iMED: Temporary health insurance for international students

See health insurance for international students to learn about the differences between iMED, MSP, and the UBCSUO Health and Dental Plan.

Who is eligible and how do I get enrolled?

All new international students who are assessed UBCSUO student fees are automatically enrolled in iMED when they register for their first course. If you are enrolled for courses, log into your Workday account and click “View Statement” under the Finances app. If you are charged, you are enrolled for your program’s coverage dates. If you do not see the fee listed in your financial summary, contact the Global Engagement Office.

If you’re not enrolled in on-campus courses

UBC will not automatically charge iMED fees to new-to-UBC international students who register in off-campus (distance learning) courses only. When selecting your courses, please note that there are online courses which are not part of the distance learning program. Therefore, students who select online courses only could still be charged for iMED fees.

Upon registering for your first term of studies at UBC, you should check to confirm if you have been charged student fees, which include iMED fees. Log into Workday and click “View Statements” under the Finances app to confirm that you have been charged iMED fees.

If you are not charged iMED fees because you enrolled in off-campus (distance learning) courses only, and you plan to travel to Canada, or you are already in Canada without health insurance, you should purchase private temporary insurance following the instructions above. If you will be residing in British Columbia for 6 months or longer, you must submit an online application to enroll with the BC Medical Service Plan (MSP).

If you are charged iMED fees, you plan to complete your entire program of study online while being physically outside Canada, and you have not been in or travelled to Canada at any time during your program at UBC, you should be eligible to opt out of iMED.

When am I covered?

iMED coverage dates are based on the type and duration of your study program. iMED covers your first three months in Canada to cover the three-month MSP waiting period, or the full duration of your program of studies if you are a one-term exchange student or Visiting International Research Student (VIRS).

Check your iMED coverage dates on your iMED card. Depending on when you arrive in Canada, you might need to change your coverage dates – see the next section for details.

Depending on when you arrive in Canada, you might need to take action to add to or change your iMED coverage dates.

You may also be covered while travelling from your home country or primary place of residence to Canada if your travel itinerary is 10 days or less, and if your arrival date in Canada is not earlier than the earliest iMED coverage start date available for the first term of your UBC program.

iMED will cover you for your first 3 months in Canada. Your coverage dates depend on when you start your program:

• Winter Term 1 (September to December): your coverage will start on August 1
• Winter Term 2 (January to April): your coverage will start on December 1
• Summer Term 1 (May to June): your coverage will start on April 1
• Summer Term 2 (July to August): your coverage will start on June 1

iMED is designed to cover you for the waiting period before you become eligible for the British Columbia-government run Medical Services Plan (MSP), up to a maximum of 3 months. The MSP waiting period includes the remainder of the month you arrive in BC, plus the next 2 calendar months. For example, if you were to arrive in BC on August 25, you would be eligible for MSP on November 1.

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Changing your iMED coverage dates

If you arrive in Canada before your iMED coverage start date

If you will arrive in Canada before the earliest iMED coverage start date available for your UBC program (for example, if your coverage starts August 1 but you will travel in July), you should purchase extra coverage directly from David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS). Go to the Advance Coverage page for more information.

Advance Coverage should be purchased before you arrive in Canada. If you apply for Advance Coverage after your arrival in Canada, you might not be covered until the date of your purchase

If you arrive in Canada later than the calendar month in which your iMED starts

Degree-seeking and two-term exchange students

For example, if your iMED starts August 1, but you will travel in September, then you must submit the Arrival Date Confirmation / Coverage Dates Change Form (pdf) to DCIS so that your coverage can be adjusted to cover your 3-month waiting period for MSP. Submit supporting documents along with your form which indicates your arrival date, such as your flight itinerary, boarding pass(es), a copy of your study permit, passport stamp, or other landing documents.

Coverage date change requests should be submitted before you travel to Canada (up to 3 weeks before arrival), or as soon as possible after your arrival.

One-term exchange students

Your iMED coverage dates are fixed and cannot be changed.

If you arrive in Canada and do not enter BC within the same calendar month

If you arrive in a Canadian province or territory other than British Columbia (BC) and do not enter BC within the same calendar month as your arrival in Canada, then you may need to purchase an iMED Extension in order to be covered for your full BC MSP waiting period. Please contact David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS) for assistance.

