Health + Dental Plan

Health + Dental Plan

 AUArts SA has partnered with StudentVIP to provide your Health + Dental plan.

Read on to learn more about what your plan includes, and how to use it.

Your Coverage

Opt-Ins / Opt-Outs for the 2023-2024 academic year are live Sept. 1st - Oct. 1st. Learn more here.

AUArts SA automatically provides extended Health + Dental coverage to all students who are enrolled in Fall or Winter studies at AUArts with minimum of three credits.

Your Health + Dental plan is provided by StudentVIP.

StudentVIP Links

  • • Group Policy #: 23712

    • Identification #: Your 9-digit Student Number and -01 (Example: If your student number is 000012345, your ID number would be: 000012345-01)

  • Also know as a policy year, your coverage period is the time period that your Health + Dental coverage is active.

    • Your Coverage Period is active from September 1st 2023 - August 31st 2025 if you are a student who enrolled in the Fall.

    • Your Coverage Period is active from January 1st 2025 - August 31st 2025 if you are a student who enrolled in the Winter.

  • Your Health + Dental plan has a variety of perks, including:

    Blue Advantage

    Blue Advantage offers national discounted providers, chains, services and more.

    Learn more by visiting their website

    Direct2U

    The Direct2U Health Hub provides services to you from the comfort of your home. This includes free prescription delivery, a wellness + fitness library, and virtual services from doctors, counsellors, and physiotherapists!

    Learn more by visiting this page

    Grad Perks

    Graduating AUArts Students have the option to extend their coverage beyond graduation through StudentVIP.

  • Through StudentVIP, AUArts SA provides an Extended Coverage Plan, which covers expenses such as vision, dental, mental wellness, travel, and much more. Much of what an extended plan covers is not covered by Provincial Coverage. Read more about what is covered by visiting the links on this page.

    Examples of extended coverage:

    • Coverage provided through a family member’s plan.

    • Coverage provided through a workplace.

    • Privately purchased plans.

    • First Nations Band coverage.

    • The Alberta Adult Health Benefits (AAHB).

    Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), the Provincial Coverage Plan covers medically necessary physician services, and some dental and oral surgical health services. This includes most visits to clinics and hospitals. Visit this page to see what the AHCIP covers. Some of what AHCIP covers is not covered by Extended Coverage.

    • Students new to the province of Alberta will need to register for AHCIP. For more information visit this page.

  • General

    How do I activate my StudentVIP coverage?

    AUArts students enrolled in a minimum of three credits throughout the school year are automatically enrolled in AUArts SA’s health + dental plan, which is automatically active.

    You’ll need to register via StudentVIP (and Alberta Blue Cross) to make a Claim, or to access your benefits card.

    Where does my StudentVIP coverage work?

    Your coverage works anywhere in Canada, with any eligible practitioner.

    To learn about coverage outside of Canada please visit this page.

    How do I coordinate my benefits?

    Students with plans through their parents or spouse can coordinate their benefits for increased coverage. To do this, submit first to Student VIP. Once you get your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and your reimbursement, you can submit the EOB along with your receipts and claim form from your parents' benefits for further reimbursement.

    Students with benefits through their employer must submit to the provider they have had the longest first, then submit to their other benefits second.

    Medication

    How can I see if my medication is covered under my benefits?

    What if the only medication that works for me isn't covered?

    In the event that the therapeutic alternatives which are eligible under the benefits prove to be ineffective for treating your particular condition, it is possible to have a special care approval for your medication. These approvals are done on a case-by-case basis. You must complete the Special Authorization Request Form. The standard turn-around time for Special Authorization decisions is 7 to 10 working days, and you will be notified in writing if your application has been approved or not.

    Dental

    Should I get a quote for dental work?

    It is strongly recommended to obtain a pre-determination for extensive dental procedures to prevent unexpected costs. Have your dentist send a pre-determination electronically to Alberta Blue Cross.

    Do I have Orthodontic Coverage?

    Your Health + Dental benefits do not cover Orthodontic services or supplies. Braces, Invisalign and services related to these items are not be eligible for coverage.

    Travel

    How do I get a letter confirming that I have travel coverage?

    If you need a letter confirming that you have travel coverage, you can complete a Student VIP Coverage Letter Request. Your request will be reviewed and a letter emailed to you in 3-5 business days.

    Who do I contact if I need to use my travel coverage while away?

    • Within Canada (not your home province) and the United States: 1-800-563-4444

    • Anywhere else in the world, call collect: 1-506-854-2222

      • Please have the following information ready:

        • Personal Information

        • Your name and Student ID

        • Your Policy Number - 23712

        • Travel dates: departure date and return date (from/to) the home province

        • Travel destination: City, State/Province (when applicable), Country

        • Travel purpose

        • Description of the medical emergency or need (symptoms, circumstances, etc.)

