Health Insurance
GuardMe Temporary Health Insurance
Provided through GuardMe International Insurance
GuardMe International Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for individuals, particularly catering to the needs of international students. This specialized insurance ensures access to essential healthcare services and support. It's important to note that this coverage is temporary, and students must still apply for MSP.
GuardMe International Insurance is essential to protect your health and financial well-being upon your arrival in Canada, particularly before you're covered by the provincial health plan BC MSP (please read below about MSP)
Enrollment in GuardMe International Insurance is automatic for all new international students upon registration in classes at KPU. No further action is required on your part to sign up. Your coverage starts on the first day of your program (September 1, January 1 or May 1)
Yes, they can. You can add them once your enrollment is completed. To add dependents, please visit GuardMe website.
Note: Please ensure that you add your dependents within 10 days after receiving access to your account.
Important! Please note that students are not enrolled in or covered by temporary health insurance during the scheduled term breaks. During this period, students should have already enrolled and be covered by MSP or reached out to an external private insurance provider for coverage.
GuardMe Insurance will send you a welcome email containing details on how to access your policy number and Healthcare Access card within the first few days of classes. Please ensure to check your KPU student email account promptly to avoid missing this email. You can login to your account here.
The new GuardMe Mobile App is designed to give you easy access to your health insurance benefits. With the app, you can submit claims, verify your policy and coverage details, find nearby medical providers, and more, all from your phone. It's available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. For step-by-step instructions on how to download and use the app, visit this blog post. Additionally, the app offers biometric login options to keep your data secure.
When you need to see a doctor, we recommend using “Find a Canadian clinic” first. In most cases, you would need to pay out of pocket first and then submit a claim on the GuardMe website. Make sure you keep all your original receipts to submit a claim. For additional info on claims, please email claims@guard.me. Some medical services in BC use direct billing, which means they bill your health insurance provider (GuardMe) directly. If you visit a clinic that offers direct billing (guard.me/kpu > Find a Clinic), simply provide your policy number.
Yes, GuardMe offers a service called Mobile Doctor that allows you to speak with a Canadian doctor using your phone, tablet or computer. This is part of your benefits.
For more details on Mobile Doctor service, please visit this website.
No, enrollment through GuardMe is mandatory until your BC MSP coverage is active. It's important to note that after you receive MSP coverage, students must submit an opt-out request if they wish to no longer have Guard.me coverage.
You can submit an opt-out request on the GuardMe website: Submit and opt-out request. The opt-out form is only available during the first month of each semester. Additional opt-out requirements are provided on the website.
For non-emergency cases, please email at admindept@guard.me
For Customer Support line, please reach at:
- 1-888-756-8428 (toll-free in North America) or 905-752-6230 (outside of NA)
- Or email customercare@guard.me
Medical Service Plan (MSP)
Medical Service Plan (MSP) is the provincial medical insurance, and it covers required medical services provided by physicians, specialists, diagnostic facilities, laboratory facilities, and hospitals. It is mandatory for all residents of BC, including international students.
Immediately upon your arrival. There is a 90-day waiting period before it will take effect, but you should apply immediately
No, MSP costs $75 per month for international students.
Your MSP coverage is only valid for the duration of your study permit. If your study permit expires, your coverage expires. It is therefore very important that you send MSP your new study permit when the old one expired. To upload your study permit, go to MSP application website and then choose "New MSP Account Change Request."
If you go home for up to 6 months, you still need to keep up with your payment for your MSP coverage. You can only cancel your MSP if you are leaving the country for longer than 6 months. Anything shorter than 6 months is considered a vacation and you are responsible for the monthly payments.
No, enrollment through Guard.me is mandatory until your BC MSP coverage is active. It's important to note that after you receive MSP coverage, students must submit an opt-out request if they wish to no longer have Guard.me coverage.
Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) Extended Health and Dental Plan
This is a mandatory extended health and dental plan that supplements one of the two basic medical insurance plans above. It provides 12 months of coverage starting on the first day of the month the program of study begins.
BC MSP and Guard.me don't cover everything—for example, BC MSP doesn't cover most prescription drugs, vision care, and dental work, all of which can be costly. The KSA Health & Dental Plan provides additional extended coverage for these treatments.
You can learn more on what’s covered here: Extended Health coverage. Plan details
Please contact KSA Benefits Plan Office at
- 604-599-2431 or email at kwantlenplan@mystudentplan.ca
You can also visit their office and website for more details:
- Room G1265
- 12666-72nd Ave
- Surrey, BC V2M8