If you start your program online from outside Canada

You might be eligible to request that your iMED fees be shifted to your next academic term at UBC, and for your iMED coverage period to be changed to align with your 3-month waiting period for MSP.

To do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are a new-to-UBC international student
• You’re registered in one or more on-campus courses
• You’re enrolled in a UBC program that lasts two terms or longer
• You’ll study online from outside Canada during your first term of studies
• You’ll start on-campus study in the subsequent term

You must not have been in or travelled to Canada at any time during your first term of studies at UBC to qualify to request the iMED fees and coverage to be shifted to the next academic term.

You must submit the UBC iMED Fee Shift Request Form (pdf) to the iMED Coordinator through the International Student Advising online form. The request must be received by the add/drop deadline (last day to drop courses without a W standing) as per the UBC Academic Calendar.

Normal processing time is 2 to 8 weeks once required documents are received. In periods of peak volume the processing time can be longer.

In order to avoid extra charges and having your account put on hold, you should pay for your iMED fees if the tuition payment deadline is approaching and your request to have the iMED fees and coverage shifted is under review.

If your request is approved, the iMED fees and coverage period will be shifted to the next academic term. If the iMED costs increase, you will be charged the current iMED fees.

How much does iMED cost?

iMED costs have increased to $237 for the first 3 months, or $338 if you are a one-term exchange student (effective August 1, 2023).

What if I withdraw from UBC or defer?

If you defer your program and withdraw from all courses in which you registered before the add/drop deadline, your iMED fees will automatically be removed. Log into Workday and click “View Statement” under the Finances app to verify that your iMED fee has been removed from your account.

When you register in the future, you will automatically be enrolled in iMED again.

Any iMED fee charged to your account will be frozen starting from the add/drop deadline if you are still enrolled. If you withdraw from UBC or defer to the next term after the add/drop deadline, the iMED fee will not be removed and you will be required to pay for it.

What if I change my immigration status and I am no longer an international student?

What will happen with your iMED fees will depend on when you change your immigration status from an international student to a permanent resident or Canadian citizen with Enrolment Services – Student Records and Financial Services.

Before the iMED coverage start date

If the change in your immigration status happens before the iMED coverage start date (August 1 for Winter Term 1 and December 1 for Winter Term 2), the iMED fees will automatically be removed from your UBC tuition account.

If you have received an iMED card by email, the coverage has been cancelled and will not be provided to you. Please do not use the iMED card to seek medical care while you are in Canada.

If you are not already covered under the BC MSP provincial health insurance:

• If you will be enrolled in full-time studies, you should purchase private temporary insurance, such as the Global Campus Health Plan (GCHP)
• If you will be enrolled in part-time studies, contact David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS) for information about “non-student” medical insurance plan options.

If you will be residing in British Columbia for 6 months or longer, you must submit an online application to enrol with the BC Medical Service Plan (MSP).

Between the iMED coverage start date and the add/drop deadline for the term that iMED was assessed

If the change in your immigration status happens between the iMED coverage start date (August 1 for Winter Term 1 and December 1 for Winter Term 2) and the add/drop deadline (last day to drop courses without a W standing) as per the UBC Academic Calendar, iMED fees will manually be reinstated to your UBC tuition account.

You will receive your iMED card by email, and the coverage will continue to be provided. Learn more about how to use your iMED insurance.

If you are already covered by the BC MSP or by another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan before the iMED coverage start date (August 1 for Winter Term 1 and December 1 for Winter Term 2), you should be eligible to opt out of iMED.

If you will be residing in British Columbia for 6 months or longer, you must submit an online application to enrol with the BC Medical Service Plan (MSP).

After the add/drop deadline for the term that iMED was assessed

If the change in your immigration status happens after the add/drop deadline (last day to drop courses without a W standing) as per the UBC Academic Calendar, iMED fees will automatically be kept in your UBC tuition account.

You will receive your iMED card by email, and the coverage will continue to be provided. Learn how to use your iMED insurance.

If you are already covered by the BC MSP or by another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan before the iMED coverage start date (August 1 for Winter Term 1 and December 1 for Winter Term 2), you should be eligible to opt out of iMED.

