Who is Eligible?
Full-time, on-campus undergraduate & graduate students, who are RRUSA members, and pay the RRUSA fee along with their tuition, are automatically eligible for and enrolled in StudentCare. Further, if you are enrolled and StudentCare and you already have extended health and dental coverage, you may also opt-out (see below).
To find out more about what your StudentCare extended health and dental plan covers, please visit studentcare.ca or scroll to the bottom for info on the opt-out policy, travel coverage, and more info on your plan.
International Students: View your options here
Change-of-Coverage Period:
The Change-of-Coverage period is the time where you can opt-out of the StudentCare plan or enroll others with your plan.
The change of coverage period for new intake students can be found here.
If you already have extended health and dental coverage through a workplace, spouse, or parent you may be eligible to opt-out. If you are eligible to opt-out and wish to do so, you will receive a credit in your student account. You can find more info about opting-out here.
You may wish to enroll a child dependent and/or spouse with your plan; for new January intake students, this must be done during the change of coverage period. For info on fees, eligibility, and how to enroll others view this page.
What is the blackout period?
Blackout Period (for new Plan members only): All Royal Roads students that are eligible for the Plan (on-campus undergrad programs) will have coverage starting on either September 1st or January 1st depending on their intake period. However, new students/returning students not enrolled in the plan in the previous academic year experience a lag at the start of their intake semester. This Blackout Period is the time that it takes StudentCare to confirm and process all new student data with the insurer (Pacific Blue Cross). This system is in place to allow for all students who have alternative coverage to be able to opt-out of the RRUSA Extended Health and Dental Plan during the change-of-coverage period. Students are free to use their benefits during this time, but they must pay up-front and retain proof-of-purchase to file a claim after the Blackout Period is over.
Fall Blackout Period: Although coverage begins September 1, there is a Blackout Period for about two months at the beginning of the policy year (approximately September 1 to October 31). During this time, the insurance companies are not able to confirm coverage. They will not process or reimburse the claims of students who were not covered by the Plan at the end of the previous policy year. Students who were covered by the Plan up to the end of the previous policy year are not affected by the Fall Blackout Period, while most students who were registered for classes by early August will experience a shorter Blackout Period. Any expenses incurred during this time can be claimed for after the Blackout Period, so long as the student is eligible for coverage.
Winter Blackout Period: There is also a Blackout Period that affects new winter students beginning their studies in January. The Winter Blackout Period begins on January 1 each year and lasts approximately until February 28. During this time, the insurance companies will not reimburse claims for new students, as they cannot yet confirm coverage. Students who were already enrolled in the fall are not affected by the Winter Blackout Period.
Summer Blackout Period: There is also a Blackout Period that affects new summer students beginning their studies in May. The Summer Blackout Period begins on May 1 each year and lasts approximately until June 30. During this time, the insurance companies will not reimburse claims for new students, as they cannot yet confirm coverage. Students who were already enrolled in the fall and/or winter are not affected by the Summer Blackout Period.
If you incur any claims during the blackout period you can submit them once you are out of the blackout period. Claims are your responsibility until received by the insurer.
Can I opt-in as an online or blended student?
Yes! As an online or blended member (undergraduate or graduate), you are eligible to opt-in for extended health and dental coverage. To opt-in for StudentCare coverage, please click here for information on enrolment.
The following resources are also available for your viewing: