Travelling soon? Don’t forget to pack your UBC Benefits!

Tickets to a wonderful destination? Check. Passport? Check. Luggage? Check. It is that time of the year when many people travel — but have you packed your emergency medical coverage?  

Your UBC extended health benefit plan has you covered, with access to emergency medical coverage through Global Excel Management (GEM). As you prepare for travel this summer and beyond, remember to pack your out-of-province emergency medical insurance information and anything you need in the event of a health emergency abroad.  

A note that this coverage doesn’t look after lost luggage, flight delays, or other traditional “travel insurance” options. If that is of interest, we suggest you obtain separate coverage.   

Choose your own adventure 

Before we share a helpful list of things to prepare before you travel, you might prefer watching a video describing your travel benefits in detail.  If you would prefer a deep dive into your travel benefits, then join our Benefits Specialist, Janet McHugh in the video below.  

If the 17-minute video isn’t your preference, then this list might be more your speed. Use the following checklist to help you prepare for an out-of-province/country medical emergency:   

Before Your Trip   

• Ensure you have your important health insurance information
• Sun Life Travel Card, which includes 24/7 assistance phone numbers for our emergency out-of-province travel assistance provider. 
• Download the card from MySunLife.ca or the MySunLife App. You can also find the card in the Medi-Passport brochure.   

• Bring your BC Services Card (make sure you and your dependents are covered under MSP)
• You should familiarize yourself with the MSP eligibility rules and out-of-province MSP coverage when Leaving BC Temporarily 
• Your physician’s contact information 
• Fill your prescriptions 
• If you have a medical condition, talk to your physician 
• Determine if you need immunizations and/or if you're required to carry vaccination certificates 
• Check the Canadian travel advisories website for the latest travel information, and advisories before you leave.   

During Your Trip   

Should you require medical care, you or someone travelling with you, will need to call our emergency travel assistance 24-hour operations centre and provide the following information:   

• Your name, or if your dependent requires assistance, your dependent’s name
• Your current location including city, state and country   
• Where you are calling from (e.g. hotel/residence, hospital, physician’s office)   
• A phone number (e.g. at your hospital or hotel) where the emergency travel assistance provider can reach you and leave a message if necessary   
• Your UBC benefit plan contract number: 025205   
• Your UBC benefit plan member ID number: your seven-digit UBC employee ID number   
• A description of your situation and the care you require.   

Any invasive and investigative procedures (such as surgery or angiogram) must be pre-authorized by GEM, except in extreme circumstances. If you don’t contact GEM, your claim could be reduced or declined.