If you will be residing in British Columbia for 6 months or longer, you must submit an online application to enroll with the BC Medical Service Plan (MSP).

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How do I get my iMED card?

After registering for your first course at UBC, David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS) will automatically email your iMED card with the default coverage dates set for your program to the email address you provided to UBC.

Check your inbox and junk-mail folders if you cannot find the email containing your coverage card. During your coverage dates, print your iMED card and keep it with you in case you need medical attention, along with your student ID and a copy of your study permit (if you have one).

When you will receive your iMED card will depend on when you register for on-campus courses with UBC. iMED cards will start to be emailed to students about 2 weeks before the coverage period starts. If you registered at a later date, the normal processing time is 2 weeks. In peak periods the processing time can be longer.

If you don’t receive your iMED card by the start of the coverage period that corresponds with the first term where you will be registered in on-campus courses at UBC, please email DCIS at imed@david-cummings.com. In your email, write “Missing iMED card” as the subject line, and in the message you must include your name, student number, and date of arrival in BC.

If your iMED card has incorrect information, please email DCIS at imed@david-cummings.com. In your email write “Incorrect iMED card” as the subject line, and in the message you must include your name, student number, and date of arrival in BC.

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How do I use my iMED insurance?

iMED covers emergency hospitalization and medical services, including treatment at a doctor’s clinic, for an unexpected sickness or injury. While David Cummings Insurance Services is the company that handles iMED enrolment and general support, MSH International handles claims and requests for pre-authorization of medical services.

Visit the iMED website to review the iMED policy for details of coverage, to learn how and when to contact MSH International, and how to submit claims.

Accessing health care services

Students covered under iMED may seek medical care at any licensed medical clinic or hospital. Medical expenses that are eligible under the iMED policy can be submitted to MSH International either directly by the medical facility, or by you. Billing for treatment at a hospital is almost always issued after you are discharged from the hospital (when you have finished treatment), while you will likely be asked to pay up-front for doctor consultations.

If you need care at a hospital, you should always show your iMED card and your study permit (if applicable) when you are being admitted and ask if the hospital will agree to bill expenses to MSH International. You must also notify MSH International immediately using the contacts on your iMED card.

Important tips

If you are hospitalized, you, or someone on your behalf, must contact MSH International immediately using the contact information on your iMED card.

Certain medical services require pre-authorization from MSH International. Examples include surgery, specialist consultation, and specialized diagnostic tests like an MRI or CT scan.

Carry a photocopy or digital copy of your study permit during your iMED policy, if you have one, because you must present a copy of your study permit with your iMED card if you are treated at a hospital to ensure you are billed fees as a resident of BC.

You don’t have to hold a study permit to use your iMED plan. If you or your dependents are in Canada as a visitor or worker and you or your dependents are enrolled in iMED, bring your iMED card, photo ID, and any immigration documents you have when seeking medical services.

Visit the iMED website to learn more about accessing health care.

Direct billing

Several health care providers, including some emergency departments, near the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses recognize iMED health insurance and will bill eligible medical expenses directly to MSH International, meaning you could have fewer or even no up-front medical costs to pay out of pocket. To access one of these “direct billing” facilities, you will need to show your iMED card, a piece of photo identification, and your study permit (if applicable).

If the reason you seek medical attention is not covered under the iMED policy, or if the clinic or pharmacy is unable to confirm the eligibility of the medical service you seek, you may be required to pay the clinic or pharmacy up front. In that case, you can still submit a claim to MSH International to determine if your expense is eligible for coverage. Visit the Claims page of the iMED website to learn how to submit claims.

When a hospital or emergency clinic fee is billed directly to your iMED insurance, you may still be billed separately for related medical services, such as for ambulance fees, laboratory tests, prescription medication, or specialist fees. If you are issued a medical bill, be sure to submit it promptly to MSH International with a claim form.

