While you study at George Brown, you may have times in your life that you’ll require extended health or dental coverage.
Most full-time domestic students in a post-secondary or ESL program (Fall and Winter terms) and international students in a post-secondary or ESL program (Fall, Winter, and Spring terms) are automatically enrolled in student health coverage plans through the Student Association’s Health Benefits Program. (Please see the website for full eligibility.) Enrolled domestic students are also eligible to opt out of the plans or add family coverage by specific deadlines communicated per semester.
Below are some frequently asked questions about accessing healthcare as a GBC student. Any other questions may be directed to HealthBenefits@sagbc.ca.
Accessing Your Health Insurance
What do the student health insurance plans cover?
The health coverage plans offer comprehensive coverage through WeSpeakStudent insurance depending on the type of program you are enrolled in.
The Domestic Students Plan includes extended health, dental vision, prescription drugs, etc.
The International Students in a Post-Secondary Program Plan includes OHIP alternative coverage as well as extended health, dental, vision, prescription drugs, etc.
The International ESL Students Plan includes OHIP alternative coverage.
Students who are covered under a domestic or international plan in a post-secondary program have four plan designs to choose from: Balanced Plan, Enhanced Drug Plan, Enhanced Dental Plan, and Enhanced Extended Health Care Plan. If you do not choose a plan, you will automatically be enrolled in the Balanced Plan on your starting semester before the deadline. Domestic students may also choose to opt-out of health coverage before a specified deadline each semester, typically at the beginning of the semester’s second month.
Is healthcare available on campus?
GBC campuses do not have in-person healthcare services, however, the Student Association and the Cleveland Clinic are proud to bring students Virtual Health Clinics, making it easier to manage your health and well-being. Students can access these clinics by using the Cleveland Clinic Express Care app 24/7 or by visiting the Student Association offices at our three main campuses during designated hours.
Students covered under a domestic plan or international in post-secondary plan are eligible to use these clinics. If you have enrolled dependents in your health benefits plan, they can also use the Express Care Online and Virtual Clinics for their medical needs. Students under the International ESL plan do not qualify.
To register for both online and in-person services, students should download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care mobile app (via Apple App Store or Google Play Store) or website.
Please use the follow service keys when registering:
- For domestic students, enter: DOMSAGBC
- For international students, enter: INTSAGBC
Online
With the Express Care app, you can skip the lines and access care through your devices anytime of the day to connect with a nurse practitioner who can help you with non-emergency medical care.
In-person clinics
Clinics are open during the semester at the following locations, please check the webpage for hours:
- Casa Loma (SA Student Centre; Room 103) - Wednesdays to Fridays
- St. James (200 King SA Office; Room 147H) - Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
- Waterfront (SA Office; Room 033) - Mondays to Thursdays
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic services
You may also ask representatives at any campus Student Centre Desk for more information.
As a domestic student, when should I use OHIP versus my GBC health benefits?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers many primary health care services such as doctor visits, emergency room services, surgeries, and other medical tests. You should use OHIP for these primary care services if you are eligible. GBC’s health insurance via WeSpeakStudent provides additional coverage that OHIP does not, such as certain prescription medications, dental care, extended health services such as massage therapy, and vision care. If your needs extend beyond what OHIP covers, then WeSpeakStudent insurance should be used.
How do I access my student health card?
You need your health card to access services and make claims. You can access your student health card on the WeSpeakStudent website, via the following instructions:
For domestic students: Navigate to the Your Space page, then under the “Booklets & Forms” tab, you can download “Domestic Student Benefit Card” as a PDF. You can print or save the file, where you’ll have to fill in the last seven digits of your student ID number in the Certificate ID.
For international students: Navigate to the Your Space page (click here for international post-secondary program and click here for ESL program), then select the “Student Medical Card” tab. You'll need to type in the last seven digits of your student ID number and your date of birth. Then follow the directions to view or print your health card.
Finding Clinics and Other Healthcare Services
How do I find a walk-in health clinic near me that takes my insurance?
In Toronto, you can use resources like the Toronto Central Healthline to find walk-in clinics downtown. You can also look on WeSpeakStudent’s website directory for clinics. To do so, navigate to the Your Space page (use this page to direct based on type of plan), then select the “Discount Network” tab.
You will see maps where you can select different types of services that you are looking for (including walk-in clinics, lab work, hospitals, etc.) We advise that you call ahead to confirm that they accept your specific insurance.
What can I expect when visiting a walk-in clinic?
Walk-in clinics can handle non-emergency health issues such as minor injuries, infections, and other acute conditions. When visiting a walk-in clinic, be prepared to first present your health card or insurance details. You may have to fill out some paperwork on your first visit. Expect a wait time, as patients are typically seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Some walk-in clinics do not have a front desk and you can instead register on a computer or tablet located in the waiting area. This will indicate that you have arrived and hold your place in the queue. Be ready to discuss your medical history and the reason for your visit.
How do I handle billing at clinics with my health insurance?
Please call Morcare at 1-888-985-1552 and ask whether they can arrange direct billing with the clinic which you want to visit. How soon your appointment with direct billing would be set up depends on the clinic.
Where can I find a family health care provider in Ontario that’s accepting new patients?
For students with OHIP, Health Care Connect helps Ontario residents who do not have a family health care provider to find one. You can register for the program on their website.
Where can I find Community Health Centres in Toronto? What services do they offer and who can access them?
Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Toronto offer a wide range of health services, including primary care, dental services, mental health support, and community programs. They are open to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. For a list of CHCs and more information on the services they offer, visit Toronto Central Healthline's Community Health Centres.
How do I talk to my doctor about my mental health?
A medical doctor can diagnose health issues, provide or refer you to appropriate treatments, and help manage mental health challenges effectively. Seeing a doctor is crucial for getting the right support and interventions early on. So it's helpful to be open and honest with your doctor about your feelings and symptoms. Prepare for your visit by noting down your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. More tips and a detailed guide can be found in the document Talking to Your Doctor About Mental Health provided by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.
More FAQ for International Students
I am an international student, will the school insurance cover the cost of going to an emergency room?
Hospital Emergency Room coverage for international students enrolled in the Health Benefits Program is included, with some exclusions. Please check your plan for details. Students will need to confirm with the hospital if they can offer them an invoice, so the student can file the claim without paying upfront or if they will need to pay first and file a claim after. Please review the deadline for filing claims on your claim form to be eligible for reimbursement. Deadlines are typically within six months, but please confirm the information on your form.
I am an international student, will the school insurance cover the cost of an ambulance?
Students in post-secondary program will be eligible to claim ambulance service. Students will need to pay up-front, get the receipt and file claim after on-line.
What about confidentiality or my status as an international student?
Your health information is confidential and protected under Canadian law.
International students have the same rights to confidentiality as any other student. Disclosing your visa status is not required when accessing health services.
