GSU Health and Dental Plans

In the current climate of increasing health care costs, students on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable. Each year, the costs of prescription drugs and basic health services take increasingly large portions out of limited student budgets. Postponement of necessary but expensive medical procedures can have disastrous consequences for students and even jeopardize the completion of their program.

Full-time graduate students are enrolled in these plans when they register, and fees are collected by the University in all three semesters. For an additional fee, students may extend the coverage to their partners, including same sex partners, and their dependent children.

The health and dental plan guide below provides a reminder to students of some common concerns and questions. It is important to be aware of deadlines related to the plan and of plan coverage.

TIPS AND THINGS TO REMEMBER

Eligibility:  You must be a full-time registered MUN graduate student to be eligible for the GSU Health and Dental plans. All full time graduate students (including international students that have opted out of the ISA health insurance) are automatically added to the GSU health and dental insurance UNLESS they submit an Opt Out form (and supporting documentation) before the Opt Out deadline in a given semester. Please note that you will NOT receive an insurance card, or insurance policy, in the mail. You can personalize and print you own insurance card and download a benefit booklet by visiting the Green Shield online student services website (http://www.greenshield.ca/sites/student/en/Pages/home.aspx).

Alternative Coverage: Opt outs must include proof of existing coverage. If coverage extends past age 25 you must provide proof once again.

One Time Opt Out: Since Fall 2005, Full-time graduate students whose student status does not change are not required to opt out again during their program. EXCEPT If your student status changes (i.e. to part-time or you take a leave of absence) during your program, in this situation you will need to contact us before the deadline in a given semester about opting out or opting in if/when you become a full-time student again.

Opt Out Deadline: The opt-out and opt-in deadline for Spring 2013 is May 27^_th 2013.

To Opt In to the Plan: Full-time students need to fill in an opt-in form in order to be added to the plan in a semester beyond your first. Paying any health and dental fees showing on your account without contacting us is not sufficient.

International students: Full-time international students have the option to opt in the health plan under our Green Shield plan. MUN's International Student Advising Office (ISA) provides emergency health insurance and International Students should also apply for the free basic provincial health coverage (MCP). Please note that the ISA has their own opt-out procedures. For more information, please contact the ISA office: (709) 864-8895 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Travelling Abroad: There is emergency travel insurance included in the plan for trips lasting up to 60 days. For trips out of the country 60 days in duration or longer, you must contact the GSU to discuss your options.

Due to restrictions on the MCP out-of-province coverage, international graduate students that are require to travel outside of the province of study for periods longer than 30 days must contact the GSU.

Family Coverage: Family members can be added to your coverage annually during fall semester registration or in your first semester.

Status or Name Changes: You must notify the GSU for status (international student, permanent resident, Canadian citizen) or name changes. We do not automatically have this information.

Part-time students: Not eligible for the GSU Health and Dental plans.

Periods of coverage:

Fall 2012: Begins September 1st, 2012 and ends on December 31st, 2012.

Winter 2013: Begins January 1st, 2013 and ends on April 30th, 2013.

Spring/Summer 2013: Begins May 1st, 2013 and ends on August 31st, 2013.

If you have recently joined the plan, please remember that though you are also covered for the above periods, it takes 5-6 weeks for Green Shield to have all the new student information. Until the opt-out deadline passes, keep your receipts for reimbursement. Shortly after that time, you should be able to avail of direct billing for most services.

Important Links

1. Claim Forms

2. Policy number and information to fill out the claim forms

3. Opt-in/Opt-out Forms, Health and Dental Card

Quick links and info

1. For general health information, a 24-hour daily phone service:

Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine, toll-free 1-888-709-2929

 

2. List of physicians in St. John's accepting new patients (telephone recording):

Phone the Department of Health and Community Services, (709) 729-4984