You can show your iMED card for direct billing to MSH at the following medical clinics, emergency departments, and pharmacies:

Direct billing on-campus

OKANAGAN CAMPUS

• Student Health Clinic

VANCOUVER CAMPUS

• UBC Hospital Urgent Care Centre
• Student Health Service
• The University Village Medical and Dental Clinic (2 locations on-campus)
• University Pharmacy

Direct billing off-campus

OKANAGAN

• Kelowna General Hospital Emergency Room
• Turtle Bay Medical Clinic
• Orchard Medical Centre and Walk-In Clinic
• West Kelowna Medical Clinic
• Academy Hill Medical Clinic
• Whitefoot Medical Clinic (near Big White Ski Resort)
• Lyte Medical (Telemedicine Clinic)

VANCOUVER

• Vancouver General Hospital Emergency Room

Map of iMED direct billing locations on- and off-campus

• Vancouver direct billing network (Google Maps)
• Okanagan direct billing network (Google Maps)

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Opting out of iMED

You can apply to opt out of iMED if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You are already covered by iMED,  BC MSP, or by another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan before the iMED coverage start date (August 1 for Winter Term 1 and December 1 for Winter Term 2)
• The third-party organization which is funding your studies requires and has selected and purchased a basic health insurance plan on your behalf as part of its funding. It must be a formal organization such as a government body, corporation, organization, or foundation, not your parents or family members.
• You will complete your entire program of studies online while being physically outside Canada, and you have not been in or travelled to Canada at any time during your program at UBC.

If you’re already covered by iMED, BC MSP, or another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan

You can apply to opt-out of iMED using the DCIS iMED Opt Out Form (pdf). Please send this form by email to imed@david-cummings.com.

If you are covered by the BC MSP or another Canadian provincial or territorial health plan, a copy of your provincial medical card is not sufficient proof of coverage. You must submit a recent billing statement, or a letter of enrolment confirming the start date of your coverage with the provincial or territorial plan.

If you’re being funded by a third party

Download the UBC iMED Opt Out Form, then send the completed form and supporting documents to the iMED Coordinator through the International Student Advising online form.

Supporting documents include a letter from the third party funding your studies stating that they have selected, required and purchased a health insurance plan for you as part of the funding you will receive to cover the costs of your studies at UBC. You will find the complete list of supporting documents as part of the UBC iMED Opt Out form.

For you to qualify, the private health insurance you are being provided must be equivalent to the coverage provided by iMED.

Please note the following do not qualify for an opt-out of iMED under this category:

• Exchange students whose home institution administers private health insurance without funding your studies do not qualify to opt-out from iMED.
• Participating in the Western Deans Agreement alone does not qualify you to opt-out from iMED.

If you’ll complete your entire program from outside Canada

You must not have been in or travelled to Canada at any time during your program of studies at UBC to qualify to opt out from iMED under this category.

Download the UBC iMED Self-Declaration Form (pdf) and send the completed form through the International Student Advising online form.

If you complete 2 terms or more outside Canada, your opt-out application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Deadline to apply to opt-out from iMED

Opt-out applications must be received by the add/drop date as per the UBC Academic Calendar.

Normal processing time is 2 to 8 weeks once required documents are received. In peak periods, the processing time can be longer.

Conditions to opt-out from iMED

Students who have a claim made or pending on their iMED policy are not eligible to opt-out from iMED.

Students who have enrolled dependents onto their iMED plan are not eligible to opt-out from iMED.

To avoid extra charges and having your account on hold, you should pay for your iMED fees if the tuition payment deadline is approaching and your request to opt out of iMED is under review.

If your request is approved, the iMED fees will be credited to your tuition account. If you are a one-term student who has already paid for iMED fees, UBC will refund you the amount through the same means used for payment. Contact Enrolment Services – Student Records and Financial Services if you have questions about receiving the iMED refund payment from UBC.

Enrol your family for iMED

Your spouse, partner, or dependent children can also be covered by David Cummings Insurance Services (DCIS) for the duration of their stay or until they qualify for MSP. Your family members’ insurance is not administered by UBC, but you can purchase iMED for them directly through DCIS. If you are not covered by iMED at the moment, you can inquire about other health insurance options for your dependents.

If you add your family member(s) to your iMED account, you cannot opt out or cancel your iMED unless you withdraw your family from the iMED plan before the coverage starts. This also applies to advance coverage.

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If you have questions

For questions about iMED coverage, getting your iMED card, or reimbursements, contact David Cummings Insurance Services

If you have any other questions related to international health insurance, contact the Global Engagement Office.

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Health and wellbeing resources

Visit UBCO Student Wellness to learn more about the health and wellbeing resources available to you. 

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