Student Health Plan

The Saint Mary's student Health & Dental Plan is administered through the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA).

Extended Health & Dental Plan

This is a student-oriented benefits plan for both domestic and international students. This plan has coverage for prescription drugs, dental services, travel, accident, vision, paramedical services (counsellors, psychologists, physio, massage, chiropractor, etc.) and more.

All students taking at least one academic credit are automatically billed and enrolled on this plan each academic year.

Policy #: 0091939000
ID #: 00012345600 (your unique student A# in this format)

International Basic Health Plan

This plan is for international students and covers emergency medical expenses such as: visiting the doctor, diagnostic/lab tests (such as blood work, x-rays, etc.), hospital visits, surgery, specialist appointments, and more.

All international students are automatically billed and enrolled on this plan each academic year.

Policy #: 91460
ID #: A00123456 (your unique student A#)

Opting Out

I want to Opt-Out of the Extended Health/Dental Plan:

If you have comparable alternative coverage (through a parent, spouse, or work) you may apply to opt-out. Your Extended Health/Dental opt-out must be submitted during the opt-out period in which you begin your studies for that academic year:

Opt-Out Period for Students starting in September
August 15 - September 25

Opt-Out Period for Students starting in January
December 15 - January 25

Opt-Out Period for Students starting in May
April 15 - May 25

Opt-Out Period for Students starting in July
June 15 - July 25

I want to Opt-Out of the International Basic Health Plan:

Effective September 2019, international students who have private coverage are not eligible to opt-out of the SMUSA International Basic Health plan. Private coverage may be something you purchased on your own or have through your parents/spouse. There are three exceptions through which specific criteria must be met to opt-out of the International Basic Health Plan. 

  1. A student who has active MSI coverage (depends on effective/expiration dates)
  2. Exchange/Visiting students with equivalent coverage from their home university
  3. Students sponsored by their home government or embassy

Please note:

  • To apply to opt-out, please visit the Student VIP website or contact the Health Plan Office for support.
  • Opt-Outs must be submitted each academic year. MSI opt-outs may need to be submitted more than once per year depending on the expiry date.
  • Opt-Outs are only granted if proof of alternative, comparable coverage is provided and the plan is unused.

Adding Dependants (Opt-In)

Opt-ins are only available for students looking to add dependents to the plan(s). Students on the plan may enroll their spouse, common-law partner, and/or dependent children onto the benefits for an additional fee during the opt-in period in which they begin their studies for that academic year (for most students, this is the fall term).

Term Student
Begins Studies
September January May July
Opt-In Deadline September 25 January 25 May 25 July 25

A dependent opt-in form needs to be submitted each academic year.

Contact the SMUSA Health Plan Office

Sarah Bray, Health Plan Coordinator
Student Centre, 5th Floor, Room 522
healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
902.496.8754 

Contact us

Saint Mary's Student Health Clinic
Fourth Floor, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (403 SC)