Health Insurance
It is important that you take care of yourself during this busy time in your life. This means keeping healthy, getting the rest you need, eating well and organizing your time efficiently in order to reach your personal and academic goals.
Health Insurance
International students paying international student fees and studying at Algonquin College are required to have health insurance coverage. Health Insurance is included in your tuition. Your health insurance provider is GuardMe.
GuardMe will send you an email to your personal email account, containing the instructions on how to create your GuardMe account and how to download your policy. For post-secondary students, you will receive this email either the first week of September, first week of January, or first week of May (depending on what term you start with Algonquin). For EAP students, your insurance starts the first day of your program, which means you will receive an email from GuardMe a few days after your program starts.
If you plan to arrive early and wish to purchase GuardMe Early Arrival Insurance, visit www.guard.me/algonquin/department/early-arrivals.
For more information about your coverage, visit to www.guard.me/algonquin.
For general inquiries about your policy, please contact GuardMe directly at customercare@guard.me, or email iecinsurance@algonquincollege.com.
As a post-secondary international student studying at Algonquin College, you are covered under the GuardMe More Canada – Enhanced plan. The insurance premium for 12 months (September 1-August 31) is currently $1184.11. For 8 months (January 1-August 31), it is $789.44; and for 4 months (May 1-August 31), it is $394.72. The EAP (English for Academic Purposes) rate per 7-week session is $189.80.
In addition to the above premiums, international students are required to pay a $60 Health Services Administration Fee each year (prorated based on start date). This fee will be added to the International Health Fee total.
GuardMe insurance is mandatory unless you have valid coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), or the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). If you wish to opt out of the GuardMe insurance, and are eligible to do so, please complete the OHIP/UHIP/IFHP information form using this link: www.algonquincollege.com/international/ohip-information-form.
If you have questions about the recent health insurance fee increase, please visit our health insurance premium increase frequently asked questions here.
GuardMe FAQs
How do I receive my health insurance policy?
International students are automatically enrolled in the GuardMe plan. For students enrolled in academic programs, your insurance will start the beginning of the month (September 1, January 1 or May 1). For students in the English for Academic Purposes program, your insurance begins on the first day of class. You will receive your policy card & information from GuardMe via your personal email account provided to Algonquin College. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.
What medical services are covered by GuardMe?
Please refer to the GuardMe brochure or visit their website.
Where can I go to see a doctor or a nurse?
The fastest way to see a doctor for non-emergency care is through Mobile Doctor: www.guard.me/mobiledoctor. Register to get 24/7 virtual access to a Canadian doctor from wherever you are. This service is included in your GuardMe policy.
To book an appointment with Algonquin’s Health Services, please call 613-727-4723 ext.7222, or visit www.algonquincollege.com/healthservices.
To find a clinic off campus near you, use GuardMe’s Find a Clinic tool: www.guard.me/algonquin/clinicSearch
How do I find out if a test or prescription drug is covered under the GuardMe Insurance policy?
Contact GuardMe Customer Care for questions about your coverage or Pre-Approvals for diagnostic testing at:
+1 (905) 752-6200
+1 (877) 873-8447
How do I add my spouse or dependants to my policy?
You can add a dependant on the GuardMe site. You will need your policy number to purchase coverage for dependents.
How do I submit a prescription or medical receipt for reimbursement?
You can submit a claim online using the GuardMe website. If you visited the Emergency Department at a hospital (Queensway/Ottawa Hospital) and did not have your GuardMe card, email iecinsurance@algonquincollege.com.
More Questions about GuardMe Health Insurance?
Use the live chat feature on GuardMe to speak with their customer service department in your preferred language. You can also send an email to iecinsurance@algonquincollege.com.
Dental Insurance
Please note, that dental insurance is not included in your GuardMe medical coverage. International Students who would like to have access to preventative dental coverage can choose to opt into the domestic student health plan under the “Dental Focused Plan” in addition to their coverage with GuardMe. Information about the Students’ Association health plan can be found here.
The opt-in process can be found here including the application.