Frequently Asked Questions

MSP/ISHF, Extended Health, Dental

What benefits am I entitled to as a TSSU member?

Please see the following summary: TSSU Benefit Plan Summary 

I do not understand Medical Services Plan (MSP), International Student Health Fee (ISHF) and/or Guard.me.

Refer to the following information sheet for more details on these health plans: Information on MSP, ISHF, and guard.me 

Do I need to do anything to join SFU's benefit plans for MSP/ISHF, Extended Health and Dental?

Enrollment in SFU's benefit plans, including MSP/ISHF, Extended Health and Dental, is not automatic. Members must apply for coverage by submitting the applicable application to hr_msp@sfu.ca

MSP Application: MSP Application for Group Enrolment 
       - You must include a copy of your study permit with your application.

PBC Application: Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) Enrollment Form 
       - Indicate in your email if you are enrolling in extended health, dental, or both.

Once your enrollment has been processed you will see the monthly premiums on your paystub.

I am new to Canada/BC, do I need to enroll in MSP with Health Insurance BC (HIBC) and with SFU?

You will need to apply to join MSP through Health Insurance BC directly and receive a valid Personal Health Number before you can apply to have the University pay the International Student Health Fee (ISHF) for you and your dependents.

Steps to enroll in MSP are here: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/First-Few-Days

Can I enroll my dependents under my benefit plans?

You may add your dependents to your benefit plans by including them on your application form.

For MSP/ISHF: Only BC residents on a study permit pay the fees so you should only include your dependents on your MSP Application Form if they are on a study permit.

When will my benefits be effective?

During an individual’s period of employment, MSP/ISHF & Extended Health benefits will begin the first day of the month in which the application is received by People Strategies, or the first day of the first month of their semester of employment, whichever date is later, provided they have an active appointment and satisfy eligibility requirements.

Dental benefits will begin after a full 3-month wait period; you may submit your application before serving the wait period to ensure your benefits start as soon as you are eligible. Understanding Dental Waiting Periods 

Benefits cannot be backdated beyond the first of the month in which the application is received.

Once your enrollment has been processed you will see the monthly premiums on your paystub for your portion as well as SFU's portion. 

I submitted my application to have SFU pay my monthly MSP/ISHF but I am continuing to receive bills, what do I do?

You may continue to receive invoices for 1-2 months after SFU has processed your application given that your record needs to be updated by Health Insurance BC (HIBC) and then Revenue Services. If you applied for coverage and receive an invoice for a month that you are covered, please do not pay this.

Please refer to the following flowchart to determine how you should proceed with the invoice: ISHF Invoice Process.

Do I need to submit an application form for benefits each semester?

After you enroll in your TSSU benefits for MSP/ISHF, Extended Health, and/or Dental, you will remain on those plans while you maintain an active TA/TM/SI appointment, unless you request cancellation.

If you have a lapse in appointment as a TSSU member, you will need to re-apply.

If you want to cancel your enrollment in any of the benefits, submit the following form to hr_msp@sfu.caCancellation of benefits 

How can I continue my benefits after I stop working in a TSSU appointment?

You may request to continue your Extended Health and/or Dental benefits for one (1) or two (2) semesters following the termination of your TSSU appointment.

You must submit the TSSU Request for Continued Health & Dental Benefit Coverage form to hr_msp@sfu.ca and payment before the last date of your employment.

For those requesting continued benefit coverage immediately after serving the dental waiting period, you must submit a PBC Enrollment form for Dental along with your Request for Continued Benefit Coverage form/payments.

Continuation of benefits does not apply to MSP/ISHF.

When will I receive my guard.me reimbursement?

If you are eligible, you will receive your reimbursement at the end of the semester in which you were paying for guard.me.

The reimbursement will be paid directly through your paycheque.

My status within Canada has changed, how do I update Health Insurance BC?

If you receive a new permit during your contract and are on SFU’s Group MSP/ISHF plan, you will need to send a copy of the new permit to hr_msp@sfu.ca so that we can update Health Insurance BC accordingly.

  • If you do not provide a new permit, your MSP/ISHF coverage will be terminated by HIBC and you will subsequently be removed from SFU’s Group Plan.

If you are on implied status, you need to contact HIBC directly to request maintained coverage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/are-you-eligible/maintained-status-holders. Please note that SFU is not part of this process.

  • If you are deemed to have maintained coverage, HIBC will continue your coverage on SFU’s Group Plan.
  • If you are not deemed to have maintained coverage, your MSP/ISHF with HIBC will terminate and you will therefore be removed from SFU’s Group Plan.