The BCITSA Extended Health & Dental Plan provides protection and security to minimize the effect of injuries or ailments during your studies. You will be automatically enrolled in the plan if your program is designated full-time by BCIT and lasts at least 16 weeks. If you are eligible for coverage, the SA Health fee will be automatically included by the institution in your tuition with registration.

The health and dental plans were approved by the student referendum and as a result, are now a requirement of your enrolment at BCIT through your membership in the Student Association.

Need help navigating your BCITSA Extended Health & Dental Plan?  Please do not hesitate to contact the Student Benefits Plan office directly at:

Alejandro Barrera Student Services Coordinator | Email: healthplan@bcitsa.ca | Phone: 604-456-8056 (for general inquiries)

What’s covered under the plan?

The Health and Dental Plan covers:

  1. 80% for Prescription drugs up to $3.000 per benefit year
  2. Vision care: $60 for one eye exam and $150 for eyeglasses or contact lenses every 24 months
  3. 80% for paramedical practitioners up to $400 per practitioner per benefit year. Practitioners: Massage therapist*, physiotherapist*, naturopath, chiropractor, osteopath*, or speech-language pathologist*. * Physician’s prescription required.
  4. Dental care: $750 per benefit year for the following treatments: 80% annual exam, 70% fillings, 50% extractions, 15% endodontic, periodontic & other oral surgery and 15% major restorative. The plan does not cover orthodontics.
  5. Dental Accident, ambulance, medical equipment & supplies, tutorial, private duty nursing, Accidental Death & dismemberment.
  6. Emergency Travel Assistance. Travel must start within Canada.

To know a detailed description of the benefits and the portions covered by the plan, visit the website https://www.mystudentplan.ca/bcit and click on Plan Details

Am I eligible for the plan?

Not all BCIT students are eligible for the Extended Health & Dental Plan. You must meet the eligibility criteria set by BCITSA.

You are eligible if

1. You are enrolled as having full-time status in an eligible program 16-week or longer.
2. You are a member of the BCITSA
3. You are under the age of 70

Eligible students will receive coverage starting on the first day of the month your program begins. SA Health fee is mandatory and included in your program tuition.

There is a 45-day validation period from the start date of your program for new eligible students. During this time, you would have to pay out of pocket for all eligible Health and Dental expenses and keep the receipts. After the enrollment process is complete, you will be able to submit online claims for reimbursement and your benefits card will be automatically activated.

There is no need to apply for coverage, as your eligibility status will automatically provide you with Health and Dental Benefits.

You are not eligible if

1. You are enrolled as having full-time status in a non-eligible program less 16-week in length.
2. You are enrolled as having part-time status in an eligible program 16-week or longer.
3. You are taking part-time courses
4. You are not a member of the BCITSA

Note: If you enroll in an eligible program as having full-time status in the future, you will be automatically enrolled in the Health and Dental Plan and you will be charged with the SA Health Plan fee in your tuition at BCIT.

If you are not eligible for the plan, you have the following options:

  1. Purchase an optional individual coverage through Canada Life, please book an online appointment to talk with one representative.
  2. Check if you are eligible for Fair PharmaCare to get benefits for eligible prescription drugs, dispensing fees, and some medical supplies.

What is BC Fair PharmaCare?
BC Fair PharmaCare is a government program that covers a comprehensive list of prescription drugs and medical supplies.

  1. Registration is FREE and there are no premiums
  2. Both domestic and international students can register
  3. You only need to register once; coverage will be adjusted each year automatically & Information is available in a number of languages; coverage is based on your income from two years ago. Learn how your coverage is calculated

You need an active Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage AND a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to register.

Register for BC Fair PharmaCare

Students who are starting their program or on the anniversary of starting their program may submit online forms before the deadline of 30 days from the official start of their program. Students must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions agreement before completing the forms.

Online Forms

All eligible students may submit the following form:

Opt-Out of the Plan

Deadline to submit applications

30 days from the official start date of your program

Eligible students who have comparable health and/or dental coverage from their parents, spouse, government, job, or band may apply to opt-out to the plan before the deadline.

Add Family Members to the plan

Deadline to submit applications

30 days from the official start date of your program

Visit the BCIT Student Association front desk at the Burnaby Campus (Building SE2, 2nd Floor) to process in person.

Opt-In to the plan

Deadline to submit applications

30 days from the official start date of your program

Only returning students who previously opted out of the benefits may apply to opt-in to the plan before the deadline.

All new eligible students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health and Dental plan so only submit an opt-in form if you have previously opted out.

