Medical Insurance

iMed will provide coverage for the following dates for the ELI programs below:

*iMed dates and prices are subject to change.

Online Programs

If you are an international student taking an online program from Canada and need medical insurance, please opt in for insurance when filling out the application form. 

Changing Coverage Dates

If you arrive in BC before the iMed coverage start date for your ELI program, or if you would like to extend your health insurance coverage after the end of your ELI program, please contact the insurance provider, David Cummings Insurance, to purchase additional advance health insurance coverage.

David Cummings Insurance
#350-2083 Alma St.
Vancouver, BC, V6R 4N6
604.228.8816
andrew@david-cummings.com cc (copy) to: info@david-cummings.com

BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP)

MSP is BC’s provincial health insurance plan. Anyone living in BC for six months or longer (including international students) must enrol in MSP. MSP application forms are available at the ELI.

iMed for ELI students continuing to the next term or program

iMed fees will be assessed with the final tuition balance for all ELI students continuing to the next term/program. You must pay all iMed fees along with the final tuition balance even if you qualify to opt out.

University Groups/Group Bookings

Group bookings are subject to the same mandatory insurance and opt out policy.

1. I have MSP coverage; can I receive a refund for my insurance?

   Depending on the start date of your MSP coverage, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund. You must make your request for a refund directly with David Cummings Insurance by filling in the Opt out of ELI iMED coverage form and submit it to info@david-cummings.com. You can download the form here: http://www.david-cummings.com/iMED2/forms/index.htm

2. How can I receive my refund?

   Refunds may take up to 3-4 weeks to process. David Cummings Insurance will process and issue a cheque for you only if no claims were made to an address provided by you at the time of processing.

3. I already have insurance from my home country; do I need an iMed insurance policy?

   Yes! Everyone is automatically enrolled in our mandatory health insurance. Even if you already have medical insurance from your home country, you will still need to pay for mandatory iMed insurance.

4. What does my coverage include?

   Generally speaking, iMed is an emergency insurance plan that will cover regular doctor visits (if you’re sick) and emergency situations. Please refer to the iMed website for a detailed description of iMed medical coverage.

5. Should I apply for MSP? How can I apply?

   If you are staying in Canada longer than 6 months, you should apply for MSP coverage as soon as possible. You can come to ELI’s administration office to receive an MSP application form. You must fill it out and mail it directly to MSP with a copy of your study permit.

6. Where can I get my iMed insurance card?

   You will receive your insurance card by week 2 of the EAP/VEEP session via email to the email address provided to ELI upon registration. Short program students should receive their cards by email prior to arrival. You may print out your insurance card yourself and should keep it with you at all times. If you have problems printing, opening the document, or did not receive the email please come to the administration office for assistance.

7. Where can I use my iMed?

   The easiest thing to do is visit UBC's Student Health Center, where iMed is accepted and no payment is required for most visits. There are other locations in Vancouver where iMed is accepted. Please see the most updated list where iMed is accepted.

Cancellations

If you purchase MSP before or during iMed coverage dates, you may be eligible for a refund for a portion of your remaining iMed insurance. All cancellations must be made through David Cummings Insurance and not through the ELI.

Opt-out Policy

You can opt out of iMED only if:

• you are already covered by MSP or iMED (for the entire duration of registered ELI program) starting in or before the first month of an EAP or VEEP session – in which case you can receive a full refund,

  Or

• you have become a permanent resident and have Canadian provincial health insurance before iMED coverage starts.

Note: having private insurance from your home country does not make you eligible to opt out of iMED.

You must pay the medical insurance fees even if you qualify to opt out. You can apply to opt out through David Cummings Insurance once your program has begun, but within 30 days of the start date of iMed. You must present the necessary documentation to David Cummings representatives to qualify to opt out. If you have MSP, you must show your BC Services Card or a letter from MSP confirming your coverage dates to a David Cummings representative. You can contact David Cummings Insurance at +1.604.228.8816 or at andrew@david-cummings.com with a copy to info@david-cummings.com.

Note: opt-outs, cancellations, and drop-outs are non-refundable if any claims were made. After any iMed insurance policy has ended, the insurance card will be invalid.

Drop-outs

If you drop all your classes, or do not arrive for your program because of visa denials etc., you are eligible for reimbursement of the policy fees you have paid. Decisions on whether you receive either a full or partial refund will be made on a case-by-case basis.

You have until week 3 of any EAP or VEEP session to drop out of the mandatory iMed insurance plan. Drop-outs must be communicated via telephone, email, or in writing to receive a refund.

Note: opt-outs, cancellations, and drop-outs are non-refundable if any claims were made. After any iMed insurance policy has ended, the insurance card will be invalid.