Opting Out

Extended Health & Dental

Spring Opt-Out Period (until May 25, 2026)

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New/Transfer Students Only

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Spring Opt-Out Period (until May 25, 2026) 〰️ New/Transfer Students Only 〰️

All students taking at least one academic credit are automatically billed & enrolled on this plan each academic year.

All opt-out requests are submitted on the Student VIP website during the opt-out period.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Students must submit an opt-out application each academic year (this means every September!)

  • Opt-outs are only granted if the plan is unused & proof of alternative coverage is provided.

  • Submitting an opt-out does not guarantee your request is approved, however, the Health Plan Office will reach out to you directly if there are any issues, or you are being denied.

  • Please check your smu.ca email account regularly during the opt-out period.

Opt-Out Here
"How To Opt-Out" Walkthrough

  • Your Extended Health/Dental opt-out must be submitted during the opt-out period in which you begin your studies for that academic year:

    Students starting in September
    August 15 - September 25

    Students starting in January
    December 15 - January 25

    Students starting in May
    April 15 - May 25

    Students starting in July
    June 15 - July 25

    Students wishing to opt-out must also submit an opt-out application each academic year.

  • You can apply to opt-out if you can provide proof of private & comparable Extended Health & Dental coverage, such as:

    • Coverage through a parent or spouse, where you are listed as a dependent

    • Coverage through your employer

    • Coverage you purchased on your own (aka private coverage)

    PLEASE NOTE:

    • Your opt-out must be submitted during the term in which you begin your studies for that academic year (for most students, this is the fall term).

    • You must attach proof of coverage with your application. This includes a photo of your plan card or a letter from the insurance company.

  • ‍No. Students are unable to use the CDCP to opt out of their SMUSA dental plan as students are not actually eligible for the CDCP.

    To be considered eligible for CDCP, Canadians must not have access to dental insurance.

    The Government of Canada website is very clear that if you have benefits available through an employer, or a professional or student organization (like SMUSA), you would be considered to have access to dental insurance whether:

    • you decide to take it

    • you have to pay a premium for it, or

    • you do not use it

    More information on whether you qualify can be found online here.

    To report any changes with your CDCP application, such as gaining access to a student dental plan, please call 1-833-537-4342 to connect with Service Canada as there is a special process in place to document changes with your CDCP application, including termination from CDCP.

  • During the opt-out period, students can access the opt-out form electronically on the Student VIP website here. You need to create an account and sign in to access the form.

    If you have issues, please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca

  • Please carefully consider your decision to opt-out. By opting out of the Health and Dental benefits, you will not be eligible to opt back into the benefits until the next policy year begins, even if you lose your existing coverage.

    Examples of losing coverage:

    • 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)

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