Health and dental benefits are available to all U of G students
Mike Treadgold
Photo by Megan Verhey
Looking at the breakdown of your university tuition statement and analyzing every small club and group that you pay into on a semesterly basis can be a daunting and overwhelming examination.
And while you might not make use of every single resource on campus throughout your four-plus years in Guelph, those that affect your personal well-being are probably worthy of your attention and consideration.
“Many of my friends weren’t even aware of student benefits when we were in our first year,” said Rina Thoma, a second-year student and staff member from Student Health Benefits on campus.
Student health and dental benefits are made available to each and every university student, though many are relatively unaware that they even exist. Each year, students are obligated to pay a health premium fee, effectively entitling them to full medical benefits while they are in Guelph. Ambulance fees are covered and approximately 85 per cent of all traditionally prescribed drugs. Optical exams are among the many services covered by the university along with $100 every two years for prescription eyewear.
When students come to Guelph, they are often curious about how the university’s health and dental plan affects the coverage that they may have previously had via their parents or employers. It’s important to note that upon registering as a student, the university automatically becomes their primary provider, with the parent or employer’s insurance as a secondary source. As such, benefit coordination is done between the university and the secondary source to ensure that each student receives the maximum level of coverage.
The dental benefit package offered by the university has a greater degree of flexibility. While students may not opt out of their health premiums, they are offered a one-time opportunity to opt out of their dental coverage, a practice that often takes place among students who a.) need the extra cash and/or b.) who have alternative dental coverage via their parents or employer. It is critical that students are aware of their secondary coverage before electing to opt out of the benefits offered by the university.
Among some of the more relevant dental services that are included are an annual cleaning, complete with fluoride and polishing, 75 per cent coverage for up to two wisdom teeth, and some provisions for braces.
A full list of health and dental benefit services made available to students can be found via the website of the university’s provider at www.gallivan.com. More information can be found in person at the student benefits desk on the ground floor of the University Centre.
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