Health insurance
Information pertaining to COVID-19
If you are in Canada, your BlueCross health insurance should cover expenses related to COVID-19 incurred in Canada; further details can be found in the policy online [PDF]. Be sure to print your BlueCross card. Please also refer to BlueCross' new MAPLE telemedicine.
If you are in Montreal, you also have access to Concordia's Health Services.
The Quebec COVID-19 vaccination program is currently underway!
You must bring you passport and your study permit when you go to your appointment.
If you hold a valid RAMQ, please make sure to have it with you when booking your appointment and to bring it with when you go get vaccinated.
Remember: the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out by age group, meaning that you must wait until it is your age groups' turn in order to schedule your appointment. When it is your turn:
1. Go to https://portal3.clicsante.ca/
2. Select a service: COVID-19 vaccine
3. Enter your postal code
4. Select a government supervised vaccination site* such as Palais des Congres or the Olympic Stadium (this excludes pharmacies such as Jean-Coutu, Access Pharma from Walmart, etc.).
You can then select a location where to get vaccinated, as well as a day and time. When registering, skip the question asking for your Quebec health insurance card number (unless you hold a valid RAMQ card) BUT check the box saying “I will bring a proper ID document with me to the appointment”.
*It is recommended to book an appointment at a government supervised vaccination site, such as Palais Des Congres, the Olympic Stadium, etc. and avoid pharmacies such as Jean-Coutu and Access Pharma from Walmart.
Empower Me now available to all international students!
The ISO is happy to announce that Empower Me services are now available to all international students until August 31, 2021. Empower Me is a confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year. In more than 22 countries outside Canada. These services are available to you, even if you have been exempted from the international Students Health Insurance Plan.
Empower Me can assist with stress, anxiety, depression, relationships or interpersonal conflicts, substance misuse/abuse, disordered eating, time management, financial planning or financial insecurity, nutrition, and more. Regardless of what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. Reach out to Empower Me for support.
To find out about the services offered by Empower Me, and how to register, please select your level of studies below:
Undergraduate students
Graduate students
Health insurance at Concordia
Immigration Quebec regulations require that all international students be covered by a Quebec issued health insurance plan that meets government standards, while studying in Quebec. In keeping with this government directive, Concordia University has negotiated a compulsory health and accident insurance plan with Blue Cross at a competitive cost that all Concordia international students must have. Consequently, personal health insurance plans are not accepted.
Health insurance fees are automatically charged to all international students when registering for courses or when graduate students are Continuing in Program (CIP).
Please download and review your Blue Cross Health Insurance Policy Booklet carefully for the details of your coverage. Register and print your Blue Cross card online (see below).
Watch our latest Health Insurance Q & A session
Find out more about your plan
Introducing online doctors from Medavie Blue Cross
24/7 instant access to doctors, right from your smartphone, tablet or computer!
Being an industry leader in student health and well-being is important to us. This is why we continue to invest in innovative programs and benefits, like the ability to give you 24/7 instant access to doctors and healthcare professionals right from the comfort of the home, office, or wherever you may be when the need arises. Beginning March 17, 2020, you’ll have access to Online Doctors - powered by Maple, Canada’s leading virtual care provider.
What is Online Doctors?
- Online Doctors is a service that lets you instantly talk to a Canadian-licensed doctor online anytime you need it, 24/7 year round for diagnosis, medical advice and treatment for yourself and your eligible family members
- You can access a physician from Maple right from your laptop, desktop computer, iOS or Android devices
- Maple stores your medical records, right on the platform. You can also create, store and share medical information, so you don’t have to worry about losing track of any of it
- Maple doctors regularly treat common medical conditions including:
- cold & flu
- eye and ear infections
- allergic reactions
- minor injuries
- urinary tract infections
- sexual health issues
- mental health issues
- and many more…
- If you are not feeling well, or need to have a prescription refilled, simply log in to Maple to speak to a doctor right away – it may help you avoid an unnecessary trip to the clinic or emergency room
Check out this video about Maple to learn more about how it works.
How to register for Maple? Watch this video.
- Visit getmaple.ca/medavie to sign up.
- Enter your information including your name, policy number, and identification numbers as shown on your Medavie Blue Cross card.
- If you already have a Maple account you can link t to your group coverage. Just look for instructions during the registration process.
- If you have an iPhone / iPad, or Android device, you can download the free Maple mobile app on your device’s app store.
If you have any issues, you can speak to a Maple representative directly on the site (www.getmaple.ca) – simply click on the chat icon in the bottom corner!
How much does it cost?
Health insurance fees are charged automatically when students register for courses. The annual coverage is from September 1 to August 31.
Effective September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
| Period | Duration | Coverage Type | Total amount due ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1 - August 31 Academic year |
12 months | SINGLE |
1,176.00 |
| September 1 – December 31 (FALL) January 1 – April 30 (WINTER) May 1 – August 31 (SUMMER) |
4 months |
SINGLE |
392.00 |
| September 1 – April 30 (FALL + WINTER) January 1 – August 31 (WINTER + SUMMER) |
8 months |
SINGLE |
784.00 |
| 1 month | SINGLE | 98.00 |
Rates are subject to change.
Travel insurance
International students insured with Blue Cross who are looking for travel insurance. Call: 514-906-4923.
Where should I go is I need medical assistance?
An urgent health issue is one that requires attention soon, but it is not an emergency. For urgent health issues, you can contact the Concordia Health Services (call 514-848-2424 ext. 3565) and speak with a nurse. You can also get same-day/urgent care in external clinics in Montreal. Information about how to find and book these appointments can be found in the Urgent care section of the Health Services website.
Other health care resources that are available to international students are Online Doctors (from Maple) and Empower Me, which provides mental health care. To find out about the services offered by Empower Me, and how to register, please select your level of studies below:
Undergraduate students
Graduate students
You can also contact your provincial Telehealth line (in Quebec dial 8-1-1).
If you think your health issue may require immediate attention, call your provincial Telehealth line (in Quebec dial 8-1-1) to speak with a nurse for assessment and guidance.
If you think your life, or the life of someone you know, is in danger, go to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1. Those outside of Canada can consult International Emergency and Crisis Lines, by Country for resources.
If you are advised to visit a clinic or go to the emergency room, please make sure that you have your Blue Cross insurance card with you. You can download the card from the Medavie Blue Cross web site. You must have photo ID with you. We suggest you have your Concordia ID card and a photocopy of your passport.
