Camosun College Student Society sponsored content
If you’re a Camosun College student—and if you’re reading this, you likely are—you’re automatically enrolled in a Canada Life health and dental plan through the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) and its partner Gallivan.
All eligible students—domestic and international—are in the plan, with the fees added as part of your tuition fees. The health and dental plans were approved by a student referendum in 1999 and, as such, are now a requirement of being a student at Camosun.
What students are automatically entered into the plans? Any student that is enrolled in 60 hours of class time over a seven-week period; are a member of the CCSS; and reside in Canada (you can be studying in person or online).
If you’re taking a part-time course load because of physical or mental conditions, you may be eligible to opt-in to the plan; contact the Student Benefits Plan Office for details before the deadline of the first semester of your academic year (see below for contact information).
You should know there’s a validation period. For the first 45 to 60 days from the start of the term, you’ll have to pay for your health and dental expenses. But keep the receipts! After the enrolment process is complete, you can submit online claims for reimbursement.
If you’re returning after your first semester, no need to worry about this, you may continue using the plan without disruption. Your benefits are valid for 12 months.
When you’re enrolled, you’ll apply and get a benefits card that you can show the service provider; this will give them all the information they’ll need to direct bill Canada Life. You’ll just have to pay the co-portion not covered by the plan (some service providers aren’t set up for direct billing, so you’ll need to pay, then submit a claim to get reimbursed).
“The CCSS offices at either campus are available to assist students with any questions or issues with the health and dental plan,” says CCSS benefits administrator Christine Desrochers. “Please stop by and we can help you navigate your benefits.”
So, what’s covered? Visit mystudentplan.ca/camosun for details, but some of the benefits you get as a student include prescription drugs, vision coverage, paramedical practitioners, mental health supports, emergency travel assistance, and dental benefits. Take a look at the brochure reprinted here for more information on this coverage.
If you have comparable coverage, you may want to opt-out of the plan, or consider coordinating both plans; the deadline to do so is 30 days from the official start date of your program. Contact the CCSS to discuss options.
Students can also add their family on the benefits plan during the first 30 days from when they have been assessed the fees.
Desrochers suggests taking a look at the CCSS’ select savings partners.
“These are different providers that offer students on our plan a discount, and a great way to maximize your benefits,” she says. “Drop by our office at either campus for the most up-to-date list.”
To contact the CCSS to discuss the health and dental plans, Lansdowne students, go to 101B Fisher or email ccssplan@camosun.ca; Interurban students go to Campus Centre 111 or email interurbanplan@camosun.ca. Lansdowne students can also call 250-370-3696, and Interurban students can call 250-370-3869.
Have your student ID number ready when you contact the CCSS.