        • Date of medical emergency or first onset of symptoms

Need Support?

Visit StudentVIP’s Frequently Asked Questions page for general questions.

For in-depth response StudentVIP here to answer any questions you may have via phone, email, or online chat.

Using Your Benefits

Your benefits can be used across Canada via Direct Billing or by making a Claim.

If you have questions regarding your coverage please get in touch with StudentVIP, as they manage your Health + Dental plan.

StudentVIP Links

  • Claims happen after an expense has been made with Providers that you paid for out-of-pocket. For claims you receive reimbursement via Direct Deposit (must have a Canadian Bank account) or Cheque for the eligible portion of your expense.

    Claims must be submitted through Alberta Blue Cross no later than 12 months from the date the expense was incurred. Claims can be made via mobile, web, or mail. You may be required to present a physician’s prescription when submitting claims for specific services.

    Visit here to make a claim, or to learn more about making a claim.

  • Direct Billing will directly bill your Student Health Plan so you don’t have to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement later.

    Direct Billing only works with Providers listed on the StudentVIP Website. These Providers are known as Preferred Providers and can be searched under the ‘Provider Search Tool’.

    You must provide your plan information, including your group policy number, and ID number. This can be found near the top of this page, or on your benefits card.

  • Why did I have to pay upfront at a provider who has Direct Billing?

    Direct Billing is only supported by Preferred Providers. You can find out where preferred providers are by using the Provider Search Tool on the StudentVIP Website. You may still use unlisted providers, however you will have to make a claim on the expense afterwards.

    How long do I have to submit a claim?

    • All claims must be submitted to Alberta Blue Cross no later than 12 months from the date the expense was incurred.

    • In the event of termination of coverage, claims incurred prior to the termination date must be submitted to Alberta Blue Cross within 90 days of the termination date.

    How long does it take for my claim to be processed?

    • It takes 3-5 business days to process a claim, starting the first business day after submitting.

    Do I need to submit a prescription with my claim?

    • Drug Claims & Vision Appliances

      • Always require a prescription

    • Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)

      • Requires a physician's prescription on your first claim submission.

    • Orthotics & Orthopedics

      • Must be prescribed by an attending physician, orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, rheumatologist or Chiropodist/Podiatrist.

    • Travel

      • Some travel expenses may require copies of receipts or prescriptions depending on the claim. For more information on this please contact Medavie Blue Cross directly at 1-833-867-3468.

    How can I check on the status of a claim, or obtain my claim history?

    • You can check the status of current claims and obtain your claim history via the Alberta Blue Cross Member Website or the My Benefits App.

    • Any outstanding questions regarding claim status/history can be directed to Alberta Blue Cross via 1-800-661-6995 and/or their Contact Us Form

Opt-Ins + Opt-Outs

Do you want to add someone to your Health + Dental plan? Maybe you already have Health + Dental coverage wish to refund your H+D fee? Read about how you can do so in the sections below.

If you have questions regarding your opt-out/opt-in please get in touch with StudentVIP, as they process all opt-outs and opt-in requests.

  • The Opt-in/Opt-out period is the month-long period when students can either apply to opt-in eligible family to their plan, or apply to opt-out of their plan.

    Students may only apply for opt-ins/opt-outs during their designated period. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstance.

    • The designated opt-in/opt-out period occurs in September for students enrolled in the Fall.

      • Fall Opt-In/Opt-Out Period: September 1st - October 1st

    • The designated opt-in/opt-out period occurs in January for students enrolled in the Winter.

      • Winter Opt-In/Opt-Out Period: January 1st - February 1st

  • During their designated period students may apply to opt-in or opt-out by following the prompts via the StudentVIP AUArts homepage.

    Towards the centre of the StudentVIP homepage there is a row of square buttons - One will allow you to Opt-In, and one to Opt-Out. These buttons are only available during the opt-in/out period outlined in Dates + Deadlines.

    It takes approximately 4-5 weeks for all applications to be processed by StudentVIP after the opt-in/opt-out period has closed. Students will then be notified by StudentVIP regarding the status of their application.

    Please note that a successful opt-in or opt-out is not permanent, and resets at the start of fall in the next academic year. You will need to re-apply for opt-ins/opt-outs at this time.

  • Students who have been automatically assessed the Health + Dental Plan fee on their tuition may choose to add eligible family members to the plan during their eligible opt-in period for an additional fee.

    • Opt-ins are not permanent.

      • They apply to the current academic year (September - August) and reset after this time. Students must re-apply for opt-ins at in the next academic year.

    • Students may only apply for opt-ins during their designated period, outlined in the Dates + Deadlines section above.

      • Late applications are not accepted under any circumstance.