Eligibility Criteria

There are 2 scenarios for submitting online applications:

  1. New Students: Students starting an eligible program as having full-time status may apply within 30 days from the start of their program.
  2. Returning Students: Returning Students enrolled in their anniversary of starting an eligible program as having full-time status may apply within 30 days from the anniversary of starting their program.

 

Validation Period

There is a 45-day validation period from the start of the program. The validation period is in effect for new students, family members added to the plan or students who are applied to re-enroll into the plan. During this period, the student or family member has coverage but would have to pay the full amount of eligible Health and Dental service expenses out of pocket and keep the receipts. Once the enrolment process is completed, the student would be able to submit online claims for reimbursement.

MyBenefits

You must complete the online form by visiting our website https://www.mystudentplan.ca/bcit/en/form-benefits-card-registration. Your Benefits Card allows you direct billing with pharmacies and dental offices if they offer direct billing to Canada Life. To access direct billing simply show your Benefits Card and only pay for the portion not covered by the plan. You can use the electronic card by showing it on your phone or the physical card by printing it. Your benefits card will be automatically activated after the validation period.

How do I use my Health and Dental Plan?

If you are new to the plan or if there has been a break since you were last on the plan, there is an 8-week validation period from the start date of your program at BCIT where you will not be able to submit claims. Hold onto the original copies of your receipts and submit them after the validation period has finished to Canada Life.

Submitting Claims

If you have receipts for eligible expenses, there are a couple of options to get reimbursed. Online claims is the quickest and easiest way to get your money back for the portion that is covered by the plan.

Online4

Online Claims

Online claims is the quickest and easiest way to get reimbursed. Canada Life provides an online experience through GroupNet. GroupNet is an online tool that provides you access to your group benefits plan. It is important to register on Canada Life once your plan is active.

 

To register visit https://my.canadalife.com

 

When registering for GroupNet you will need to provide:

  1. Plan Number: 330828
  2. Member Number: BCIT Student ID without the letter A

You have 6 months from the date the eligible expense is incurred to submit claims to Canada Life for consideration under your student plan

Online

Mobile Claims

If you prefer access to your benefits plan through your mobile, you can download and install the app on your android or apple device

Mail

Manual Claims

To submit a paper claim form, you need to download and complete the form. Then, attach the paper claim form, the original receipts, and other documents to support your claim. You must mail the package to Canada Life. Remember to keep a copy of all documents mailed for your records.

 

You have 15 months from the date the eligible expense is incurred to submit claims to Canada Life for consideration under your student plan

 

Please visit our website to download the form to mail manual claims

Do you need assistance?

We are ready to help you with your inquiries about the Health and Dental Plan. We provide different channels to communicate with us and get the support

Your on-site Student Service Coordinator is available to help you navigate your student health & dental insurance. You can stop by the Benefit Plan office or contact us via email or phone.

Online4

Visit the BCIT Student Association front desk at the Burnaby Campus (Building SE2, 2nd Floor)

Mail

Please email us:
healthplan@bcitsa.ca

Online

For general inquiries

Phone: 604-456-8056

For claims status, balance, or benefit inquiries, please call Canada Life

Phone: 1-800-957-9777

You will require your plan number (330828) and Student ID when calling.

Dental Services

There is an on-campus dental hygienist covered under your healthcare plan!

If you’re on the BCIT Student Health & Dental Plan, then come and get your teeth cleaned right here in the Student Association Centre in SE2. Bring a shining white smile to your job interview or presentation.

Healthy Smile offers dental services as well. Sign up online or at the Student Association Centre (SE2, 2nd Floor) to ensure you don’t miss out!

Book an Appointment

MyWellness

No matter how busy you may be, your mental health needs to be a priority. MyWellness (included in your BCITSA Extended Health and Dental Plan) provides mental health and wellness support through resources, assessments, and tools.

Access MyWellness

Online Counselling FAQ

Online Counselling is now available for part-time and full-time students! Everyone needs someone to talk to.

Online video counselling is a safe and secure way to speak with a practitioner matched to your needs, anywhere and anytime. Online Counselling is now available for part-time and full-time BCIT students!

Access online counselling

HOW CAN I ACCESS ONLINE COUNSELLING?

Getting access to online counselling is easy and can be done in two ways: 

    1. Simply visit mywellnessplan.ca and select your school from the drop-down menu. From there select the video counselling button. This will take you directly to the online counselling site where you can set up your profile and begin the process of booking a session with a counsellor. 
    2. Visit mywellnessplan.ca and complete your free and confidential mental health assessment. Once you have completed your assessment you will be able to access online counselling directly from your personalized action plan. You also have the option of uploading the results of your assessment directly to your online counselling profile so the counsellor you schedule an appointment with can learn about the challenges you are facing and support your needs even before your session takes place! 

