Please note: The following information is about the UVSS Health & Dental Plan, which is for the undergraduate plan only and does not apply to graduate students. For details on the graduate student plan, please see the UVic Graduate Students’ Society website.
Change of Coverage: Opting-Out or Opting-Down
During the Change of Coverage period, you can choose a different level of coverage, mix and match portions of the Enhanced Care and Basic Care Plans, or opt out of the health portion, the dental portion, or the Plan in its entirety.
These changes can only be made during the Change-of-Coverage Period: August 22 – September 22 (for fall term), and December 22 – January 22 (for spring term).
- Opting out: If you have alternative extended health and dental coverage you can opt-out of the Plan in its entirety (or opt out the health portion or the dental portion).
- Opting down: You can opt down to the Basic Care Plan, a lower level of coverage at a lower price, with no proof of coverage required.
- You must opt out each academic year! Only new students who start their studies in January can change their coverage or opt out in January. Opt outs are valid for the whole policy year, from Sept. 1, 2025– Aug. 31, 2026. If you return as an eligible student in September 2025, you’ll be automatically re-enrolled in the UVSS Health & Dental Plan. Should you wish to opt out again next year, you must renew the opt out directly online, but you won’t have to re-submit your proof of other coverage.
Opting out happens entirely online through the Studentcare website directly.
Change of Coverage Period
August 22 – September 22 (Fall)
December 22 – January 22 (Spring)
Exception Request Period
September 23 – October 23 (Fall)
January 23rd – February 23 (Spring)
Appeal Period
November 2 – December 4 (Fall)
March 8 – April 12 (Spring)
Note: Only to be used to appeal a decision made by Studentcare. Any cases sent without relevant documentation or without a denial on Exceptions Request will be automatically denied.
Missed the change of coverage period?
If you miss the Change-of-Coverage period for a valid reason, you may submit an exception request and or an appeal within their respective periods. An exception request or appeal does not guarantee an opt-out, and should not be used as a primary method of opting out. You may not appeal to opt-down from the enhanced plan to the basic plan.
Make sure you pay your tuition fees in full – the UVSS is not responsible for any late fees.
Why a UVSS Health & Dental Plan?
Established by student referenda, the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) Health & Dental Plan is extended health and dental coverage designed specifically for students to cover expenses not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) for BC residents and other basic health-care programs.
See what the Health & Dental Plan Covers
Who is Covered?
Undergrad students who are members of the UVSS and are registered in at least 3 units of on-campus classes in September or January including co-op or distance students are automatically covered by the UVSS Enhanced Health & Dental Plan.
Flexible Coverage Options
UVSS members now have access to a flexible benefit model that offers students two options for levels of coverage, the Enhanced Plan (higher coverage at higher cost, $416.75) and the Basic Plan (lower coverage at lower cost, $290), and the ability to mix and match between them.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is the medication I take covered by the plan?
Eligible prescription drug costs are covered up to 80%. Not all prescription drugs are eligible for automatic coverage.
The UVSS Health Plan covers medications listed in the BC Fair PharmaCare Plan Formulary, including most oral contraceptives, insulin, and diabetic supplies. For medications not listed in the BC Fair PharmaCare Plan Formulary, there is a Drug Exception process in place which allows eligible drugs to be covered up to $2,000.
Two common drugs prescribed to people with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine — require a Drug Exception. Please see the Studentcare website for more information about the Drug Exception process and to access the Drug Exception form.
What are my group/policy numbers?
Health, Dental, and Vision – 3001 insured by Pacific Blue Cross
Travel – 97180 administered by Securian Canada
Gender Affirmation Care – GAK administered by GreenShield
Identification Number: numbers preceding V from your V-number.
Example: V00123456, the identification number would be 00123456
What is the difference between BC MSP, Guard Me and Extended Health and Dental?
BC Medical Services Plan (MSP): The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides essential medical coverage for residents of British Columbia, including basic healthcare services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and certain medical procedures. Find out more here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents
International students who plan on residing in BC for at least 6 months, should apply as soon as possible, as your BC MSP application will take about 3 months to process. Please note that you must be covered by BC MSP or equivalent primary coverage in order to make claims for Student Plan benefits.
Guard.me: Guard.me is a temporary health insurance plan designed to offer emergency medical coverage for individuals who are in the process of enrolling in the BC MSP. It serves as an interim solution to cover basic healthcare needs until MSP coverage becomes effective.Most new international students not yet covered by BC MSP are automatically enrolled in a primary medical insurance plan through guard.me@UVic. For more information, please contact guard.me@UVic (MTMI) – International Experiences. guard.me@UVic plan (MTMI) – International experiences
UVSS Extended Health and Dental Insurance provided by Student Care: Extended Health and Dental Insurance offers supplementary coverage that goes beyond the standard benefits provided by MSP. This plan includes additional services such as prescription medications, paramedical services (e.g., physiotherapy, chiropractic care), and dental care, ensuring more comprehensive health protection.
How to claim under your Pacific Blue Cross?
- Pay-Direct Card: At the Pharmacy or Healthcare Provider: Present your UVSS Pay-Direct Card when paying for eligible services or medications. The provider will process the claim directly through the card, and you’ll only need to pay any applicable copayments or deductibles. You can find the pay direct cards in the board offices or online: Pay-Direct Card – Studentcare networks
You can also just give them your insurance info, they can automatically charge the plan. *unless you’re in the blackout period. More info –
2. Submitting a Claim:
– Online Submission: Log in to the claims portal provided by your insurance plan. Submit your receipts and necessary documentation as per the instructions.
– Mail Submission: Complete a claim form (available from the link below) and mail it along with copies of your receipts to the address provided on the form.
3. Reimbursement: After processing, the plan will reimburse you for eligible expenses based on the coverage limits and terms of the UVSS plan.
For more detailed instructions, refer to the UVSS Studentcare Website or contact support for assistance.
Assistance: use the contact options for direct assistance : studentcare networks
When is the Coverage Change Period?
For Fall Semester Students: August 22 – September 22
For Spring Semester Students: December 22 – January 22
How do I submit an Exception Request?
If you miss the above deadline due to special circumstances, you may apply for an exception via the Studentcare website. While an exception request allows you to explain your situation, it does not guarantee that your request for an opt-out will be approved. Be sure to provide all relevant documentation.
When should I consider applying for the Appeal Period?
If your Exception Request was denied by Studentcare or if you were under extenuating circumstances and could not apply for the Exceptions Request (will need documentation speaking to the timeline). Please make sure to check off the grounds for appeal you’d like to be considered under and submit relevant documentation.
What is Fair Pharmacare?
Fair Pharmacare is a BC program offering financial assistance for prescription medications based on income. Available to MSP-enrolled residents, it provides coverage through a sliding scale, requiring deductibles and co-payments. Coverage amounts and details are determined by household income. For more information, visit the Fair Pharmacare Plan page.