The deadline for students to opt-out or modify their Extended Health and Dental Plan is next Thursday, October 7. The student health benefits plan covers a wide range of services beyond standard dental care, physiotherapy and prescription drugs. From travel insurance to prosthetics, GBC’s benefits are worth at least a glance.   

Who’s covered? 

All full-time domestic post-secondary students are enrolled under the plan when they pay their first round of tuition fees at GBC. International students under the OHIP Alternative Plan who are registered either on a full-time or part-time basis in a daytime post-secondary program are also eligible. In all cases, family dependents can be added to the plan for an additional fee.  

Students with GBC’s Accessible Learning Services who are taking a reduced course load, domestic students who are in transition to a post-secondary program, and domestic co-op students for the fall term are not automatically covered under the plan. These students are required to fill out special applications if they are interested in coverage under the Extended Health and Dental Plan. 

International ESL students are only eligible for the OHIP Alternative Plan.  

Opting out 

Students who wish to opt-out of the Extended Health and Dental Plan and have proof of existing coverage can visit the Student Association’s benefits page to fill out a form that requests basic personal information. The process is simple and quick.  

Refund cheques may be issued to your mailing address if your tuition fees have already been paid in full. The refunded amount will be deducted from the remaining tuition fees if they have not been paid in full. Students may contact the Student Association to check the status of their refund. 

Note that if you choose to opt-out now, you will not be automatically enrolled in the plan next year. You will need to speak to the Student Association at the beginning of the semester and fill out an application in order to be covered again.   

Changing your plan 

Students are also able to make modifications to an existing plan or additions such as coverage for dependent family members before the October 7 deadline. These changes remain in effect for the rest of the school year and cannot be adjusted until the following year.  

All students are automatically placed under the Balanced Plan at the onset of coverage. The default plan distributes coverage evenly across all types of services.  

However, there are three additional options to choose from: the Enhanced Drug Plan, the Enhanced Dental Plan and the Enhanced Extended Healthcare Plan. Should a student need more coverage in one type of service more than others, they can choose to increase benefits available in that service at the expense of others. The four choices are intended to support the varied needs of students by offering alternatives that best suit their preferences. 

Domestic students can view a breakdown of their plan options here. International students can view this page for more details.  

If you have any questions or concerns about your student benefits, contact WeSpeakStudent or GBC’s Student Association for assistance.  

WeSpeakStudent 

Toll Free Help Line: 1-800-315-1108 
Email: Help@AclStudentBenefits.com 
Online Chat: www.wespeakstudent.com 

Student Association 

Email: healthbenefits@sagbc.ca
Phone: 416.415.5000 Ext. 2443 
Or visit any Student Association office.