Opting Out
International Basic Health Plan
with Provincial Health Card (ex. MSI)
MSI Opt-Out Period (Ongoing for 2025/2026)
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MSI Opt-Out Period (Ongoing for 2025/2026) 〰️
All international students are also automatically billed and enrolled on the International Basic Health plan.
International students who have private coverage are not eligible to opt-out of the SMUSA International Basic Health plan. Private coverage may be something you purchased on your own or have through your parents/spouse.
One exception is if an international student qualifies and obtains provincial health coverage (known as MSI in Nova Scotia).
A student who has active (MSI) provincial health coverage can apply to opt-out of the International Basic Health plan, depending on effective/expiration dates of their provincial health plan.
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 provincial health 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.
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There is NO DEADLINE - MSI opt-outs are eligible to be submitted throughout the year. This is because each person may become eligible for provincial health coverage at different times depending on their situation.
Students wishing to opt-out must also submit an opt-out application each academic year.
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If your MSI card does not cover you from September 1 until August 31, you are only eligible to opt out of the month(s) that you are fully covered.
You can re-apply to opt-out of additional months once you renew your MSI card.
PLEASE NOTE:
Your request will be processed from the date your completed opt-out is received.
Each academic year, students who successfully opt-out with MSI are charged a mandatory one-time fee of $59 for the Companion Plan, as MSI does not cover everything that the SMUSA Intl Basic Plan does, so the Companion Plan ensures all students have equivalent basic health coverage.
We recommend students pay their tuition fees in full, including the Health Plan fees, by the tuition payment deadline set by the university to avoid late charges/interest accruing.
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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.
There is also a PDF walkthrough handout available by clicking the button above.
If you have issues, please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca
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If there is a gap or you lose provincial health coverage, you are required to be re-enrolled onto the SMUSA Intl Basic Health plan immediately.
Please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
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If you are a student that holds dual citizenship with Canada and another country, please contact healthplan.smusa@smu.ca to determine if you are enrolled on the International Basic Health plan.
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