You are required to have adequate medical insurance to enrol in ELI programs. The ELI’s medical insurance provider is iMED, managed by David Cummings Insurance. This medical insurance will be effective for the duration of your ELI program. iMED fees will be included in your final tuition balance.
A copy of your iMED card will be emailed to you from David Cummings Insurance. You must carry your iMED card with you at all times in case of medical emergencies.
With your iMED card, you don’t have to pay for your visit if you see a doctor at the Student Health Service at UBC or the University Village Medical Clinic, and University Pharmacy. Medical benefits cover emergency hospitalization and medical services (including out-patient treatment at a doctor’s clinic) for an unexpected sickness or injury. View the David Cummings Insurance website for detailed information about iMED and the full policy.
You can see a doctor in any other clinic or hospital in BC but you may need to pay in advance. View the David Cummings Insurance website for instructions on how to submit claims and how to download claim forms.
iMED Coverages Dates & Fees
DISCOVER & English for Academic Purposes
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| March 3-April 24, 2025 | February 28-April 28, 2025 | $200 |
| May 5-June 26, 2025 | April 28-June 30, 2025 | $200 |
| June 30-August 21, 2025 | June 27-August 25, 2025 | $200 |
EXPLORE
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| May 20-June 19, 2025 | May 16-June 23, 2025 | $125 |
ASPIRE & ASPIRE Intensive
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| June 2-27, 2025 | May 30-June 30, 2025 | $100 |
| June 30-July 25, 2025 | June 27-July 28, 2025 | $100 |
| August 5-29, 2025 | August 1-September 1, 2025 | $100 |
DISCOVER & English for Academic Purposes
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| September 2-October 23, 2025 | August 25-October 27, 2025 | $200 |
| October 27-December 18, 2025 | October 24-December 22, 2025 | $200 |
| January 5-February 26, 2026 | December 22, 2025-March 2, 2026 | $200 |
| March 2-April 23, 2026 | February 27-April 27, 2026 | $200 |
| May 4-June 25, 2026 | April 27-June 29, 2026 | $200 |
| June 29-August 20, 2026 | June 26-August 24, 2026 | $200 |
EXPLORE
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| May 19-June 18, 2026 | May 15-June 22, 2026 | $125 |
ASPIRE & ASPIRE Intensive
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| September 2-19, 2025 | August 29-September 22, 2025 | $100 |
| February 23-March 20, 2026 | February 20-March 23, 2026 | $100 |
| June 1-26, 2026 | May 29-June 29, 2026 | $100 |
| June 29-July 24, 2026 | June 26-July 27, 2026 | $100 |
| August 4-28, 2026 | July 31-August 31, 2026 | $100 |
ASPIRE High School
| Program Dates | iMED Coverage Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| July 20-July 31, 2026 | July 17-August 1, 2026 | $50 |
iMED Details & FAQs
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 DISCOVER 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 DISCOVER 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.
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: iMED Opt Out Form.
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.
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.
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.
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 apply for MSP online. You must submit a copy of your study permit as a supporting document.
Where can I get my iMED insurance card?
You will receive your insurance card by week 2 of the EAP/DISCOVER 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.
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.
