GSS Health provides technical assistance and capacity building in laboratory strengthening, quality systems and supply chain management. Our expertise is in global health and in field-focused research.
AMS VP Finance Mary Gan said the society looks at what parts of the plan students use most and where more coverage is needed each year. This year, mental health coverage stood out as being in high demand.
Student Health & Dental Plan
We offer a comprehensive health and dental plan to full-time graduate students. This plan covers expenses that are not covered by OHIP or equivalent provincial health care plans, but it is not a substitute for them.
If you have comparable coverage (such as through your employer’s plan, CUPE 3904 Unit 3 plan or BC MSP) you may choose to opt-out of the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan by submitting an application during the Change-of-Coverage Period. See the opt-out page for details.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-enroll in DentalSave, a group discount dental program that is an alternative to insurance. More information is available on the DentalSave website. Please note that you must still waiver the medical insurance charge through OHSU’s online waiver system for this option.
AMS Fee Opt-In
All AMS fee-paying students are automatically enrolled in the Health and Dental Plan, including full and part-time students, international students and those auditing a course. If you want to opt out, you can do so online during the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan Change-of-Coverage Period.
Students who have existing health and/or dental coverage can apply for a bursary, which covers either partial or full costs of the AMS/GSS Health & dental plan fee. Bursary applications are open between Aug. 21 – Sept. 25, 2023.
The AMS fees you pay also fund things like the U-Pass and the AMS Clubs Benefit Fund, which is a pool of money clubs can use to cover their events and projects. This goes towards things like CiTR, the campus radio station; the Film Society; and the Debate Society.
AMS Fee Opt-Out
While most of your tuition dollars go toward your tuition and housing, some goes to AMS fees that help fund everything from recreational programs to the new SUB. But some of these fees aren’t necessarily necessary for your education, and you can opt out if you choose.
For example, you can opt out of the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan by applying during the Change-of-Coverage Period (Aug 21-Sept 25 for Fall 2023 students; Jan 3 – 24 for Winter Term 2 students). However, you’ll need to provide proof that you have equivalent coverage.
Note that by choosing to opt out of any Dedicated Fee, you absolve the AMS, the insurance company(s), Queen’s University and Studentcare from all liability for any loss suffered as a result of your decision.
AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan Change-of-Coverage Period
The AMS Health & Dental Plan was designed by students to cover expenses not covered by MSP or equivalent provincial plans, and private basic plans. It covers things like prescription drugs, psychologist visits, and travel coverage. Students can opt-out of the Plan by following the procedures on Studentcare’s website during the designated Change-of-Coverage Period.
Students can also enrol their spouse and dependents in the plan. This can be done by following the steps on Studentcare’s Couples & Family Enrolment page.
Each year the AMS negotiates this plan, which is provided by Studentcare, and is automatically assessed as a non-instructional fee on all registered graduate students. The AMS Health & Dental Plan provides a comprehensive set of benefits at a cost that is competitive with other similar coverage in BC.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the GSS Health & Dental Plan that are not answered on the website or by Studentcare representatives, please contact the Director of Graduate Services. Fees for the plan are front-loaded and charged to your student account in the Fall semester, covering coverage from September to August (for January-start students).
High-quality medical care often requires teams of providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, nurses, technicians, and others. Each member of the team tends to have limited interactions with the patient and a different view of the patient based on their area of expertise. GSS specializes in helping to coordinate these views and processes through our Health Care Coordination Consulting services.
