual care options

You can also use apps like the app to book telehealth appointments quickly.

����3. In-person appointments

You can book an appointment at an ��or . Visit for walk-in clinic wait times.

Need help deciding what type of care you need?

You can also call��8-1-1��(HealthLink BC) to speak with a nurse about your symptoms, see the next section for details.

HealthLink B.C.

HealthLink B.C. is a free 24/7 health advice service for all B.C. residents. Use this service when you have health questions or concerns that aren't emergencies. It's perfect for situations like "Should I see a doctor about this symptom?" or "Is this medication safe to take together?"

Call 8-1-1 toll-free anywhere in B.C.��You can also visit the online.

Who you can talk to

When you call, you'll speak with a health service navigator who can connect you with:

• Registered nurse, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year
• Registered dietitian, available 9am to 5pm PT, Monday to Friday
• Qualified exercise professional, available 9am to 5pm PT, Monday to Friday
• Pharmacist, available 5pm to 9am PT, every day of the year

Language support

Translation services are available in more than 130 languages, so you can get help in your preferred language.