    Opt-In Process

    1. You apply for opt-ins on the StudentVIP website by providing the information of the person(s) you want to opt-in as well as payment information.

    2. StudentVIP will assess opt-in eligibility, which takes approximately 4-5 weeks after the Opt-In/Opt-Out period closes.

    3. StudentVIP will notify you via your AUArts email regarding the status of your application.

      1. If an application is successful the student is assessed fees for the additional opt-in(s).

    4. Upon payment of fees the opted-in person(s) will be able to make claims starting from the beginning of the student’s Coverage Period.

    Who is Eligible to Opt-In?

    Please note that the termination age for the ASC Health + Dental Plan is 70.

    • Spouse/Common-Law Partner

      • The legal spouse of the Insured Student (provided there is no legal separation in effect), OR an individual who has been residing with the Insured Student for a period of at least one year and has been designated as the spouse/common-law partner of the Insured Student in the Policyholders records, and is a resident of Canada who has provincial health coverage (or equivalent coverage).

    • Dependent Child(ren)

      • Any natural child, step-child or legally adopted child of the Insured Student, who is under 21 years of age, unmarried and receives full support and maintenance from the Insured Student, OR those over 21, but under 25 years of age, unmarried and receives full support and maintenance from the Insured Student for reason of full-time attendance at an accredited institute, college, or university in Canada, or receives full support and maintenance from the Insured Student by reason of mental or physical infirmity, and is a resident of Canada who has provincial health coverage (or equivalent coverage).

  • Students who already have extended Health + Dental coverage may choose to opt-out the H+D plan during their eligible opt-out period.

    • Opt-outs are not permanent.

      • They apply to the current academic year (September-August) and reset after this time. Students must re-apply for an opt-out in the fall of the next academic year.

    • Once a student has opted-out they will remain so until the fall of the next academic year.

      • Please consider this carefully when applying for an opt-out.

    • Students may only apply for an opt-out during their designated period, outlined in the Dates + Deadlines section above.

      • Late applications are not accepted under any circumstance.

    • ❗️ Regardless of if a student intends to opt-out, the Health + Dental fee must be paid to AUArts by the fee deadline.❗️

      • Failure to do so will result in penalty by AUArts.

    Opt-Out Process

    1. You apply for and opt-out via the StudentVIP website by providing proof of extended healthcare coverage.

    2. StudentVIP assesses your eligibility for an opt-out, which takes approximately 4-5 weeks after the opt-out period closes.

    3. StudentVIP notifies you via your AUArts email regarding the status of your application.

      1. If the application is successful you will be refunded the Health + Dental fee via e-transfer.

    Who is Eligible to Opt-out?

    Students who already have extended Health + Dental coverage can choose to opt-out.

    • Extended coverage can include:

      • Coverage provided through a family member’s plan

      • Coverage provided through a workplace.

      • Privately purchased plans

      • First Nations Band coverage

      • The Alberta Adult Health Benefits (AAHB).

    • Students may choose to keep their StudentVIP coverage while also under another extended coverage plan. This often allows for 100% coverage on prescriptions, dental, vision, and much more.

    • Use of StudentVIP benefits results will result in loss of opt-out eligibility.

    • Provincial coverage plans (ex. AHCIP), are not eligible for opt-out of the Student VIP plan.

  • Do I need to opt myself into the plan?

    • All students enrolled in 3 or more credits are automatically enrolled in the H+D plan.

    When can I opt-out?

    • You can only apply for opt-out during your eligible opt-out period, as outlined in Dates + Deadlines.

    If I opt-out, or opt-in someone, will it be permanent?

    No, it resets in the fall of the next school year. You must re-apply for opt-ins/opt-outs at this time.

    Can I add family to my benefits?

    • Yes, but they must be eligible as outlined in Opting-In, and opted-in during your eligible opt-in period as outlined in Dates + Deadlines.

    I already have extended health coverage, do I still need to pay the Health + Dental fee?

    • Yes, you must pay the fee upfront. You may apply for a refund of the fee by opting-out during your Opt-out period.

    If I opted-out can I opt back into the StudentVIP plan in the same academic year?

    • No. You can’t opt back into the benefits until the next academic year begins, when your coverage resets, even if you lose your existing extended coverage.

      Examples:

      • If your coverage is through your parents/spouse and they lose their coverage.

      • If you reach the age of maturity as a dependent on your parent’s benefits (i.e. age 21 for some benefits, 25 for others).

        Please carefully consider your decision to opt-out.

    Can I still use StudentVIP Perks, even if I opt-out of the Benefits?

    • Yes! Many Student VIP Perks are available to all Alberta University of the Arts Students, regardless of whether or not they are currently covered under the Student Health and Dental Benefits.