HOW LONG ARE APPOINTMENTS WITH AN ONLINE COUNSELLOR?

With online counselling you choose a session time with a counsellor that best suits your needs and schedule. Online counselling sessions are available in 30-, 60-, and 75-minute timeslots. When scheduling your appointment, simply select the session time you are most comfortable with. 

WHAT TIMES ARE ONLINE COUNSELLORS AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS?

Online counselling appointments are available on days and times that work best for you, and this includes evenings and weekends! Availability varies per counsellor but once you have selected a counsellor you will be provided with their schedules and times that they are available. Simply select the time and day that best suits your schedule to book your appointment. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

We have partnered with Inkblot Therapy to provide online counselling that is both accessible and affordable. The cost per following sessions are: 

30 Minutes = $37.50   |   60 Minutes = $75.00   |   75 Minutes = $112.50 

Students who participate in the BCITSA health plan have coverage for social workers, psychologists, and registered psychotherapists at 80% to a maximum per practitioner, per benefit year of $400.00. 

With this coverage, $30.00 per 30-minute counselling session is billed to the health insurance plan and only $7.50 is paid directly by the student. 

The coverage allows for up to 14 counselling sessions per year that can be billed to the student’s health plan (based on 30-minute sessions and including the first free session). 

With online video counselling, you simply pay for your session online using Inkblot’s secure website. You will be provided with a receipt which can then be submitted to your health insurance plan for reimbursement. 

* Please refer to your health plan for confirmation of coverage prior to booking a counselling session. Psychological services coverage varies per health plan. *

IS ONLINE COUNSELLING AVAILABLE IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH?

Yes! Online counselling is available in 18 languages. 

I AM READY TO TRY ONLINE COUNSELLING, WHERE DO I START?

Access online counselling here

Am I Covered Under the BCITSA Student Health and Dental Plan?

To be eligible, you must be enrolled in an applicable full-time program of 16 weeks or longer. It is your responsibility to know when your coverage starts and ends. You can check this at my.bcit.ca under your registration fees. It is also mandatory for you to have basic medical coverage such as MSP (Services Card/Personal Health Number/Care Card). International students must have Guard.me temporary insurance or comparable coverage. Students from another Canadian province must ensure they have basic medical coverage from their home province. 

What is MSP?

MSP stands for the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. After receiving your Personal Health Number (Services Card/Care Card), you qualify for basic medical coverage including doctor’s appointments, medical tests, hospital stays, and more. It is your responsibility to be in good standing with your MSP. The BCITSA Student Health Plan does not cover this expense for you. 

What is Pharmacare and why do I need it to get my benefits card?

Fair Pharmacare is a prescription assistance program set up by the BC Government to help with the cost of prescriptions. By signing up, you are getting better prescription coverage and are ultimately helping decrease the cost of the plan. 

Visit the BC Ministry of Health Pharmacare

As an international student, am I eligible for coverage?

YES! You are covered under the plan if you fill the eligibility criteria and have basic medical coverage. If you don’t have basic coverage, you can purchase Student Guard (Guard Me) through the International Student Office and/or sign up for MSP within three (3) months of moving to BC. To pick up your benefits card, please show your study permit with your basic medical insurance at the BCITSA Health & Dental Office.

As a part-time student, am I eligible for coverage?

Part-time students and students in full-time programs less than 16 weeks are not eligible for the BCITSA Health & Dental Plan. If you enroll in a full-time applicable program in the future, you will automatically be on the plan when you are assessed in your registration fees. 

To purchase interim optional coverage, please refer to the following link.

What does the BCITSA student health and dental plan cover?

General highlights of the Student Benefit Plan 

Prescription drugs 

Dental coverage (up to $750 per benefit year) 

Optical ($150 towards eyeglasses or contact lenses and $60 for one eye exam every 24 months) 

Paramedical practitioners (physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology, and more) 

Travel insurance 

Ambulance coverage 

For a complete list of covered expenses and amounts click here

To download the travel insurance booklet click here

For a copy of the travel medical card, click here  

How do I use my health and dental plan?

Starting January 1, 2020, the student insurance provider “Great-West Life” has rebranded to “Canada Life.” All policy numbers and policy provisions are unchanged. You may still see Great-West Life on your forms and statements until they fully transition to Canada Life. 

 

IMPORTANT – If you are new to the plan or if there has been a break since you were last on the plan, there is an eight-week validation period from the start date of your program at BCIT where you will not be able to submit claims. Hold onto the original copies of your receipts and submit them after the validation period has finished to Great West Life/Canada Life.  

 

IT IS EASY TO MAKE A CLAIM! You can submit online claims (within six months from the date of service) to our provider Great West Life/Canada Life   or  you can download the hard copy form (within 15 months from the date of service) to mail the claim. 

 

Where can I use my BCITSA health and dental plan benefits card?

You can use the myBenefits card at any pharmacy or dental office that uses electronic billing, and your percentage of reimbursement will be taken off at the source. The Extended Health and Optical coverage generally do not use the benefit card, and you usually must pay upfront for these services and go through a receipt process. Always ask if you can use your card before paying. 

Is my family covered under the BCITSA student health and dental plan?

You have within 30-days from the start date of your program, once per year, to add your spouse and/or dependents to the BCITSA Student Health & Dental Plan (or within 30 days of loss of comparable coverage at any time during your benefit year). There are no exceptions if this deadline is missed. 

The add-on coverage is not automatically reinstated after 12 months; the student must redo the process every policy year.  

 Family Add-on Fee Structure – click here

Is my common-law-spouse or partner eligible for coverage?

They are not automatically on the plan, but you can add them if you have been living with them for 12 months or longer. 

See above: Is my family covered under the BCITSA Student Health & Dental Plan? in the FAQ’s for more details on adding family members. 

Can I add-on my family members? 

Family members are limited to spouse and/or children dependents only. 

IMPORTANT – You have 30-days from the start date of your program to add family members to your policy, so don’t be late! 

Fill out the online family add-on form or visit the BCITSA Health & Dental office in SE2 to process in person. 

We accept cash or cheque payments in person at the BCITSA Health & Dental office in SE2. 

The online add-on form/payment only accepts Mastercard or Visa. Once this form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email that the benefits office received your form. You’ll then receive an email from the benefits office stating whether the add-on is approved or denied.  

I opted out of the plan, but now I would like coverage again, how do I opt-in?

If you have previously opted out of the plan, you can opt-in within 30-days of your policy anniversary every year if you are still an eligible student. The policy anniversary is based on the month your program originally started. You may also opt-in within 30-days of losing your comparable other coverage during the academic year. If this is the case, showing official supporting documents is mandatory. 

 

To Opt-In, fill out this form and bring it to the Student Health & Dental plan office in SE2 Room 286 in the Student Association Centre. Please come by the office or email us the form to healthplan@bcitsa.ca ahead of time to receive a quote on the cost of opting back in and information on payment methods. Supporting documentation may be required.  

You can also complete and pay for this process online. Once this form is submitted, you will receive an email with further information. 

I already have coverage, can I still opt-out of the BCITSA student health and dental plan?

You can coordinate between both of your plans to maximize your coverage (100% in some cases) OR opt-out of the plan. 

Eligible students can opt-out once per year within the first 30-days from their program start date. No exceptions can be made if this deadline has passed. If the deadline is missed, the student can opt-out during the policy anniversary.  

  1. Download the Student Benefits Waiver Form or pick it up at the BCITSA Health & Dental office. 
  • Drop into the BCITSA Health & Dental plan office to submit forms with their BCIT ID, their letter of acceptance or picture ID, and proof of comparable other coverage. 
    Room 286, 2nd Floor, 
    Student Association Centre, SE2 
    3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC
     
  1. Fill out the online form 

Please note this is a one-time opt-out. You will remain opted out of the plan unless you actively choose to opt back in or if there is a change in your status (e.g. if you drop down to part-time, then go back up to full-time). However, we encourage all students to check their fees and tuition each termto ensure that they are not accidentally charged. 

 

IMPORTANT: Students with a completed waiver/opt-out form must provide one of the following examples as proof of comparable other coverage: 

Photocopy of extended health & dental benefits coverage with policy information 

Letter from insurance provider or employer stating extended health & dental coverage with policy numbers 

Previously processed claim 

 

If you do not have comparable coverage through another provider, you cannot opt-out. If you already have coverage through your parents, spouse, or work, you CAN opt-out. 

Having MSP does not count as comparable coverage.

Do you have unanswered questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact Student Health & Dental directly at: 

Kelsey Leung – Student Health & Dental Plan Administrator 

Email:healthplan@bcitsa.ca  

Phone: 604-456-8056 (for general inquires) 

 

BCITSA Health & Dental Plan Office 

Student Association Centre 

Building SE2, 2nd Floor, Room #286 

3700 Willingdon Ave. 

Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2